Description
Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal combining tender, marinated chicken with fluffy quinoa infused with garlic and bright lemon zest. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this dish features juicy chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and mixed with protein-packed quinoa cooked in savory chicken broth. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making it a wholesome and vibrant dish that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste.
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Prepare Chicken: While the quinoa is cooking, slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Combine: Once both components are ready, add the fluffy quinoa into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the garlic lemon chicken quinoa warm as a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is important to remove its natural bitterness.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter flavor or vegetable broth for a different taste.
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) for deeper flavor absorption.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus notes.
- This dish can be adapted for meal prep and reheated easily.
- Optional parsley garnish adds freshness and color but can be omitted if not available.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American