🍅 Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes: A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Recipe! 🥗
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and Instagram-worthy dish? Look no further! These Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes are the perfect blend of protein, whole grains, and fresh veggies. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into this simple yet stunning recipe! 👩🍳
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Healthy & Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the quinoa for a keto-friendly version.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 servings:
- 4 large tomatoes (beefsteak or vine-ripened work best)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or substitute with rice or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1. Prep the Tomatoes 🍅
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides (save the pulp for sauces or soups!).
- Lightly sprinkle the inside of each tomato with salt and place them upside down on a paper towel to drain excess moisture.
2. Make the Filling 🥄
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, spinach, red onion, feta cheese, garlic powder, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff the Tomatoes 🌟
- Fill each tomato with the quinoa-chicken mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection 🔥
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
- For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!).
5. Garnish and Serve 🌿
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm.
Tips for Success 💡
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make the filling ahead of time and stuff the tomatoes just before baking.
- Add a Kick: Spice it up with a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking.
Nutritional Benefits 🌱
This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients:
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
- Quinoa: A complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids.
- Chicken: Lean protein to keep you full and energized.
- Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins A and C.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Pair these stuffed tomatoes with:
- A fresh green salad 🥗
- Garlic bread or crusty whole-grain bread 🥖
- A side of roasted veggies 🥕
Final Thoughts 🌟
These Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes are a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and quinoa!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us! 📸
Happy Cooking! 👩🍳👨🍳
🍅🥗 #HealthyEating #StuffedTomatoes #QuinoaRecipes #EasyDinner
