QUINOA WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CHICKEN, AND GOAT CHEESE

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Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Chicken, and Goat Cheese image

This recipe is a recreation of a fabulous lunch I had at a favorite restaurant in the Milwaukee, WI area. My teenagers and husband loved it too! Serve warm or cold with balsamic vinaigrette.

Provided by Karen Shay-Kubiak

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
water to cover
1 ½ cups quinoa
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins®)
1 (5.5 ounce) package crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place chicken breasts in a saucepan; add water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer just until chicken breasts are no longer pink in the middle, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken breasts and set aside to cool, reserving water.
  • Measure 3 cups from reserved water and discard any remaining. Pour the 3 cups water back into saucepan. Add quinoa and bouillon; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pecans and toss until fragrant and one shade darker, about 5 minutes. Remove pecans and set aside. Add butternut squash and 2 tablespoons water to the same skillet; cook and stir until just tender, adding more water if needed, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Chop chicken breasts into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Combine cooked quinoa, chicken, squash, and pecans in a bowl. Stir in cranberries, goat cheese, and parsley; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.9 calories, Carbohydrate 66.9 g, Cholesterol 69.9 mg, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 9.1 g, Protein 29.9 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 419.6 mg, Sugar 20.9 g

Abdirasak Abdulahi
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The quinoa was a bit too crunchy for my taste. I think I'll cook it for a little longer next time.


Malik Junaid
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I found this recipe to be a bit bland. I think it needs more seasoning.


Fardin Islam Fahim
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The end result is a delicious and impressive dish.


Annaleena Hope
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I'm not a huge fan of quinoa, but this recipe changed my mind. It's so flavorful and satisfying.


Cassidy Walley
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.


velu devakumar
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I love that this recipe is so versatile. I've used different types of squash and chicken, and it's always delicious.


Rony Khan
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal.


Aman Khatri
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Junaid Ahmad
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This dish is so easy to make, but it looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.


Allan Karaha
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The goat cheese adds a nice tanginess that really balances out the other flavors.


melkamu abebaw
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I love the roasted butternut squash in this dish. It adds such a nice sweetness and depth of flavor.


King Akash
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This is now my go-to recipe for quinoa! It's so easy to make and always turns out perfectly.


LnkRainy_
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I made this for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone raved about how flavorful and unique it was.


precious ebozue
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This recipe was a hit with my family! The combination of butternut squash, chicken, and goat cheese was delicious. I especially loved the crispy quinoa.