Spicy Cajun Chicken Quinoa Food

CAJUN BLACKENED CHICKEN WITH SUPERGREEN QUINOA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Rub the chicken with the Cajun seasoning until coated. Heat a heavy-based griddle pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and colour on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a baking tray and bake for 20-25 mins or until cooked.
• Meanwhile, boil a saucepan of water. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then put in the pan. Cook for 15 mins, then drain in a sieve. 3 In a food processor, add nearly all the chilli, spring onions (reserve some of each to serve), the spinach, mint and coriander, and blend to a smooth purée.
• Add the purée to the quinoa and mix well. Add the remaining ingredients, except the chicken, and combine well. Season to taste. Divide the quinoa mix over 2 plates, top each with chicken and serve sprinkled with the lemon zest, sesame seeds, reserved chilli and spring onions and lime wedges, if you like.

CHICKEN AND QUINOA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in the quinoa, then add the chicken broth, 3 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Partially cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the quinoa starts to soften, about 12 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and stir to warm through. Season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the sour cream and Cajun seasoning to taste.

CHICKEN QUINOA BOWL

Steps:

• Cook the red quinoa according to the package instructions. Stir in the lime zest and juice, a pinch of cilantro and a pinch of salt. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat a grill for cooking at medium heat.
• Drizzle the chicken breasts with the olive oil and sprinkle all over with the taco seasoning and a pinch of salt. Grill until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.
• Build the bowls by splitting the quinoa between two bowls. Slice the chicken breasts and place around the edges of the bowls. Continuing around the outside of each bowl, add the Roasted Corn Salsa and sliced avocado. Crumble the queso fresco on top and add a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with the remaining cilantro, lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Toss the corn, cherry tomatoes, onion and pimientos in a bowl. Add the lime juice, cilantro and salt. Toss and set aside.

CAJUN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Dry chicken with kitchen paper, then cut diagonal slashes over the smooth side. Mix spices with seasoning, then tip onto a plate.
• Brush the chicken on both sides with the oil, then coat all over with the spice mix. Heat a barbecue, griddle pan or grill, then cook the chicken for 5-6 mins on each side until cooked through. Serve each portion with a dollop of guacamole.

CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Melt the coconut oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 mins or until they start to soften.
• Increase the heat to high and add the chicken along with the Cajun seasoning. Fry for 3-4 mins more or until the chicken is cooked. (Check by slicing into one of the larger pieces to make sure the meat is white all the way through, with no raw pink bits.)
• Microwave your quinoa following pack instructions. Stir the remaining ingredients through the quinoa, then pile onto a plate and top with the chicken and pepper mix.