Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: Smart Favorites
Enjoy a delightful and refreshing Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl combines the zest of lemon with the freshness of herbs, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. The succulent chicken paired with vibrant vegetables creates a bowl that is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor paired with aromatic herbs
- Grilled chicken that is tender and juicy
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
A Healthy Choice
Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring, and this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a perfect example. Packed with protein from the grilled chicken and wholesome grains from the quinoa, it's a balanced meal that satisfies your hunger without weighing you down. The colorful vegetables add not only nutrition but also a vibrant presentation that makes this dish appealing to the eye.
Quinoa is a fantastic base for this bowl, offering a gluten-free option that's high in protein and fiber. It complements the tender chicken beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. The fresh vegetables bring in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring you get a nutritious dose with every serving.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is its versatility. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted sweet potatoes can be great additions to this dish, allowing you to create your personal twist.
If you're looking to switch up the protein, feel free to use shrimp, tofu, or even a different cut of chicken. The marinade works wonders on various proteins, infusing them with that zesty lemon and herb flavor that makes this dish so special. Tailoring this recipe to your preferences ensures that it remains a family favorite.
Perfect for Meal Prep
In today's fast-paced world, meal prep is key to staying on track with healthy eating. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is not only quick to make but also stores well in the fridge. You can prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Simply keep the components separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness. The chicken can be grilled in advance, and the quinoa can be cooked in bulk. Just assemble the bowl when you're ready, and you have a delicious, nutritious meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
Make sure to rinse and drain any canned ingredients before use.
Instructions
Follow the steps carefully for the best results.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Bowl
In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and parsley. Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice if desired.
Serve
Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating for the best flavor absorption.
What can I substitute for quinoa? If you're not a fan of quinoa, brown rice or farro are excellent alternatives that will still provide a hearty base for your bowl.
Storage Tips
To keep your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl fresh, store the components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken and quinoa can last up to 4 days, while the vegetables should be used within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
If you want to freeze the chicken, it can be stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy.
→ Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Enjoy a delightful and refreshing Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Created by: Elodie Fairfax
Recipe Type: Smart Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and parsley. Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice if desired.
Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g