Description
This Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is marinated in lemon and garlic, then paired with fluffy quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10oz) Chicken Breast: Cubed, for lean protein.
- 170g (1 cup) Quinoa: Rinsed, a complete protein alternative to rice.
- 480ml (2 cups) Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium, for cooking the quinoa.
- 1 Large Lemon: Zest and juice, for bright citrus flavor.
- 4 Cloves Garlic: Minced, for aromatic flavor.
- 30ml (2 Tbsp) Olive Oil: Divided, for marinade and cooking.
- ½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika: For smoky depth.
- ½ tsp (2g) Sea Salt: Plus more to taste, enhances flavors.
- ¼ tsp (1g) Black Pepper: Freshly ground, for sharper flavor.
- ¼ tsp (1g) Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a subtle kick.
- 2 Tbsp (8g) Parsley: Chopped, for fresh garnish.
- 1 tsp (2g) Lemon Zest: Reserved for garnish.
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa until water runs clear to remove bitterness.
- Toast Quinoa: Toast quinoa in a dry skillet for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cook Quinoa: Simmer quinoa in broth for 15 minutes, then rest for 5.
- Marinate Chicken: Whisk marinade and coat chicken for at least 10 minutes.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest Chicken: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before combining.
- Combine & Finish: Stir quinoa and chicken together, season to taste.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon zest, serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg