A light and flavorful classic dish combining succulent grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, paired with protein-packed quinoa and a medley of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that supports your weight loss goals.
🥘 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 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 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
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
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest.
-
4
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
5
In a large baking tray, toss the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
6
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
-
7
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 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
-
8
Slice the grilled chicken and serve alongside the quinoa and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley.
📊 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
💡 Cooking Tips
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even roasting.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating, saponin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the quinoa ahead of time to save time during dinner preparation.
✨ Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables recipe is perfectly tailored to support your weight loss journey and help you achieve a better body feel. With a balanced mix of lean protein, wholesome grains, and vibrant vegetables, this meal not only aligns with your classic diet preferences but also fuels your active lifestyle with 3-5 workouts per week. Enjoying this nutritious dinner will keep you motivated and on track to reach your goals. Keep up the fantastic work!