Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa

Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa

Simple and clean grilled chicken breast with fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables, delivering 38g of protein in a wholesome, nutritious meal at just 425 calories per serving.

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Prep

20m

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Serves

4

LevelEasy
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Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate Chicken

    In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a dish and pour marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

  2. 2

    Cook Quinoa

    In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

  3. 3

    Preheat Grill

    Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

  4. 4

    Grill Chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  5. 5

    Prepare Vegetables

    While chicken rests, dice cucumber and halve cherry tomatoes. Chop fresh parsley.

  6. 6

    Assemble and Serve

    Divide cooked quinoa among 4 plates. Top with diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Slice chicken and arrange over quinoa. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

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Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, let chicken marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Make sure quinoa is well-rinsed to remove bitterness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories425
Protein38g
Carbs32g
Fat16g
Fiber5g
Sugar4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about making this lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa

How long does it take to make Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa?

This recipe takes 45 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 25 minutes cooking time.

How many servings does this Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa recipe make?

This recipe yields 4 servings.

What is the difficulty level of this Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa recipe?

This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.

Can I make substitutions in this Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken with Quinoa recipe?

Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.

Can I make this lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

How do I store leftover lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa?

Store leftover lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

What side dishes go well with lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa?

This lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.

Can I freeze lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa?

Yes, this lemon garlic grilled chicken with quinoa freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.