Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts baked with lemon and herbs, served with fluffy quinoa and crisp-tender broccoli for a balanced, protein-rich meal. This mediterranean-inspired snacks (high-protein, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) dry and rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken bakes, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Steam 1 bunch broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Once chicken is done, let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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