Hey y’all! Looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with fresh flavor? This Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa combines juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and fluffy quinoa blended into a dish that’s equally perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It’s healthy, hearty, and comes together in just about 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- It’s packed with lean protein and whole grains for lasting energy.
- Fresh tomatoes and basil add bright, summery flavor to every bite.
- Quick prep and cook times make it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Naturally gluten-free and meal-prep friendly.
- Versatile enough for lunches, picnics, or a hearty main dish.
Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How to Make Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under cold running water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes & Combine
- In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes start to soften.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through for 2 more minutes.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- To the skillet, add cooked quinoa and most of the fresh basil. Gently toss until well combined.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan and extra basil, if desired.
Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or light cream cheese at the end.
- Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or chickpeas for a different twist.
- Unsure how to cook perfect quinoa? Check out this quinoa guide!
Variations of Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for drained canned chickpeas or firm tofu cubes.
- Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a kick.
- Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or feta for a melty finish.
Equipment Needed for Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- Fine mesh sieve (for rinsing quinoa)
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh.
- Not ideal for freezing, as fresh tomato and basil texture may change.
Serving Recommendations for Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature—perfect for meal prep lunches!
- Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or garlic knots for extra comfort.
Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa Pro Tips
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a handful of baby spinach in the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa FAQ
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
- Absolutely! Just add it after sautéing the tomatoes to reheat gently.
- What kind of quinoa works best?
- Any color works—white, red, or tri-color. White quinoa is the fluffiest and most neutral.
- Is Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
For more on quinoa’s nutritional benefits, visit the Healthline quinoa nutrition guide.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
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2Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
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3Add cherry tomatoes and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes are softened.
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4Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then add to the skillet with the chicken and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
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5Remove from heat. Gently stir in fresh basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
370 caloriescal
Protein:
32gg
Fat:
11gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
35gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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