Chicken and Pepper Quinoa

This meal was a two day process. Don't let that discourage you!!

The night before meal prep was EASY.

So get in the kitchen turn on the good tunes and lets start.

This should make about three small servings or two large.

Ingredients:

2 onions
1 large pepper (Any color)
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Water
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper
Oregano Leaves
Marjoram
Quinoa
Artichokes
Cheese (Goat Cheese)

 Start by chopping the onions into slices.  If the onions are making you cry try putting a toothpick in your mouth while chopping.  I heard this was supposed to help. I do it and it works but it could be my brain playing tricks on me.

After onions are sliced move on to the pepper. Clean the seeds out and chop the pepper into long slices. I like mine to be thick but how ever you prefer your pepper.

Place onions in the bottom of the crockpot. No Crying =)

 

Now cover those onions with the sliced pepper.

I have been buying the big bags of frozen chicken. I love this because I can pull out the portions I want to thaw out. With them individual I think they thaw faster too!

If you are doubling this recipe to make four large portions I would use three large chicken breasts.
Since it is just me eating it I went with one large and a tiny one.

Place the chicken on top of the onions and peppers. I dumped in the chicken juice from the packages too.

Now is time to add some seasonings. I did not measure the spices =(
I was getting into it and spices were going everywhere.
I started by adding  ground black pepper, salt, oregano leaves, marjoram and red pepper (if you do not like a little kick leave this out)


Once I added enough to were I thought it looked good I stopped.

 Next I added a little water so nothing would stick to the crockpot.

Next turn the crockpot on low for about 7 to 8 hours. This is about the time I hopped into bed.
Depending on your time and schedule you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours.



NEXT MORNING

I woke up and shredded the chicken and broke it into chunks for later that night.


Now here is what stove directions.


Start cooking the quinoa...follow the directions on the bag of quinoa.

Directions are usually close to this:
Bring 1 1/2 cups to a boil and then add 1 cup of quinoa.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes covered or until water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.  Fluff with fork.

I cooked 1 1/2 cups quinoa for this. I made a little mess while stirring it ; )

While this is simmering. Get a skillet out and heat up the chicken, pepper and onions.

This picture is super blurry!! I blame it on the awesome aromas and heat.

While this was heating up I decided I wanted artichokes too. I have a jar of them. I drained them and cute them into slices. This step I didn't take pictures off. Got a little carried away when I got excited about the artichokes.

Once quinoa is done and you have fluffed it you can either combine the two or layer the it.

I layered it.....

I place a good portion on quinoa in the middle of my plate.

Next place the chicken mix on top of the bed of quinoa. Now this is looking so good, but wait we need CHEESE!!!!

I am in love with GOAT CHEESE!! So everything need goat cheese. If you are not a fan you can use whatever cheese you like.  If you haven't had goat cheese before don't be scared. Give it a try.

I didn't add and salt or pepper at the end. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Now it is time to enjoy!!! I gave it a little mix to melt the goat cheese a little. 

Give this a try and let me know what you think. What would you add or change??

________________________________________________________________
Chicken and Pepper Quinoa

Serves: 4 small servings or 2 large

Ingredients:

• 2 onions
• 1 large pepper (Any color)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red Pepper
• Oregano Leaves
• Marjoram
• 1 1/2 cups Quinoa
• Artichokes
• Cheese (Goat Cheese)

Instructions

1. Place sliced onions and peppers in crock pot. Place chicken on top and season. Then add water.
2. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Shred chicken. Place in refrigerator until ready to cook quinoa. Then reheat it in skillet.
3. Cook Quinoa. Follow package instructions.
4. Combine quinoa and chicken or layer it ( quinoa, chicken mix on top, top with cheese)