Sautéed Chicken with Fiesta Quinoa
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Cook time: 
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Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • CHICKEN
  • 8 skinless bone-in chicken thighs
  • 10 sprigs cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • salt and pepper
  • QUINOA SALAD
  • 1½ cups quinoa, rinsed
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cooked corn
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 4 scallions, sliced thinly (white and green parts)
  • VINAIGRETTE
  • 1 small lime, juiced, plus additional slices for garnish (optional)
  • 3 oz extra virgin olive oil, plus more, if needed, to balance acidity
  • ½ tsp cilantro, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Place chicken, cilantro, vinegar, minced garlic, salt and pepper in a large ziploc bag and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to several hours
  2. When ready, sauté in a large pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Lower the heat, cover and continue cooking until chicken reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit
  3. Meanwhile, cook quinoa in chicken stock, according to package directions, and then lay out on a parchment-lined baking tray to dry slightly. (This step is important and really helps keep the texture of your quinoa from becoming too mushy before tossing it with other ingredients.)
  4. Mix the vinaigrette ingredients together in a sealed tupperware container and shake vigorously until emulsified
  5. Toss the quinoa with the black beans corn, red pepper and scallions and dress with the vinaigrette. (You may not need to use all of it so add a little bit at a time until you feel it is dressed well but not soaked.)
  6. Lay chicken thighs on top and add extra cilantro and/or limes for garnish
Recipe by Jackie Ourman at http://jackieourman.com/sauteed-chicken-with-fiesta-quinoa/