Description
Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a delightful, nutritious meal that satisfies both the palate and the body. This vibrant dish features tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, served atop fluffy quinoa and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Quinoa (any color)
- 2 cups Water or Chicken/Vegetable Broth
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
- 1 Cucumber, Diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
- ½ Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata Olives, Pitted and Halved
- ¼ cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (Optional)
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro, Chopped
- Avocado, Sliced or Diced
- ¼ cup Olive Oil for Dressing
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice for Dressing
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard for Dressing
- Salt and Pepper to taste for Dressing
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken breasts to the marinade; ensure they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap or seal in a bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. In a pot over medium heat, combine quinoa with broth (or water) along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork once done.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade; discard excess marinade. Grill chicken breasts for about 6–7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips after resting for 5 minutes. In bowls or plates, layer cooked quinoa followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion slices, olives, feta cheese (if using), avocado slices, and chopped herbs. Drizzle with dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard along with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor; overnight is ideal. Experiment with toppings like nuts or different vegetables to suit your taste.