A flavorful and nutritious dinner featuring perfectly grilled lemon herb chicken served alongside fluffy quinoa and a medley of steamed vegetables. This classic combination offers a balanced meal to support your weight loss goals.
🥘 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup snap peas
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
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2
Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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3
Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
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4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
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5
While the chicken is grilling, steam the broccoli, baby carrots, and snap peas until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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6
Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa with the steamed vegetables on the side.
📊 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
💡 Cooking Tips
- Marinating the chicken for a longer period enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitterness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother cooking process.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
✨ Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
This recipe is a perfect match for your goal to lose weight while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. The grilled lemon herb chicken provides a lean source of protein to support your workouts, while quinoa offers complex carbohydrates to keep you energized. The assortment of steamed vegetables adds essential vitamins and fiber, aligning with your accomplishment of eating healthier. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal tailored just for you!