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Wholesome Zero-Waste Leftover Grilled Chicken Grain Bowl

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A quick and easy grain bowl recipe that transforms leftover grilled chicken and pantry staples into a nourishing, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice, farro, or bulgur)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups leftover grilled chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup cooked corn kernels (optional)
  • Handful of baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; toasted nuts or seeds

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of water if dressing is too thick.
  3. While grains cook, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrots, and chop leftover grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop baby spinach or mixed greens if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, and chopped veggies. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted nuts or seeds on top if desired. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

If leftover chicken is cold, warm slightly in microwave or skillet before mixing. Make extra dressing for use as a dip or salad topper. Rinse quinoa well to avoid bitterness and fluff with a fork to keep texture light. Store dressing separately to keep veggies crisp when storing leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover grilled chicken, grain bowl, quinoa bowl, zero waste recipe, easy dinner, healthy meal, quick recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/wholesome-zero-waste-leftover-grilled-chicken-grain-bowl-recipe-made-easy/