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Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa That Bursts With Flavor

A quick and flavorful chicken quinoa dish that features zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless Opt for fresh and organic for best flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice, freshly squeezed Can substitute with lime juice for a twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
For the Quinoa
  • 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed Rinsing helps remove bitter saponins.
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Can substitute with water if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes For added heat.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups Spinach or kale

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove the bitter saponins.
  2. Combine the rinsed quinoa with chicken broth in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken breasts, then place them in the skillet.
  3. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F).
  4. Remove the chicken and cover it to keep warm.
Sautéing the Garlic
  1. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combining Flavors
  1. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in the lemon juice, and stir to combine.
  2. Allow the flavors to meld for about 1-2 minutes.
Mixing with Quinoa
  1. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet with the chicken.
  2. Toss everything together until well combined and adjust your seasoning as needed.
  3. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.