If you think that healthy recipes are boring or lack flavor, think again! To inspire you to have fun in the kitchen (while cooking a healthy recipe that’s just as delicious as it is nutritious), today’s healthy recipe tutorial shows how to easily make apple curry chicken with quinoa.
After a recent apple picking excursion at a local apple farm, I came home with 5 lbs. worth of Golden Delicious and Gala apples. Since I’m not necessarily skilled at baking an apple pie, I decided to get creative and come up with a healthy recipe for apple curry chicken and quinoa.
Not only did it only take 20-minutes to cook, but this flavorful, sweet and spicy meal was also chock full of good-for-you ingredients like fiber-rich fruits and veggies, lean protein, and nutrient-filled whole grains.
Ingredients for Apple Curry Chicken with Quinoa
- 2 Breast Filets of Organic Chicken
- ¼ cup Avocado Oil
- 1 cup Tricolor Organic Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 6 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- ½ white onion (chopped)
- 4-6 small Golden Delicious and Gala apples (finely chopped)
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground curry powder
- a dash of Himalayan rock salt
- ½ jar mango ginger chutney
Aside from using fresh produce, I also opted for organic chicken and organic tricolor quinoa (this one is gluten-free and vegan). There are more studies validating the health benefits of choosing organic foods.
As an example, Time published an article sharing 4 science-backed health benefits of eating organic, including more antioxidants, no antibiotics or synthetic hormones, more healthy fats, and fewer pesticides and heavy metals.
Another thing to consider when shopping for groceries is to read the labels (to ensure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients like artificial flavors, coloring, or chemicals). Plus, it’s important to be mindful of where the foods are sourced from, as not all suppliers are equal. While more markets and retailers are offering organic or healthier options, it’s still in your best interest to pay attention to brand names and labeling, to ensure you’re choosing the healthiest foods for you and your family.
Directions for Apple Curry Chicken with Quinoa
STEP 1: Mince the garlic.
TIP: An easy trick I learned to peel the garlic cloves is to put them in a glass and while cupping the top of the glass with your hand, vigorously shake the glass. The friction will help to remove the peel surrounding the garlic clove.
STEP 2: Cut the apples and onion into finely chopped pieces.
STEP 3: Pour the avocado oil into a pan and turn on to medium heat. In the pan, sauté the garlic, onion, apples, and seasoning, stirring all ingredients together. The onions and garlic should turn yellow while the apples should soften. This takes about 10-minutes.
STEP 4: In a saucepan, add the water and quinoa. Bring the water to a boil initially, then bring it down to simmer and add a lid on top. Stir occasionally. The cooked quinoa should look like the above photo when it’s done, as it absorbs the water while cooking without getting over-cooked.
STEP 5: Put a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and place the chicken breasts on the pan. Pop into the oven to bake for 20-minutes at 400°F.
STEP 6: When the chicken has cooked for at least 15-minutes, add a ½ jar of mango chutney to the saucepan, and stir in with the other ingredients. Turn heat on low while the chicken continues to bake.
STEP 7: Once the chicken is fully cooked, plate the quinoa topped with the chicken breast. Pour the apple curry chutney sauce mixture on top of the chicken and serve hot.
For more healthy recipe ideas, check out the Diet & Nutrition section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
Pamela Frost says:
This looks sooo delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!