High Protein Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This High Protein Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a fresh, nourishing meal packed with lean grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s perfect for meal prep, healthy lunches, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.Balanced, colorful, and ready in just 35 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired bowl is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High in protein (40+ grams per serving)
Perfect for meal prep
Fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors
Packed with healthy fats and fiber
Easy to customize
Ready in about 35 minutes
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oi
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Quinoa
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Bowl
2 ripe avocados, sliced
1 English cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
Roasted chickpeas
Pumpkin seeds
Sliced almonds
Kalamata olives
Pickled red onions
Tzatziki
Hot honey drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in the parsley.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with:
Olive oil
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Oregano
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon juice
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Honey
Garlic
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked quinoa among four serving bowls.
Arrange around the quinoa:
Baby spinach
Grilled chicken
Avocado
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Bell pepper
Red onion
Top with feta cheese, if using.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle generously with the lemon herb dressing.
Garnish with:
Fresh parsley
Roasted chickpeas
Pumpkin seeds
Kalamata olives
A squeeze of fresh lemon
Serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Recipe Notes
Quinoa provides complete plant protein and a fluffy texture.
Avocados add heart-healthy fats and creaminess.
Feta adds a tangy Mediterranean flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
Expert Tips
Marinate the chicken for 20–30 minutes for extra flavor.
Cook a double batch of quinoa for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Keep the dressing separate until serving if preparing meals ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store the chicken, quinoa, vegetables, and dressing separately for up to 4 days. Slice the avocado just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Can I substitute the quinoa?
Absolutely. Brown rice, farro, couscous, or cauliflower rice all work well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
What other proteins can I use?
Grilled shrimp, salmon, turkey, tofu, or roasted chickpeas are all excellent substitutions.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 575
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 430mg
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Avocado Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a fresh, wholesome meal packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, creamy avocado, and fluffy quinoa. Finished with a bright lemon-herb dressing, it’s a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s ideal for healthy lunches, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners.