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1
Make the quinoa.
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2
Heat the oil over medium heat in a 2 quart or larger saucepan.
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3
Add the garlic and stir constantly until it just begins to brown.
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4
Add the quinoa and stir for another minute or two, to toast the quinoa, which adds flavor and keeps it from sticking together during cooking.
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5
Add the water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
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6
Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is soft enough to eat.
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7
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
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8
Make the chicken.
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9
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper.
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10
Cook until softened, stirring occasionally (5 to 10 minutes).
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11
Add the chicken and garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
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12
Pour in the hot sauce and stir, then increase the heat to bring to a simmer and cook for a couple minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
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13
Remove from heat, taste, and season with salt and pepper if desired.
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14
Build the bowls.
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15
To make them for travel, fill four 2-cup-capacity containers halfway with the quinoa.
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16
Follow with a layer of the chicken, split evenly amongst four servings, then sprinkle each bowl with 2 tablespoons of the cheese.
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17
Alternatively, serve at home in regular bowls.
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18
Serve fresh, warm, or refrigerate and enjoy cold on the run.
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19
Quinoa layer slightly adapted from Creamy Parmesan-Garlic Quinoa by Iowa Girl Eats.