Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables

🥘 Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon paprika

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1
   In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. 3
   Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring quinoa and water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
4. 4
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. 5
   Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. 6
   Serve the grilled chicken slices over a bed of quinoa, accompanied by the roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.

📊 Nutritional Information

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fats: 18g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 400mg

💡 Cooking Tips

• Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating, saponin, for a better taste.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even roasting.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow vegetables to roast properly instead of steaming.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).