Description
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a fresh, cozy, and satisfying one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and protein-packed quinoa. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious dish balances zest, protein, and comfort perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and customizable options.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Quinoa
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces
- 1 cup quinoa
Flavorings and Liquids
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness, then pat dry. Mince 3 garlic cloves finely. Zest and juice 1 lemon. Chop fresh parsley. Cut 1 pound chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté the Chicken and Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Quinoa and Liquids: Pour in rinsed quinoa, 2 cups vegetable broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine flavors. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.
- Let it Cook: Simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Maintain low heat to avoid burning while keeping a gentle simmer.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off heat once quinoa is fluffy and chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa well to remove natural bitterness and ensure fluffier texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum brightness and flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add garlic after chicken sautés to prevent burning and enhance aroma.
- Let the dish rest covered off heat to help quinoa fully absorb flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: garlic chicken quinoa, lemon chicken quinoa, easy one-pot dinner, quick healthy meals, weeknight chicken recipes
