Imagine transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen - without spending hours cooking! This Easy Gourmet Dinner recipe is your secret weapon to impressing guests, satisfying hunger, and looking like a culinary genius with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to elevate your skills, or someone who wants a nutritious and delicious meal in under an hour, this recipe is your perfect solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing vegetables, patting chicken dry, and measuring out spices and liquids.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating. Add quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Bring quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, season chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Slice chicken against the grain into thin strips.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over chicken and vegetables to enhance flavor profile.
- Plate quinoa as base, arrange sliced chicken and vegetables on top, and garnish with additional balsamic vinegar if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and perfect texture.
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Rinsing quinoa thoroughly removes its natural bitter coating, ensuring a fluffy and delicious result.
- Maximize Flavor: Use the same skillet for chicken and vegetables to capture and blend delicious browned bits and flavors.
- Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-eat chicken strips.
- Balsamic Drizzle Trick: Add balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten flavors and add a gourmet touch.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to make cooking smooth and stress-free.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
