This Creamy Chicken Quinoa "Risotto" with Sweet Peppers and Mushrooms is a little richer than most of the quinoa recipes I make, but the cream and cheese were kept to just what seemed to be necessary. No need to turn the dish into a complete "fat fest".
The photos I've shared here are actually of a batch of quinoa risotto which was made the prior evening. You see, as the pot was simmering, soon to be plated, big black storm clouds rolled in making the light of early evening fade to near pitch black. I've been pretty much doing all my photography by natural light in recent months, so when the agitated storm gods rolled in and unleashed their soggy wrath, it promptly put a squash on any sort of photo shoot for me. Luckily, my subject is a patient sort, and leftovers stored well overnight. I think this quinoa risotto even tastes even better the next day.
The recipe is gluten free, if a non-msg stock is used.
Creamy Chicken Quinoa Risotto with Sweet Peppers & Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 tbs oil
- ½ sweet onion sliced
- 1 sweet yellow pepper cored, sliced
- 2 large cloves of garlic minced
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- ½ pound chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-6 oz. Portabella mushroom (sliced)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock preferably MSG free
- ⅓ cup white wine
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- Kosher or Sea Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put oil in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once oil is hot add the onion, pepper, garlic, and quinoa. Stir fry until the vegetables are cooked and quinoa is lightly toasted.
- Reduce heat to medium, add chicken and herbs, Saute 1 minute, then add mushrooms.
- Saute with mushrooms for a minute, then add stock, wine and cream. Stir then cover to cook for 15 minutes.
- After the 15 minutes, remove cover, reduce heat to low-med. and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until most, but not all the sauce it absorbed or evaporated.
- Turn off heat and stir in the Parmesan and goat cheese.
- Add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Serve with sprinkle of cheese or fresh chopped chives.
Jenn says
I've only have restaurant risotto and am not a fan. Maybe I should make it myself.
LyndaS says
That looks good. I just bought some quinoa last week.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
This sounds very tasty!
Tammy says
This is totally up my taste bud's alley - I love sweet peppers and mushrooms.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
I'm sorry to hear about the storm and about your dinner. The photo still looks great though, as does the recipe.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I've actually never tried Risotto. My hubby and I see it all the time on Hells Kitchen and have made a pact that the next time we see it on a menu somewhere, we're gonna try it.
Maryann says
We don't use grains much anymore but that looks good.
Donna says
Even if I don't particularly care for a certain food, your food photos make think I would love your recipes!
Kathleen says
I love risotto, so this looks super yummy. I would definitely make it, but I would have to leave the mushrooms out.
Lolo says
MMmm, that looks really rich and creamy!
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
This look amazing!
Elaina @atimeoutformommy says
Yummy! Your photos make me want to cook more diverse things!
Mellisa says
Another amazing dish!
Lisa says
I'll have to try this!
Shell Feis says
Yum! I'd love to try this but I think my husband would like it even more than I would, he's huge on sweet peppers &mushrooms.
Vanessa: the queen of swag ! says
This looks amazing!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I haven't had quinoa for a while because I didn't have a lot of ways to prepare it. This one looks like a winner, I'll have to put it on our dinner meal planning menu!
HilLesha says
What a wonderful recipe!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I haven't made a risotto in so long -- this sounds good!
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma says
I really like quinoa but I haven't experimented with it much as I like it plain! I'm really glad that you posted this recipe because my family isn't too terribly fond of it so I need to find different ways to prepare it for them.
courtney says
Love complete meals! All it needs is a side salad 🙂
Sheri says
That looks so good. You take amazing pictures.
Angela says
This looks simply amazing - comfort food at it's best!
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
This recipe makes me miss quinoa! Looks delicious.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I don't cook with quinoa too often, but next time I do, I'll be trying this recipe. It looks delicious.