Recipe: 15-Minute Chicken & Quinoa Macro Bowls (2024)

Let’s start with the obvious question: What is a macro bowl?

A macro bowl is a one-dish meal that has all the macronutrients you need for a healthy, balanced meal. That means you get plenty of protein, fiber, slow-low carbs, and healthy fats in one convenient package! (More on that later…)

This one uses one of my favorite staples: steamed quinoa. I like to steam it on the weekend in a larger batch so I have it for weeknight meals. You can also buy it frozen and precooked, then simply thaw and reheat. If you don’t have quinoa on hand, wild rice works well here too.

This macro bowl calls for sauteed chicken, but any clean, lean protein will do, including wild-caught salmon or organic pork. Cook it ahead, and this recipe takes just 5 minutes to assemble.

In fact, when you know the basic building blocks of a great macro bowl, the options are endless! Here are ideas for each of the macronutrient categories required to build a balanced meal:

Lean Protein

One of the fastest ways to calm your sugar cravings and ramp up your metabolism is by eating protein. Every meal should include 1-2 servings of clean, lean protein. A serving is 4-6 ounces for women, 6-8 ounces for men.

My Top Ten:

Wild Salmon, Grass-Fed Beef, JJ Virgin's All-in-One Protein Shake, Legumes, Wild Scallops, Pastured Eggs (if not sensitive), Quinoa, Grass-fed Lamb, Pastured Organic Chicken Breast, Flaxseed or Chia Seeds

Healthy Fats

Fat doesn't make you fat – sugar makes you fat! Ideally, you should have 2-3 servings of healthy fats at every meal. (Men and athletic women can go up to 4.) Remember, many proteins like wild salmon and grass-fed beef also contain healthy fats.

My Top Ten:

Flaxseed or Chia Seeds, Grass-Fed Ghee, Walnuts, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Avocados or Avocado Oil, Red Palm Fruit Oil, Hemp Seeds, Almond Butter, Olive Oil

Non-Starchy Vegetables

The more non-starchy veggies you eat, the better! These not only provide plenty of fiber for great heart and gut health, they also give you the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need to prevent aging and disease. I want you to get 2 or more servings at every meal. (A serving size is typically 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw.)

My Top Ten:

Brussels Sprouts, Red Peppers, Broccoli, Cabbage, Arugula, Swiss Chard, Kale, Artichokes, Cauliflower, Spinach

Slow-Low Carbs

Carbohydrates aren’t the enemy! You just have to choose those that are slowly metabolized with a low sugar impact for the best results. (I call them “slow-low carbs” for short.) Aim to get 1-2 servings of slow-low carbs per meal; men and larger or more athletic women can have 3.

My Top Ten:

Lentils, Quinoa, Tomatoes, Black Beans, Hummus, Raspberries, Squash, Avocados, Wild Rice, Sweet Potatoes

You’ll notice there’s some overlap, as some superfoods like avocado and quinoa offer nutrition from multiple categories of macronutrients. (Get a list of my 7 favorite superfoods HERE.) And of course, you can use ingredients that don’t appear on this list to add more texture, flavor, and nutrients!

So check out your fridge and get started on your first macro bowl – just be sure you snap a pic before you dig in and share it with me on Instagram. That way your healthy eating habits can inspire the rest of our community, too…

15-Minute Chicken & Quinoa Macro Bowls

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