Herb-Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad

If you’re on the lookout for easy chicken breast recipes that are healthy yet satisfying, this Herb-Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts with a refreshing quinoa salad, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients, keeping your meals both delicious and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley. Toss together and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it alongside the quinoa salad. Top with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 400kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g

Imagine biting into perfectly grilled chicken, marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, paired with a colorful salad that bursts with flavor. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy healthy chicken breast recipes that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Plus, it’s versatile! You can switch up the salad ingredients depending on what you have at home.

Vibrant and Nourishing Ingredients

The combination of grilled chicken and quinoa salad creates a delightful balance of protein and nutrients that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, infusing them with flavor while keeping them tender and juicy.

Meanwhile, the quinoa salad introduces a medley of textures and colors, featuring cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and crunchy bell peppers. These ingredients not only elevate the presentation but also add essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Marinating the Chicken for Flavor

To achieve a delectable grilled chicken, the marination process is crucial. A simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings creates a flavor-packed coating for the chicken breasts.

Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with savory notes, making each bite truly enjoyable. This step is essential for anyone looking to enhance their chicken breast recipes healthy with rich flavors.

Cooking the Quinoa to Perfection

Quinoa is not only a protein-rich grain but also a versatile base for a variety of salads. Cooking it properly ensures a fluffy texture that serves as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant vegetables.

By combining rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth or water and simmering it just right, you can achieve a delightful grain that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken. This step underscores the importance of incorporating easy chicken breast recipes healthy into your meal rotation, as it complements the main dish nicely.

Grilling Techniques for Juicy Results

Grilling the marinated chicken requires attention to temperature and timing for the ideal outcome. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat is essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

Cooking the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side allows for a deliciously charred exterior while keeping the interior moist. This method highlights the beauty of boneless chicken breast recipes easy that deliver flavor without excess hassle.

Assembling the Quinoa Salad

Once the quinoa is cooked, it’s time to bring together the fresh ingredients that round off this meal. Tossing together the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers creates a colorful salad that adds both crunch and freshness.

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper elevate the salad’s flavor profile, making it an inviting addition to the grilled chicken. This step demonstrates how easy it is to create chicken breast recipes healthy that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishing

When serving the dish, slicing the grilled chicken and arranging it on a bed of quinoa salad creates an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress.

For an extra touch, garnishing with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon adds brightness and enhances the overall appeal of the plate. This beautiful arrangement not only highlights the vibrant colors of the ingredients but also encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy this flavorful meal.

Delicious Herb-Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

This chicken breast dinner idea features juicy grilled chicken marinated in a blend of herbs, served alongside a delightful quinoa salad filled with fresh vegetables. The flavors are bright and well-balanced, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.

The chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite, while the quinoa salad adds a crunch and freshness that complements the main dish beautifully.

FAQ

• Q: What are some quick and easy chicken breast dinner ideas for weeknights?A: Sheet pan dinners, stir-fries, and one-pot pasta dishes are your best friends! These methods require minimal prep and cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Salads with grilled chicken are another good choice.
• Q: How can I make sure my chicken breast dinners are healthy?A: Focus on lean protein (skinless, boneless chicken breast), plenty of vegetables, and whole grains. Choose healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, or air frying over deep-frying. Avoid processed or pre-packaged ingredients whenever possible.
• Q: I’m bored with plain grilled chicken. What are some flavorful variations?A: Get creative with marinades, rubs, and sauces! Try a lemon-herb marinade, a spicy BBQ rub, or a flavorful teriyaki glaze. You can also stuff the chicken breasts with cheese, vegetables, or pesto for added flavor and interest.