Orbit

Speedy Quinoa Power Bowl

A balanced power bowl with lemon-herb chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables for sustained energy.

This bowl is the perfect balance of lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and lots of fibre from the vegetables. The chicken provides high-quality protein, quinoa offers fibre and complex carbs for slow-release energy, and the avocado delivers healthy fats, all of which promote satiety.

Quick Stats

475 calories38g protein • Ready in 30 minutes

Macros

NutrientAmount
Calories~475 kcal
Protein~38g
Carbohydrates~33g
Fat~20g

Ingredients

  • 120g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Seasoning for chicken: pinch of salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup (90g) dry quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup (240ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 medium avocado, sliced
  • For the dressing:
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa: Place rinsed quinoa and water/broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the quinoa simmers, heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prep the Veggies & Dressing: While the chicken and quinoa are cooking, chop your tomatoes and cucumber. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: Place the spinach/mixed greens in the bottom of a bowl. Top with the cooked quinoa, the lemon-herb chicken, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
  5. Finish and Serve: Add the sliced avocado and drizzle the lemon dressing over everything. Enjoy immediately.
  • To save time, use a 90-second microwaveable quinoa pouch.
  • Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural saponin coating, which can give it a bitter taste.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure it gets a nice golden-brown sear.
  • Swap chicken for grilled salmon, shrimp, or a can of chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • Use brown rice or farro instead of quinoa.
  • Add other veggies like bell peppers, red onion, or crumbled feta cheese.
  • Cook a double batch of the chicken and quinoa at the start of the week.
  • Store the chicken, quinoa, and chopped veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
  • Keep the dressing in a small jar and the avocado whole until you're ready to assemble and serve. This takes less than 5 minutes!