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Fresh Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl Recipe Easy Healthy Quinoa Veggies

Fresh Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl - featured image

A bright and flavorful bowl combining marinated lemon herb chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh veggies for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (white or tri-color recommended)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 small garlic clove, crushed (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Feta cheese crumbles, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey if using. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth (or water) and crushed garlic to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed. Cook chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Prepare the Veggies: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, and herbs. Slice avocado just before assembling.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Place a scoop of quinoa in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, then fresh veggies and herbs. Add avocado slices and sprinkle feta cheese if using. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to avoid mushy texture. Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Add avocado and fresh herbs just before serving to keep them fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, quinoa bowl, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, meal prep, fresh veggies, gluten-free, high protein