A light and flavorful dinner combining tender grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon and herbs, served alongside nutritious quinoa and perfectly steamed broccoli. This meal is balanced to support your weight loss goals while keeping you satisfied and energized.
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 150g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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2
Add the chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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3
In the meantime, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy.
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4
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
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5
While the chicken is grilling, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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6
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it alongside the quinoa and steamed broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
📊 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
💡 Cooking Tips
- To ensure the chicken remains juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitterness (saponin).
- For added flavor, drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the steamed broccoli.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices.
✨ Why This Recipe is Perfect for You
This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken dinner is perfect for your weight loss journey and commitment to eating healthier. High in protein and balanced with whole grains and vegetables, it supports your active lifestyle and workout routine. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal knowing you're nourishing your body and making progress toward your goals!