27 Fall High Protein Dinner Ideas for Lazy People

Why Make This Recipe

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, high-protein meals. If you’re feeling lazy or don’t have a lot of time to cook, these fall-inspired protein dishes will warm you up and satisfy your hunger. They are easy to make and will keep you energized!

How to Make Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach

Directions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cool water. In a pot, combine quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked quinoa and spinach, mixing everything together well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

Serve this dish warm and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra flavor. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if you like.

How to Store Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

• Make sure to rinse the quinoa to remove any bitterness.
• Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini or carrots.
• You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Variation

Try using different grains like brown rice or farro instead of quinoa. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure it cools completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container.

2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water if you need a lighter option.

3. Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is gluten-free, making this meal safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

A hearty and high-protein meal perfect for autumn, combining chicken, quinoa, and vegetables for a warm and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa Rinse under cool water before cooking.
• 2 cups chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth or water.
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced Can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 2 cups spinach

Method

 

Cooking Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa under cool water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked.

Cooking Chicken and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Finishing the Dish

1. Stir in the cooked quinoa and spinach, mixing everything together well.
2. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Notes

Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra flavor. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Make sure to rinse the quinoa to remove any bitterness. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini or carrots. Variations can include different grains like brown rice or farro instead of quinoa, or swapping chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.