This Mexican Quinoa Skillet Dinner recipe is full of fresh, flavorful ingredients. A one skillet meal, ready to eat in about 35 minutes!
Mexican Quinoa Skillet Dinner
Apparently it is Mexican week on the blog! Today's Mexican Quinoa Skillet Dinner was inspired by the leftovers I had from Tuesday's Mexican Quinoa Salad. I enjoy meals like this, where I can buy some ingredients and then reuse them in the week for another meal. Less waste, and I guess a bit less creativity on my end - but hey, it works for me and I ended up with two fantastic dishes!
Fresh and flavorful is the name of the game with these veggies, healthy ingredients and protein packed. And you know what else is great? Inviting a good friend to come over for lunch and not having them mind that we must first do a photo shoot! Now that is friend indeed!
When my friend Steph called and asked if I wanted to do lunch, I knew I wanted to get together, but I also knew I needed to make this Mexican quinoa dish before some of my ingredients went south. So when I asked if she wanted to come over here, she happily agreed.
What ingredients are needed
- olive oil
- red pepper
- onion
- boneless chicken
- salsa
- black beans
- canned corn
- diced tomatoes
- green chilies
- taco seasoning
- chili powder
- quinoa
- chicken broth
- queso cheese
- green onions
- avocado
When she first arrived, I had just started the prep work so she pitched right in so we could get this going (Oh and I also had promised The DIY Guy this for lunch as well). From start to finish, it took about 35 minutes and I was able to remove about a bowl's worth for John before we started the shoot.
My "studio" is in my daughter's old bedroom that is on the second floor. So we trooped upstairs and I did a set-up that I thought would work and got started on some pictures. I shoot tethered, so we were able to see right away if the pictures looked good. It was really great having a second set of eyes to see if things worked or need to be tweaked.
We ended up taking pictures for about 30 minutes (which is short for me since I typically spend 45-60 minutes). We both were pretty satisfied and headed back to the kitchen to eat. We were both starved and had second helpings - so I'm thinking I don't need to make dinner today! Now I'm wondering if I should start inviting other friends over on Fridays and turn it into a series... Any local takers out there??? Will you work for food??? Thanks Steph for being my sous chef and lunch date!
Oh and did I mention this Mexican quinoa skillet is all made (and served) from ONE pan?
Get the Recipe
Mexican Quinoa Skillet Dinner
This is it! A flavor explosion of Mexican flavors made and served in one skillet!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 pound boneless chicken, diced
- ¼ cup salsa
- 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 11 oz. can corn, drained
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 oz. green chilies, diced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained)
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup Queso cheese crumbled
- S&P to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat then add the peppers and onions; saute for 5 minutes then push to one side of skillet
- Add the diced chicken and cook/stir until just browned
- Add in the salsa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chilies, quinoa, taco seasoning and chili powder. Mix and then add the broth (start with one cup and add more if mixture gets too dry) and bring to a boil
- Cover the skillet and cook about 20 minutes until quinoa is done.
- Serve in bowls and top with queso, diced avocado, sliced green onions and cilantro
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1294mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 11gSugar: 9gProtein: 34g
Nutritional information provided is computer-generated and only an estimate. You may want to do your own research with the ingredients listed if you have concerns about health or specific diets.
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Steph says
Deb, it was so fun to see you in action! Lunch was delicious...loved this dish! And the pictures turned out very well. I volunteer to come any Friday when I'm not working! Thanks for the fun afternoon...
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself - fun afternoon!
Joan Defino says
Hi Deb, this dish would be great for a quick weeknight dinner. Pinned! Oh, and awesome photography. Joan-My Cookie Clinic
Meaghan at Cook. Craft. Love. says
I adore how customizable quinoa is! Plus I'm all about the one pot meals 🙂
Sandi says
This looks like the perfect easy lunch...
Dinner then Dessert says
I love quinoa! I've never had it in a Mexican dish before, I have to try this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Seriously, this looks AH-MAZING! What a gorgeous dish!
Jenni Reyes says
I am a huge lover of Mexican dinner! This looks amazingly delicious! Can't wait to try.
What The Fork Food Blog says
This looks delicious, I love skillet dinners like this!
Cathy Trochelman says
This is my family's FAVORITE way to eat quinoa...in taco form! Yum!
Morgan Wieboldt says
Yum! I think everyone in my family would adore this!
Karren Haller says
I love the ingredients and have ingredients on hand, they are all favorites and your recipe looks delicious. I have printed to try and Pinned to share!!
I also followed you on FB, Instagram, Pinterest and BL.
I came by your recipe on TOtally TErrific Tuesday!!
Would love to have you stop by and share on my #OMHGWW
I hope you have a beautiful day!
Karren
Erin -SuburbanSimplicity says
Looks healthy and delicious! What a great dish for a lunch date 🙂 You should come share this at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Party opens 7a CST Wed. http://www.suburbansimplicity.com
Theresa says
Oh yummy! We love Mexican and who doesn't love a one skillet dinner!? Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party Pinned & shared.
Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This looks so good, I've pinned it twice - on my Weeknight Suppers board, and my Skillet Recipes board. Can't wait to try it!
Nici @ Posed Perfection says
This is my kind of meal! I love one-pot-wonders! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party! Hope you'll share even more awesome recipes this week!
Blessings,
Nici
Anonymous says
one pan, simple ingredients that can be adjusted for food allergies, PRICELESS
Noble Tandem says
Lovely! I’d eat that in a heartbeat and have seconds, too!
Natashalh says
This looks so delicious! We're always looking for new ways to use quinoa because it's a favorite.
Terri Walker says
Looks yum so I saved it to try - meat free.