Garlic Herb Chicken And Broccoli With Quinoa
A comforting, protein-packed skillet meal featuring tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli over fluffy quinoa. Finished with a savory sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Makes
2 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
For faster prep, you can use pre-cut broccoli florets or swap in frozen broccoli, though you may need to cook frozen broccoli a minute or two longer.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed), cloves garlic (minced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Combine the rinsed quinoa with water and…
- 01
Combine the rinsed quinoa with water and…
In a small pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Look for: the water is absorbed
Tap card to mark done - 02
Toss the cubed chicken breast with a…
While the quinoa cooks, toss the cubed chicken breast with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat olive oil in a large skillet…
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Look for: browned and cooked through
Tap card to mark done - 04
Lower the heat to medium
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring continuously so it doesn't burn. Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Look for: fragrant, stirring continuously so it doesn't burn
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add the broccoli florets and a splash…
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Look for: the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp
Tap card to mark done - 06
Return the cooked chicken and garlic to…
Return the cooked chicken and garlic to the skillet. Toss everything together to warm through, then remove from heat.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Divide the cooked quinoa between two plates
Divide the cooked quinoa between two plates, top with the chicken and broccoli mixture, and finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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