Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Quinoa Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus and herbs paired with a fresh quinoa salad loaded with colorful vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, plus 2 tbsp for salad 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour marinade over. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: 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. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, toss cooked quinoa with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken sliced over the quinoa salad.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 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 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 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with 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.

Related recipes