Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus and garlic, paired with a refreshing quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs and vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 small, diced cucumber
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, 1 diced small cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss gently.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve chicken sliced over or alongside the herb quinoa salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (40 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad?
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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad?
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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad 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.
What goes well with Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad?
Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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