Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli

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

Tender grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon and herbs served alongside fluffy quinoa and fresh steamed broccoli, perfect for a balanced, protein-rich meal. This mediterranean-inspired healthy bowls (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 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, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Bring a pot of water to a boil and steam 3 cups broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts over quinoa with steamed broccoli on the side. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli 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 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled 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 Grilled 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 Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Quinoa and Steamed Broccoli high protein?

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

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