You are the Chef: A Protein-Packed Quinoa & Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers Dinner

When it comes to striking a balance between taste and nutrition, a high-protein dinner doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on flavor. Today, we’re serving up a delicious recipe that’s not only rich in protein but also offers a medley of vitamins and minerals to round off your day. Say hello to Quinoa & Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers!

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into small pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (can use canned)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust based on preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Start by cutting off the tops of the bell peppers and removing the seeds. Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add diced chicken, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Mix in Quinoa & Veggies: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Evenly distribute the quinoa and chicken mixture among the bell peppers, pressing down to pack the filling.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. For the final 5 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to get a golden-brown finish.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a wedge of lime.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Chicken: A lean source of high-quality protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Quinoa: A complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It’s also a great source of fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, and various beneficial antioxidants.
• Black Beans: High in protein and fiber, they promote digestive health and provide sustained energy.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, they also offer a good amount of fiber.

This delicious dinner recipe brings together the wholesomeness of quinoa, the protein punch of chicken, and the freshness of bell peppers. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy those taste buds while also keeping you on track with your health goals. Enjoy your high-protein dinner tonight!

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