Description
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a vibrant, nourishing meal combining tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon sauce, served over fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of lean protein, whole grains, and bright fresh herbs, making it ideal for quick lunches, dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Pinch of salt
Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Extra olive oil and lemon juice, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with vegetable broth and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered while you prepare the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Pour this marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up all the vibrant flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts into the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The garlic and lemon aroma that fills your kitchen will make your mouth water.
- Combine and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, toss in fresh parsley and thyme, then serve the sliced chicken over the bed of quinoa. Optionally, drizzle a bit more lemon juice and olive oil for that extra zing.
Notes
- Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor impact.
- Cook the chicken just until juices run clear to keep it moist and tender.
- Use vegetable broth for quinoa to enhance flavor instead of plain water.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to lock in its juices.
- Taste and adjust lemon juice and seasoning before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Garlic chicken, lemon chicken, quinoa, quick dinner, healthy meal, gluten free, meal prep
