Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Inspiration
A refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for those sunny days when you want a light yet satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright citrus flavor that enhances the chicken
- Packed with fresh herbs for an aromatic touch
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls are the ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want a nutritious meal. This dish comes together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delightful dinner ready in under an hour, making it a favorite among families and individuals alike.
The combination of grilled chicken with the freshness of vegetables and the nutty flavor of quinoa creates a balanced meal that's both satisfying and wholesome. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, thanks to the zesty lemon and aromatic herbs that infuse the chicken during marination. You'll find that this bowl is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best features of this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap out quinoa for brown rice or couscous, or incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique bowl every time you make it.
Additionally, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch of marinated chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also pre-cook the quinoa and chop your vegetables ahead of time, making it easy to assemble your bowls throughout the week. This not only saves time but also ensures you have healthy meals ready to go, perfect for those hectic days.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This recipe boasts a variety of health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Quinoa, often referred to as a superfood, is rich in fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Together, these ingredients provide the energy needed to fuel your active lifestyle.
The fresh vegetables, like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Avocado adds healthy fats, which are vital for heart health and can help keep you feeling full longer. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this bowl is designed to nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a flavorful meal!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl:
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
Cook the Quinoa
While the chicken is grilling, cook the quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
Prepare the Bowl
In a bowl, layer cooked quinoa, grilled chicken (sliced), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken
To achieve perfectly grilled chicken, ensure that your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This temperature allows for a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Additionally, avoid flipping the chicken too often; let it cook undisturbed for the recommended time on each side to develop those beautiful grill marks.
Another tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken. By following these simple techniques, you'll elevate your grilled chicken to restaurant-quality perfection, making your Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls even more enjoyable.
Storage and Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, you're in luck! The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping, as you can enjoy it in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for pizzas.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. You can also serve it cold in a salad for a refreshing twist. With its delicious flavor profile, this dish remains delightful even days after it's made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the quinoa a day in advance to save time.
→ What can I serve with this bowl?
This bowl is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
A refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Created by: Nicola Fairchild
Recipe Type: Clean Healthy Food Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
While the chicken is grilling, cook the quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
In a bowl, layer cooked quinoa, grilled chicken (sliced), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g