Description
This recipe delivers a flavorful and healthy meal of tender garlic lemon chicken paired with herbed quinoa, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with protein and nutrients for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10.5oz) Chicken Breast: Marinated for tenderness and flavor.
- 170g (1 cup) Quinoa, Rinsed: A complete protein, rinsed to remove bitterness.
- 480ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful base for quinoa.
- 15g (0.5oz) Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): Adds aromatic depth.
- 2g (0.07oz) Lemon Zest (zest of 1 lemon): Concentrated citrus aroma.
- 45ml (3 Tbsp) Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy sauce.
- 30ml (2 Tbsp) Olive Oil: For cooking and dressing.
- 5g (1 tsp) Sea Salt: Enhances flavors.
- 2g (ยฝ tsp) Black Pepper: Subtle spice.
- 0.5g (ยผ tsp) Smoked Paprika: Smoky warmth.
- 15g (1 Tbsp) Parsley, Chopped: Vibrant garnish.
- 15g (1 Tbsp) Pine Nuts, Toasted: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- 0.5g (ยผ tsp) Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine oil, garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper, and paprika; coat chicken and refrigerate for 15-120 minutes.
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa; simmer in broth for 12-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed; rest for 2 minutes, then fluff.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (74ยฐC/165ยฐF). Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make Pan Sauce: Deglaze skillet with lemon juice, scraping up browned bits to create a sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Drizzle sauce over chicken; serve with quinoa, parsley, pine nuts, and lemon zest.
Notes
For optimal searing, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Poultry
- Method: Sear
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
