Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet â Meal Prep Friendly
Looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that doubles as your go-to meal prep staple? This Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet is what youâve been waiting for. Itâs packed with juicy, protein-rich chicken, colorful veggies, and nutrient-dense chia seeds for an energizing, wholesome meal that holds up beautifully in the fridge.
Why Youâll Love This Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet
- Protein-packed with lean chicken and chia seeds
- Meal prep friendly â stays fresh up to 4 days
- Hearty and flavorful thanks to smoky spices and garlic
- Super quick â done in just 30 minutes
- Gluten-free and dairy-free by default
Ingredients Youâll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts â cut into bite-sized pieces
- Chia seeds â a magic trifecta of fiber, protein, and omega-3
- Bell peppers â adds crispy sweetness and color
- Onion and garlic â for bold, comforting aroma
- Chicken broth â keeps it juicy and saucy without extra fat
Pantry Spices
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili flakes (optional if you love a little heat!)
What Makes Chia Seeds Perfect for Savory Dishes?
We often see chia seeds in smoothies or layered puddings, but theyâre lowkey amazing in savory recipes too. In this recipe, they act as a natural thickening agent (*hellooo saucy goodness*) and add texture and fiber without overpowering. Plus, they absorb the chicken broth like a sponge, locking in all the flavor.
Not just tasty â chia seeds are a USDA-backed superfood. Just two tablespoons provide:
- 10g of fiber
- 5g of protein
- Healthy omega-3 fats
How to Make Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté your chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in diced chicken and let them get golden, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the veggies: Add in your chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. SautĂ© until everythingâs beautifully soft and aromatic, about 5â7 minutes.
- Add spice + broth: Stir in your smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes (if youâre spicy like that!). Pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer with chia: Sprinkle in chia seeds. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens up â trust the chia magic!
- Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. Done!
How to Meal Prep This Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet
Meal prepping this skillet couldnât be easier. Just let it cool completely and portion it into 4 airtight, microwave-safe containers.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Add a side like brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes
- Store in fridge for 3â4 days or freeze for up to 1 month
- Drizzle a little olive oil or broth when reheating to refresh the texture
Optional Dietary Substitutions
- Vegan: Swap chicken for sautéed tofu or seitan
- Dairy-free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free đ
- Gluten-free: Double-check your broth label just to be safe
Favorite Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet â unbeatable sear power
- OXO Garlic Press â for crushing garlic like a boss
- PlanetBox Meal Containers â leakproof + eco-friendly
More Healthy Skillet Dinners To Try
FAQs about Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Itâs made for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions in airtight containers.
Will chia seeds get slimy?
Not at all in this recipe! Since weâre simmering the seeds in broth, they bind beautifully without becoming gooey.
Can I use ground chicken instead?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey both work great if thatâs what youâve got on hand.
Whatâs a good side dish?
Serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies to round it out into a heartier meal.
How do I make this spicy?
Easy â just up the chili flakes or add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers for an extra kick đ„
Ready to Cook?
If you make this Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet, donât be shy â leave a comment below and rate the recipe âïž. Got questions or substitutions? Drop âem in the comments!
Tag us on Instagram @gotofoodrecipes or use #gotofoodrecipes â weâd love to cheer on your skillet magic. đ„
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Chicken and Chia Seeds Skillet
A delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that doubles as a meal prep staple, packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and nutrient-dense chia seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tbsp
Chia seeds - 1
Bell pepper, chopped - 1
Onion, chopped - 2 cloves
Garlic, minced - 1 cup
Chicken broth - 1 tsp
Ground cumin - 1 tsp
Smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp
Chili flakes (optional)
Method
- 1Sauté diced chicken in olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden, stirring occasionally.
- 2Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. SautĂ© until soft and aromatic, about 5â7 minutes.
- 3Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Pour in chicken broth.
- 4Sprinkle in chia seeds. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 5Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. Serve.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 1 serving
250
25g
10g
12g
5g
400mg
Chefâs Notes
âą
Add a side like brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.
âą
Drizzle a little olive oil or broth when reheating to refresh the texture.