Description

Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a vibrant, wholesome dish combining tender chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon and garlic with fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth. This quick and nutritious meal balances fresh citrus and rich garlic flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep while delivering a colorful, satisfying plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Quinoa and Cooking Liquid

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
2 cups vegetable broth
1 pinch natural gelling agent (optional)

Finishing and Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Additional lemon wedges, for serving
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional: chili flakes for heat
Optional: toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, minced garlic, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well under cold water to remove bitterness. Bring the vegetable broth to a simmer, add the quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and rest before slicing.
Combine and Finish: In the same skillet, toss minced garlic with the cooked quinoa, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, add chopped parsley, and stir in a pinch of natural gelling agent if using. Adjust seasoning to taste. Slice the chicken and arrange it over the herbed quinoa for serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
Always use fresh lemons for best taste.
Rinse quinoa thoroughly for fluffier texture.
Rest cooked chicken a few minutes to retain juices.
Avoid stirring quinoa excessively while cooking to keep it fluffy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: garlic lemon chicken, quinoa recipe, healthy chicken quinoa, quick dinner, nutritious meal