Description
Easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Quinoa is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon and fragrant garlic sauce, combined with fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for quick lunches or simple dinners that energize your day with fresh, natural ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 splash grape juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients
- Natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook the quinoa in 2 cups of vegetable broth until fluffy and tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside and let it cool slightly.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a little lemon zest. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a splash of grape juice to create a bright, tangy sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Slice the rested chicken and add it back to the pan along with the cooked quinoa. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Prep ingredients ahead by chopping garlic and zesting lemons to save time.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best brightness and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy; cook until just done.
- Fluff quinoa gently with a fork to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Substitute parsley with cilantro or basil for a flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: garlic lemon chicken, quinoa recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken dish, gluten free chicken quinoa
