Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa
This dish combines juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs with fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables. It’s protein-rich, nutrient-dense, and full of bright Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Quinoa Base:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Salad Mix-In:
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
For Garnish:
Lemon wedges
Extra parsley or dill
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken in marinade. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Cook the quinoa:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add quinoa and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Add broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Grill the chicken:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Assemble the dish:
In a serving bowl, mix quinoa with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and feta (if using).
Top with sliced grilled chicken.
Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, drizzle with a touch of tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce.
Meal prep friendly: Store chicken and quinoa separately for up to 4 days.
Can swap quinoa with couscous, farro, or brown rice.
For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas.
Q: How do I prevent dry chicken?
A: Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 42g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g