Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with a fresh, vibrant quinoa salad. This meal is perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep option, packed with protein and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients List
For the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Timing
Preparing Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or chicken broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff Quinoa: After resting, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
- Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Dish: Serve the grilled lemon herb chicken sliced on a bed of quinoa salad, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, avocado, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill for varied flavors.
- Grain Alternatives: Substitute quinoa with farro, bulgur, or brown rice if desired.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or enjoy the salad cold.
Conclusion
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work well and may add more flavor and juiciness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the quinoa salad in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken:
- • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- • 1/4 cup olive oil
- • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1 teaspoon salt
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Quinoa Salad:
- • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- • 2 cups water or chicken broth
- • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- • 1 cucumber, diced
- • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or chicken broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff Quinoa: After resting, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Rest Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the Dish: Serve the grilled lemon herb chicken sliced on a bed of quinoa salad, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
