If your days feel full and dinner needs to be quick but still healthy, this recipe is a solid choice. It’s simple, filling, and made with ingredients you can trust. Even if you don’t cook often, this is one of those meals that turns out well every time. It has a nice balance too. You get protein from the chicken, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and just enough carbs from quinoa to keep you going.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
- 20 oz chicken thighs, boneless
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 red onion, minced
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 romaine lettuce, finely shredded
- 2 avocados, diced
- 3 tbsp lime juice
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. You can bake it, grill it, or cook it in a pan depending on what works best for you. Cook until it’s fully done and no longer pink inside. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred it or cut it into small pieces. If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken ahead and keep it in the fridge. - Prepare the salad base
In a large bowl, add your shredded lettuce and cooked quinoa. Pour in half of the lime juice and all of the olive oil. Add a little salt, then toss everything together until the lettuce is lightly coated. This step gives the base a fresh and light flavor. - Make the guacamole chicken mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked chicken, red onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, and the rest of the lime juice. Mix everything well. As you mix, gently mash the avocado so it turns creamy and coats the chicken. This is what brings the whole dish together. - Put it all together
Spoon the chicken and avocado mixture over the lettuce and quinoa. You can serve it right away or keep it chilled until ready to eat. It works great for lunch the next day too.
Pro Tips
If you are meal prepping, keep the lettuce separate until you are ready to eat so it stays fresh and crisp.
You can swap chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer a lighter option.
If your kids are sensitive to spice, use less jalapeño or skip it completely.
Nutrition Info
Each serving has about 775 calories, 38 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 62 grams of fat. It also includes around 9 grams of fiber and 3 grams of sugar. This makes it a filling meal that can keep you satisfied for hours.
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.