Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa

Name: Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy Recipe Ideas

I absolutely love cooking Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa because of how simple yet flavorful it is. The freshness of the lemon combined with fragrant herbs creates a symphony of taste, and pairing it with quinoa adds a delightful texture. It's become a go-to dish in our household, not only for weeknight dinners but also for impressing guests. The best part? It all comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings when I want something homemade and healthy.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-20T13:38:28.692Z

When I first tried this Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa, I was captivated by the bright taste and how it uplifted my everyday dining experience. I found that marinating the chicken overnight enhanced the flavors profoundly, making each bite burst with freshness. The quinoa, cooked with a hint of garlic, complements the chicken beautifully, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.

One of my fondest memories is serving this dish at a family gathering. Everyone was raving about the zesty marinade, and I was thrilled to share just how easy it was to prepare. I learned that using fresh herbs instead of dried makes all the difference in flavor and aroma, adding an irresistible touch to the dish.

        You Will Love This Recipe Because
        Zesty lemon flavor combined with aromatic herbs
Nutritious quinoa offering a perfect texture
Quick to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze
Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings

      

Unlocking Flavor with Marinades

Marinating the chicken is crucial for achieving maximum flavor. The combination of olive oil and lemon juice not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with zesty freshness. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though an overnight soak allows the herbs to fully penetrate, enhancing the overall taste. Don’t skip this step—if you're short on time, consider using a food-safe bag to ensure the chicken is fully coated and even absorbs the marinade more quickly.

If you need a quick alternative, try vinegar-based marinades featuring balsamic or apple cider vinegar. While they alter the flavor profile slightly, they still provide the acidic component necessary for a tender and flavorful chicken. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness if you want to explore flavor variations.

Perfecting Quinoa Cooking

When cooking quinoa, rinsing under cold water is critical. This process removes natural saponins, which can impart a bitter taste if left unwashed. Use a fine-mesh strainer to effectively rinse the grains, then dry the strainer and reuse it for fluffing the quinoa later. The key to fluffy quinoa is to allow it to rest after cooking; this lets the steam finish cooking the grains, resulting in a light and airy texture.

For an extra flavor boost, cook your quinoa in vegetable or herb-infused broth instead of water. Adding a bay leaf or a piece of kombu during simmering can also enhance the overall taste. After cooking, a squeeze of lemon juice mixed in with the fluffy quinoa ties it beautifully to the chicken, creating a harmonious dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving the Lemon Herb Chicken on a bed of quinoa creates a beautiful presentation, but you can elevate it further by layering other vegetables. Consider sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and additional lemon juice. These additions not only provide color but also complement the dish’s brightness with their freshness, making it visually appealing and nutritious.

For a family-style meal, slice the chicken and serve it on a platter alongside the quinoa, inviting everyone to help themselves. You can also double the marinade and use it to drizzle over the plate before serving, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor. If you're looking to customize the dish for dietary preferences, it’s easily adaptable to be dairy-free or gluten-free without compromising taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Cook the Quinoa

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

Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinate and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve

Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of quinoa, garnished with chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips

For extra zing, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving. If you want a quicker cooking time, you can also use a pressure cooker for the quinoa.

Storage Tips

Lemon Herb Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To keep the quinoa from drying out, store it separately. If you have leftovers, they can be easily reheated in the microwave; just add a splash of water to the quinoa to restore moisture.

For longer storage, both the chicken and quinoa can be frozen. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, labeling them with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through, ensuring it's cooked to at least 165°F for safe consumption.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Each chicken breast typically serves one person, but consider preparing an extra breast or two for leftovers or bigger appetites. Simply increase the marinade ingredients proportionally; the flavors will still integrate well, even with larger batches.

When scaling up the quinoa, remember the cooking ratio remains the same—1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of broth. However, you might need to use a larger pot to accommodate the expanded volume. If you’re serving a crowd, consider cooking it in batches for more even texture and prevent the risk of clumping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken tends to come out dry, double-check the cooking time and temp. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly; using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F can help prevent overcooking. If you're unsure, remember that chicken will continue to cook slightly while resting, so take it off the heat just before it reaches the ideal temperature.

For quinoa that comes out gummy, the likely cause is either too much liquid or insufficient rinsing. Adjust by using 1 ¾ cups of broth for every cup of quinoa next time, and don’t forget to rinse well. For a drier texture, try cooking at a slightly lower simmer to allow moisture to escape more effectively.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs such as basil or oregano to customize the flavor.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Store the chicken and quinoa in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all ingredients used are labeled as gluten-free.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments to this flavorful chicken and quinoa.