Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bright citrus blend served atop a fluffy herb-infused quinoa salad. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 65 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil 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. 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 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Season the mixture with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing gently to combine.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 5: Serve the sliced grilled chicken over a bed of the herb quinoa salad, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 fresh orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Herb Quinoa Salad gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
