Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa

Name: Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Highlighted under: Clean & Simple Meals

I absolutely love this Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa recipe; it brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa creates a dish that's both nutritious and satisfying. Whether I’m hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish feels special without being overly complicated. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate lean protein and whole grains into my meals, which I strive to do.

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:10:28.533Z

When I first experimented with this Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa, I aimed for a dish that was both light and satisfying. The bright flavor of lemon really invigorates the chicken, and I learned that marinating it longer enhances the taste remarkably. Using fresh herbs like parsley and thyme not only elevates the dish but also adds a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist.

Another insight I gathered was the importance of cooking quinoa properly. I’ve found that rinsing it before cooking helps remove the natural coating, which can impart a bitter taste. This small step transforms the quinoa into a perfectly fluffy base for the chicken, complementing it beautifully.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh and vibrant flavors that brighten up your meal.
A healthy, well-rounded dish that combines protein and whole grains.
Versatile enough for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings.

      

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

The marinade for the chicken is where the magic begins. Combining lemon juice with olive oil not only adds zest but also helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. If you're short on time, marinating for just 15 minutes can still yield tasty results, but I recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes. For even more depth, consider preparing the marinade a day in advance—let the chicken soak overnight in the fridge for a robust flavor infusion.

Don't hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs in the marinade; fresh oregano and thyme can elevate the taste profile even further. You can use a mortar and pestle to crush the herbs slightly, releasing their aromatic oils which will infuse deeply into the chicken. Just keep an eye on your seasoning; adding too much salt can draw moisture from the meat, leading to dryness when cooked.

Perfecting the Quinoa

When cooking quinoa, the rinse step is crucial—it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear; this will ensure a clean, nutty flavor. After cooking, fluffing the quinoa with a fork is key to separating the grains and achieving that fluffy texture everyone loves. If you find your quinoa looking a bit clumpy, just give it a little more fluffing.

The choice of broth versus water for cooking quinoa significantly impacts the flavor, so don’t skip using vegetable broth if you have it on hand. If you're vegetarian or vegan, the vegetable broth will add a rich depth to the dish that water simply can’t match. You can also try adding spices like cumin or paprika to the broth for an extra flavor kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving the Lemon Herb Chicken over quinoa makes for a visually appealing presentation. Consider garnishing with lemon slices or a sprinkle of additional herbs like dill or cilantro for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well with sautéed vegetables or a garden salad, making it versatile for different dietary preferences or seasonal produce.

For a variation, feel free to swap the chicken with other proteins such as salmon or tofu, marinating them in the same herb mixture for complementary flavors. If you're serving a crowd, this recipe doubles easily—just ensure your grill or skillet has enough space to cook the chicken in batches without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this delicious Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup sliced green onions

Make sure to have these ingredients on hand for a delightful culinary experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Combine and Serve

Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork, then stir in parsley and green onions. Serve the grilled chicken over the quinoa, and garnish with additional lemon slices if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Pair the dish with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Lemon Herb Chicken is fantastic for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Once cooked, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

The quinoa can also be made in advance and stored. It holds up well for something like three to five days when properly refrigerated. To reheat, simply add a splash of water and microwave or sauté in a pan for a few minutes to restore its fluffy texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken ends up overcooked, it can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C) to prevent this. If you don't have a thermometer handy, just ensure the juices run clear without any pink-tinted areas in the center of the chicken breasts to indicate it's fully cooked.

For the quinoa, if you find it is mushy or waterlogged, it may have been overcooked or too much liquid was added. Next time, reduce the cooking time slightly or make sure to let it sit covered off the heat for a few minutes to absorb the remaining moisture before fluffing.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're cooking for a larger group, this recipe can be easily scaled up. By keeping the marinade proportions consistent, you can double or even triple it. Just ensure that your cooking equipment can handle the increased volume, as overcrowding can lead to inconsistent cooking.

On the flip side, if you’re cooking for one or two people, you can cut the chicken and quinoa quantities in half without compromising the flavor or texture. Store any leftover marinade for later use—just make sure to discard it if it's been in contact with raw chicken to maintain food safety.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but note that the cooking time will be longer.

→ How long can I store the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

While the chicken can be frozen, it's best to freeze it separately from the quinoa to maintain texture.