Weeknight One Pot Salsa Chicken Quinoa.

Basically obsessed with this weeknight salsa chicken quinoa. It’s loaded with flavor, is made in one pot and super easy to throw together as we get back into the school routine. Who else feels like you’ve been thrown back a decade with this quinoa bake? Me me me!  No, but really. After making this recipe, […]

The post Weeknight One Pot Salsa Chicken Quinoa. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Basically obsessed with this weeknight salsa chicken quinoa.

one pot salsa chicken quinoa topped with avocado pico de gallo

It’s loaded with flavor, is made in one pot and super easy to throw together as we get back into the school routine.

sautéed onions, peppers and chicken

Who else feels like you’ve been thrown back a decade with this quinoa bake? Me me me! 

No, but really. After making this recipe, it gave me major blogs-back-in-2008 vibes. But that doesn’t make it any less delicious! And would it really be so bad to go back a decade right now…

My nostalgia is showing.

quinoa, corn, chicken, beans and salsa

Here’s why I love it!

First, the flavor is obviously incredible.

Second, it’s customizable – use whatever you love, leave out what you don’t, add your favorite toppings.

I really like using rotisserie chicken for this, but if you have extra chicken leftover, chop it up and add it in. Or leave it out entirely. You can use pinto beans instead of black beans, or just use both. You can use a spicy salsa or a mild version – even a salsa verde.

avocado pico de gallo

Right now, since corn is still in season and super sweet and crisp, I love to use it sliced straight off the cob. But I’m showing frozen here too (and on instagram!) because it’s a super easy swap.

Another reason I love it? Well, it looks quite underwhelming right after the quinoa cooks, but as soon as you throw on your toppings, it’s GAME ON.

Avocados, more salsa, sour cream or yogurt, cotija cheese, quick pico, crushed tortilla chips. The options are endless. 

You can even use chips to scoop this up and eat. Ha! 

one pot salsa chicken quinoa

Finally, you can use another grain! Whichever you choice, whether it’s rice or something like barley or whatever – I’d follow this instructions on the package when it comes to how much liquid to add and how long to cook it. Plus, I’d pick something that cooks quickly rather than a long grain 40 minute rice – you know? 

It is the PERFECT weeknight meal!

one pot salsa chicken quinoa topped with avocado pico de gallo and sour cream

Oh oh oh and?! The leftovers are so incredible too. They taste just as good if not better than right after making. 

This is one of those meals where you’re actually EXCITED about the leftovers and look forward to them. Those are my favorite.

one pot salsa chicken quinoa topped with avocado pico de gallo

I like to make an avocado pico for the top. It adds SO much – again, while being super simple.

Dinner couldn’t be easier!

one pot salsa chicken quinoa topped with avocado pico de gallo

One Pot Salsa Chicken Quinoa

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Weeknight One Pot Salsa Chicken Quinoa

This salsa chicken quinoa is made in one pot and is perfect for a weeknight meal! Top with avocado pico de gallo, lime and sour cream.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 large or 2 small bell peppers, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen works)
  • 1 cup mild or medium salsa (or hot, if you want!)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, cotija cheese, more salsa
  • lime wedges, for spritzing

avocado pico

  • 2 avocados, cubed
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 limes, freshly juiced
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Add in the onion, peppers, and garlic with a bit pinch of salt and pepper and stir. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the shredded chicken. Add in the paprika, chili powder and cumin with one more pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to activate the spices.
  • Add the quinoa, beans, corn, salsa and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce it to a simmer and cover it. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and stir. If the liquid hasn’t fully absorbed yet, continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the cheese. Serve the quinoa and top with the avocado pico, such as sour cream or yogurt, green onions, lime and cotija cheese. Spritz with a wedge of lime. Leftovers stay great in the fridge!

avocado pico de gallo

  • Combine everything in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. This stays okay sealed in the fridge overnight, but the avocado will brown a bit. To serve, make it right before eating.

one pot salsa chicken quinoa topped with avocado pico de gallo

Any excuse for some chips!

The post Weeknight One Pot Salsa Chicken Quinoa. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake, blueberry, banana, pumpkin, strawberry, zucchini, and the list goes on! I love that they double as a breakfast and snack and they’re so good for days when you’re on the go. Apple Cinnamon Muffi…

Muffins are one of my favorite things to bake, blueberry, banana, pumpkin, strawberry, zucchini, and the list goes on! I love that they double as a breakfast and snack and they’re so good for days when you’re on the go. Apple Cinnamon Muffins are one of my go-to recipes! They make great use of in-season…

Black Bean Soup

Well soup de doo, would you look at that luscious black bean soup! Not to mention it’s naturally vegetarian and gluten free (vegan too if you skip the dairy-based toppings!) Starting with dried black beans produces a robust bean stock that is then pureed with the cooked beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and other aromatics for a […]

Well soup de doo, would you look at that luscious black bean soup! Not to mention it’s naturally vegetarian and gluten free (vegan too if you skip the dairy-based toppings!)

Starting with dried black beans produces a robust bean stock that is then pureed with the cooked beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and other aromatics for a thick and creamy soup without the need for additional stock.

Black bean soup in a bowl with bowls of toppings and spoons on the side.

I know, I know, it’s still like 800 degrees outside, but that doesn’t mean fall isn’t on my mind (and fall, of course, means soup). Clearly I don’t have an issue with enjoying soup for dinner during the summer months, and this recipe is no exception.

Made using dried black beans, this soup is thick and creamy and super satisfying. All that protein inherent in black beans makes for a hearty and filling soup that’s a satisfying meal in its own right.

Black Bean Soup in a ceramic bowl topped with cilantro microgreens

When topped with melty cheese and sour cream, it could also be called bean dip soup which really describes it perfectly. I love to eat it alongside a bowl of salty corn tortilla chips, adding an element of crunch to the otherwise smooth consistency.

(more…)

Brown Butter Lemon Pasta

This Brown Butter Lemon Pasta recipe is easy to make with 5 ingredients in less than 30 minutes and tastes absolutely divine.  Feel free to add in any proteins or veggies that you would like too! Every time that I post about my husband making this brown butter lemon pasta for us on Instagram, my […]

This Brown Butter Lemon Pasta recipe is easy to make with 5 ingredients in less than 30 minutes and tastes absolutely divine.  Feel free to add in any proteins or veggies that you would like too!

Brown Butter Lemon Pasta Recipe

Every time that I post about my husband making this brown butter lemon pasta for us on Instagram, my inbox instantly fills up with a hundred requests for the recipe.  I must admit, though, that one of my favorite things about this recipe up until this point is that I haven’t known how to make it.  Barclay always takes charge of the kitchen on our lemon pasta date nights and shoos me away to go relax before dinner’s ready anytime that I try and help.  (Yes, dream husband.)  But…this pasta is so delicious and so many of you have asked about it that I insisted on hovering behind him in the kitchen recently so that I could jot down the ingredients that he used (he never measures) to make a batch.

And I’m telling you, you guys are going to love this one. ♡

The recipe itself calls for just 5 simple ingredients — pasta, butter, lemon, Parmesan and black pepper — but the magic of this recipe is in how each of these ingredients are cooked to bring out the best of their flavors and create the most luxuriously rich and glossy brown butter lemon pepper sauce.  It’s a quick and easy recipe to follow and comes together quickly in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any special occasion when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen!  Barclay usually serves with our favorite green side salad and some sort of veggie that he roasts up in the oven while the pasta cooks too.  But of course, you’re also welcome to pair this lemon pasta with a protein that sounds good (I would recommend salmon, shrimp or chicken) or add in any other extra ingredients that sound good.

Bottom line, I look forward to this pasta every time that he makes it, and am certain it’s going to become a new favorite in your home too.  So grab some lemon and butter and let’s make some pasta!

(more…)

Nourishing Chocolate Banana Adaptogenic Shake

We turned our favorite adaptogenic hot chocolate into a shake! Because it’s summer and it’s hot outside, but adaptogens are great year-round.
Just 1 blender, 10 minutes, and 10 ingredients stand between you and this delicious shake. Let us show you ho…

Nourishing Chocolate Banana Adaptogenic Shake

We turned our favorite adaptogenic hot chocolate into a shake! Because it’s summer and it’s hot outside, but adaptogens are great year-round.

Just 1 blender, 10 minutes, and 10 ingredients stand between you and this delicious shake. Let us show you how it’s done!

What is an Adaptogen?

Good question, and something I wondered about myself up until a few years ago.

An adaptogen is a plant (usually an herb, root, or mushroom) that may help your body adapt to stress (whether acute, episodic, or chronic).

Nourishing Chocolate Banana Adaptogenic Shake from Minimalist Baker →

A Week In The Life, Vol 35.

Kind of crazy to think that there are less than 20 weeks left in the year. Here’s what we did this week! I realized it is sort of out last weekend of summer… forever. Ha, not FOREVER forever. But with Max starting kindergarten, from now on we will always have school starting in the fall […]

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 35. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Kind of crazy to think that there are less than 20 weeks left in the year.

Here’s what we did this week!

I realized it is sort of out last weekend of summer… forever. Ha, not FOREVER forever. But with Max starting kindergarten, from now on we will always have school starting in the fall – like full time school and not preschool just a few hours a week. Does that make sense? It does in my head. HA.

Bike ride time!

And a little picnic.

I made Eddie some stuffed banana peppers.

I have zero interest in this meal, but it’s one of his favorites! He loves it and I surprised him with it one day after work.

Pumpkin cold brew season is back!!

We had a few of the hardest summer rains this week.

And accidentally got caught in one!

Cut a few strawberries ourselves. On an easter plate.

Morning muffins at grandmas with shoes on the wrong feet.

He is the best.

Local tomatoes that literally taste like candy.

A hummus plate from one of our favorite restaurants! I’ve recreated a version of this before too.

Working on hockey skills. If you couldn’t tell by now, Max is really into ghostbusters.

Weekend breakfast!

And bubbles.

Love.

Sunday = grilled vegetables.

AND!!! I made lobster rolls with the lobster that we got in our butcher box this month.

Connecticut style of course. It’s been three years to the day since we were in Maine on our own personal lobster roll tour.

Finished off the week with cookies from our favorite bakery!

The post A Week In The Life, Vol 35. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs

Easy, delicious, and loaded with flavor, these Mojo Marinated Pork Kebabs are begging you to make the most of grilling season. The punchy garlic- and citrus-flavored marinade is traditionally used in Hispanic dishes and pairs beautifully with…

Easy, delicious, and loaded with flavor, these Mojo Marinated Pork Kebabs are begging you to make the most of grilling season. The punchy garlic- and citrus-flavored marinade is traditionally used in Hispanic dishes and pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple!

Continue reading "Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork Kebabs" »

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are among the handful of dishes that will always remind me of being a kid. Growing up, they were a fixture in my mom’s regular recipe rotation, right alongside creamy broccoli soup, eggplant Parmesan, and mac and cheese. Back then…


Stuffed peppers are among the handful of dishes that will always remind me of being a kid. Growing up, they were a fixture in my mom’s regular recipe rotation, right alongside creamy broccoli soup, eggplant Parmesan, and mac and cheese. Back then, I’d eat the filling, made from ground beef, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and rice, and push aside the pepper. In hindsight, it’s not hard to see why people were surprised when I became a vegetarian. ? Since then, I’ve learned that the pepper itself is an integral part of any stuffed peppers recipe. Don’t get me wrong, the filling […]

The post Stuffed Peppers appeared first on Love and Lemons.

What To Eat This Week: 8/30/20.

We’re ending August on a strong summer note! So many of my summer favorites are in this week’s plan – zucchini, tomatoes, corn! Getting it all in while I can. First, if you haven’t made the zucchini lasagna bolognese yet, you must try it!! You can prep the bolognese ahead of time if you’d like. […]

The post What To Eat This Week: 8/30/20. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

We’re ending August on a strong summer note!

what to eat this week

So many of my summer favorites are in this week’s plan – zucchini, tomatoes, corn! Getting it all in while I can.

what to eat this week

First, if you haven’t made the zucchini lasagna bolognese yet, you must try it!! You can prep the bolognese ahead of time if you’d like. It’s the best meal ever!

Street corn tacos with jicama and lime are perfect for taco tuesday!

These fig grain bowls with lavender lemon vinaigrette are so refreshing and satisfying. Add in some chickpeas or even chicken if you feel it needs it!

Make shrimp rolls to stretch summer out longer! These remind me of being at the beach and they’re super easy.

Korean beef bowls is a great meal that can be made ahead of time – and the leftovers are incredible.

I love this marinated tomato peach salad for the perfect august meal. Serve it with chipotle cheddar smashed potatoes on the side!

For breakfast, I want to make a few rainbow chia pudding parfaits! And for lunch – tuscan tuna melts!

what to eat this week

What’s on your menu this week?!

The post What To Eat This Week: 8/30/20. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Restaurant Style Salsa

Homemade restaurant style salsa that will MAKE you eat an entire bag of chips. This salsa recipe makes smooth, fresh salsa with the perfect amount of cilantro and lime and just the right amount of kick. Easy Blender Salsa We are huge chips and salsa fa…

Homemade restaurant style salsa that will MAKE you eat an entire bag of chips. This salsa recipe makes smooth, fresh salsa with the perfect amount of cilantro and lime and just the right amount of kick. Easy Blender Salsa We are huge chips and salsa fans and fresh homemade salsa is the BEST! I promise…

The post Restaurant Style Salsa appeared first on Two Peas & Their Pod.