Spicy Glazed Chicken over Herbed Quinoa with Avocado & Fresh Herb Salsa

🍽️ Spicy Glazed Chicken over Herbed Quinoa with Avocado & Fresh Herb Salsa

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 30 minutes

• Total: ~50 minutes

🍗 Servings

• 2–3 servings

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs (best for juiciness)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat tolerance)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Spicy Glaze

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

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For the Quinoa Base

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Salt, to taste

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Avocado & Fresh Herb Salsa (Chimichurri-Style)

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed

• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro

• 1 small shallot or ¼ red onion, finely minced

• 1 small red chili, finely diced (or chili flakes)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt, to taste

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Optional Garnishes

• Lemon wedges

• Extra chili flakes

• Fresh herbs

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🔪 Prep Steps

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly until water runs clear.

2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels.

3. Mix all dry spices together in a bowl.

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🔥 Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Quinoa

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add quinoa and toast for 1–2 minutes (nutty flavor boost).

3. Add broth and salt, bring to a boil.

4. Cover, reduce heat to low, simmer 15 minutes.

5. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork.

6. Stir in lemon zest and parsley. Cover and keep warm.

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2️⃣ Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil and spice blend.

2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until deeply caramelized.

4. Lower heat to medium.

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3️⃣ Make the Glaze

1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and vinegar.

2. Pour glaze into the pan with chicken.

3. Simmer 3–5 minutes, flipping chicken until sticky and glossy.

4. Sauce should cling to the chicken, not be watery.

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4️⃣ Prepare the Avocado Herb Salsa

1. Gently mix parsley, cilantro, shallot, chili, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

2. Fold in avocado last to keep it chunky and fresh.

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🧑‍🍳 Assembly (Like the Photo)

1. Spoon quinoa onto a plate or bowl.

2. Arrange glazed chicken on top.

3. Add avocado herb salsa generously.

4. Finish with lemon wedges and chili flakes.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Chicken thighs > breasts for glaze-heavy dishes

• Don’t rush the sear — dark crust = flavor

• Rinsing quinoa removes bitterness

• Add avocado last so it stays bright and creamy

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🌶️ Variations

• Extra spicy: add gochujang or sriracha to the glaze

• Healthy cut: grill the chicken instead of pan-searing

• Vegan: swap chicken for crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower