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Busy home cooks, rejoice! This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake is your new secret weapon for quick, nutritious dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can have a satisfying, protein-packed meal ready in minutes. Say goodbye to the stress of cooking complex meals after a long day – this recipe is the ultimate time-saver that delivers big on flavor and nutrition.

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Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake

This mug meal is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup, making it the perfect solution for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook a full-fledged meal. The combination of chicken, quinoa, and vegetables provides a powerful punch of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to keep you fueled and satisfied. Plus, the microwave-friendly preparation means you can have a hot, homemade dinner ready in a flash, with no fuss or special equipment required. Get ready to enjoy a cozy, comforting, and seriously delicious meal that will have you wondering why you didn’t discover the magic of mug baking sooner.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake requires just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, quinoa, frozen vegetables, broth, and a few seasonings to bring it all together. The best part? Everything cooks right in the mug, so there’s virtually no mess to clean up.

4 oz (113g) – Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1/4 cup (45g) – Quinoa, uncooked
1/2 cup (75g) – Frozen mixed vegetables
3/4 cup (180ml) – Chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 tsp – Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken: Ground turkey or cubed tofu (for a vegetarian option)
Frozen Veggies: Diced fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach (adjust cooking time as needed)

How to Make High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake

This mug bake couldn’t be easier to make. In just a few quick steps, you’ll have a nutritious, satisfying dinner ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, grab a microwave-safe mug and add the quinoa, frozen veggies, and chicken. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Give everything a good stir to combine, then microwave the mug on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the chicken is no longer pink.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and give the contents a final stir. If needed, you can microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the quinoa is fully cooked.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Top your High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or any other desired toppings. Enjoy your quick, easy, and satisfying dinner!

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

Add More Veggies: For even more flavor and nutrition, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the mug bake.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasonings, like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning, to switch up the flavor profile.
Meal Prep Champion: If you’re looking to make this recipe ahead of time, simply assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate until ready to microwave and enjoy.
Customize Your Portions: This recipe is easily scalable – you can double or triple the ingredients to feed a crowd or have leftovers on hand.

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a piece of fruit.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the mug bake in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping – assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate until ready to microwave and enjoy.

Nutrition Info

One serving of this High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake provides a balanced, nutrient-dense meal. It’s packed with 30 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and satisfying option for busy home cooks.

Serving Size: 1 mug bake
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbs: 35 g
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 480 mg

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply swap the chicken for cubed tofu or cooked chickpeas. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cheese or yogurt toppings.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Feel free to use diced fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, in place of the frozen veggies. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh veggies may take a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake is perfect for meal prepping. Simply assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just remove the cover and microwave as directed.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, you can easily scale this recipe up. Simply use a larger, microwave-safe bowl or multiple mugs to accommodate the increased portions.

What can I serve with this mug bake?

This High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake is a complete, balanced meal on its own. However, you can always add a side salad, some crusty bread, or a piece of fruit to round out the meal. The possibilities are endless!

High-Protein Chicken & Quinoa Mug Bake