Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables

🥘 Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, combine lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. 2
   Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
3. 3
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. 4
   While the chicken is grilling, prepare the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
5. 5
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. 6
   Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. 7
   Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa, alongside the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

📊 Nutritional Information

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 400mg

💡 Cooking Tips

• Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor.
• Ensure quinoa is well-rinsed to remove any bitterness.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness without overcooking.
• Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add your own twists.