Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce

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

Tender roasted chicken served with fluffy herb-infused quinoa and a bright, tangy lemon-dill sauce for a balanced weeknight dinner. This american-inspired new year ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, salt 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: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) dry, then rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, bring 1 1/2 cups chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until broth is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup chopped dill.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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 thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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 Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Herb-Quinoa Chicken with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

American new year 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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