Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Fresh Veggies

🥘 Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1
   In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. 2
   Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. 3
   Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
4. 4
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. 5
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley.
6. 6
   Top the quinoa and vegetable mixture with the grilled chicken slices. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top if desired.
7. 7
   Serve immediately and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.

📊 Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fats: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg

💡 Cooking Tips

• Marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes if possible to enhance the flavor.
• Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating, saponin.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Feel free to add other favorite vegetables like avocado or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Prepare the quinoa in advance to save time during meal preparation.