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Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl

Looking for simple sandwich recipes to make lunchtime exciting? These family-friendly lunch ideas are perfect for busy days and picky eaters alike. Afterka has you covered with delicious options that are quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table! SimpleSandwichRecipes FamilyFriendlyLunch HealthyEating QuickRecipes MealPrep Nutrition HealthyLunchIdeas

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups cooked quinoa

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

        Once marinated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

          While the chicken is baking, prepare the quinoa if not already cooked. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

            In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix.

              Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

                To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa mixture among serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, avocado, feta cheese (if using), and chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

                  Drizzle extra maple-Dijon dressing (leftover marinade cooked briefly to eliminate any raw chicken risk) over the top, if desired, and enjoy!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4