Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa Recipe
A vibrant and healthy one-pot meal featuring tender garlic lemon chicken served over fluffy quinoa, infused with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts (Boneless and skinless)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (Freshly minced)
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Quinoa and Vegetables
- 1 cup Quinoa (Rinsed)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (Chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (For heat)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (Halved)
- 2 cups Spinach or kale (Tossed in near the end)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken breasts in the mixture until evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the zesty flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with juices running clear.
- Toast Quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa to the same skillet. Stir it around for about 2 minutes until it becomes lightly toasted and fragrant, turning the grains golden.
- Cook Quinoa: Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently. Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the broth is fully absorbed.
- Combine and Rest: Nestle the seared chicken back into the cooked quinoa. Cover the skillet and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken juices to seep into the quinoa.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, toss in the spinach or kale so it wilts slightly. Transfer the chicken and quinoa to plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest and color. Enjoy warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural bitterness.
- Use bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra creaminess, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Spinach or kale can be substituted with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
Keywords: garlic lemon chicken, quinoa recipe, healthy dinner, one-pot meal, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, quick dinner
