Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa That Bursts With Flavor

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a delightful dish that combines the savory taste of garlic and lemon with the wholesome goodness of quinoa. This recipe is not just quick to prepare, but it also bursts with fresh flavors that make it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s healthy, filling, and can easily be customized according to your taste. Plus, it allows you to pack in lots of nutrients with minimal effort!

How to Make Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups Spinach or kale

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with chicken broth in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine.
6. Fluff the quinoa and add it to the skillet, mixing well with the chicken and garlic mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa

This dish is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side of steamed vegetables. It also makes a great meal prep option for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Feel free to add your favorite toppings or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor!

How to Store Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the quinoa looks dry, you can add a splash of water or broth while reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa

1. Make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
2. For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for an hour before cooking.
3. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrient content.

Variation

You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking.

2. Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when ready to eat.

Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa

A delightful dish that combines savory garlic and lemon with wholesome quinoa. This quick recipe bursts with fresh flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

For the Quinoa

• 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed Make sure to rinse well to remove bitterness.
• 2 cups Chicken broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Optional Add-ins

• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes For a bit of heat.
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Optional for added freshness.
• 2 cups Spinach or kale For added nutrition.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with chicken broth in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.

Cooking Chicken

1. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine.

Final Steps

1. Fluff the quinoa and add it to the skillet, mixing well with the chicken and garlic mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth while reheating if the quinoa looks dry.