Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh herbs served alongside fluffy lemon-garlic quinoa for a wholesome meal. This mediterranean-inspired father’s day (high protein) ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 chicken breasts and coat evenly; marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, bring 2 cups low sodium chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Remove quinoa from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced chicken atop the lemon-garlic quinoa for a balanced and flavorful plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa?

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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Quinoa high protein?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes