Quinoa Chicken and Rice: Healthier Carb, Quality Protein, Trace Minerals

This Quinoa Chicken and Rice is definitely a hit when it comes to rice-free options. If you want to switch up refined carbs for a better version. Quinoa is a good choice to spice things up in the kitchen.

Quinoa is a versatile grain that packs a punch of minerals, and vitamins. 
 This healthier version of Chicken and Rice will definitely hit the spot. Not only is it nutritious, hearty, and healthy –it is super easy to make.  

This quinoa chicken and rice is made with Quinoa instead of white rice making it a better carb option.  Plus, it is so delicious your family or guest may not even notice a difference– ok the finicky ones will but still– they’ll eat it.

Here are some of the many benefits of This Quinoa Chicken and Rice

Quinoa is an ancient high-nutrient pseudo-grain that is gaining wide recognition. This food has a balanced and adequately proportioned nutrient structure featuring: complete proteins, complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, dietary fiber, macro-minerals, trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Quinoa can be considered a carbohydrate of choice for the healthy carbs diet because of its nutritional attributes. That being said, it isn’t necessary a low-carb food.

The glycemic index of quinoa is much lower compared to other carbohydrates, such as white rice.

This clearly demonstrates that you will benefit from eating quinoa without conflicting with the biochemical mechanisms while maintaining a low-carb diet. High-glycemic-index foods rapidly elevate the plasma glucose level, which in turn elevates the plasma insulin level. Elevation of plasma insulin facilitates body fat synthesis and storage.

Minerals in Quinoa

Quinoa (find certified organic quinoa here) is rich in such macro-minerals as potassium, magnesium (try my favorite ionic magnesium), and calcium, and trace minerals such as manganese, copper, selenium, zinc (try nano ionic zinc here) and chromium.

Protein in Quinoa

Quinoa provides you a good source of quality protein, especially if you are a vegan or vegetarian. However, there are good sources of animal proteins such as organ meats, and meat from grassfed cattle. I do not recommend conventional meats that aren’t pastured or organic because they are often accompanied by fats, hormones, antibiotics, and numerous other chemical contaminants.

Quality proteins contain all of the eight essential amino acids. Inadequate amounts, quality proteins assure that the body has the necessary building blocks for enzymes, muscles, and other tissues.

Print Recipe

Quality Protein- Trace Minerals -Healthy "Arroz" Con Pollo

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time18 minutes mins

Cuisine: Latin

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 65kcal

Author: healYOUnaturally

Equipment

• wok
• green pan

Ingredients

• 2 cups of Cooked Quinoa
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp celtic or sea salt
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• Veggies~
• 1/2 cup chopped white or red onion
• 2 Cloves minced garlic
• 3/4 cup mixed organic corn peas,carrot (thawed)
• Proteins & Healthy Fats
• 1 whole roasted/grilled chicken breast pastured organic preferably shredded in small pieces
• 2 slices of nitrate-nitrite free ham or cooked bacon cut up in small pieces optional
• 4 tbsp of coconut oil

Instructions

• To Make the "Arroz" (Quinoa)
• Cook Quinoa according to packaging instructions. ++ Add spices to the broth/water mix and stir.
• Heat 3 Tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet (a skillet that has a cover) on medium high heat. Add the garlic, onions and cook until golden and tender, add ham/bacon lower heat.
• Add quinoa to the pan to brown, and two minutes into cooking add the veggie mix. Add a little more coconut oil if necessary and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Stir first to coat the quinoa with the coconut oil in the pan, lower heat to medium-low then add the shredded chicken and lower the heat.
• Since the Quinoa is already cooked we are looking to incorporate the flavors but not over cook it, else it'll become too mushy. That isn't a big deal flavor wise, but it is when it comes to presentation for a special occasion.
• Fluff the quinoa "rice" with a fork. If you want you can add more salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

++ Tip: I Cook my Quinoa in half water and half chicken broth which is done when you cook the rice for the original arroz con pollo. So we can do the same for this Quinoa "Arroz" con pollo. Then add the paprika and turmeric to give it that nice yellowish color.

There you have it.  Super easy, cooks in less than 20 minutes but the best part is that it is loaded with nutrients.

Your turn.  Have you cooked with Quinoa before?  I’d love to know about your experience and or recipes.

Source: Livestrong