Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes
A Mediterranean-inspired dish with juicy chicken thighs roasted with aromatic herbs, served over fluffy quinoa and roasted cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean (mediterranean) ready in about 75 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken thighs, olive oil, (minced) garlic 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 (6 oz each) chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tbsp (chopped) rosemary
- 1 tbsp (chopped) thyme
- 1 lemon (zested) lemon zest
- 1 cup (uncooked) quinoa
- 2 cups (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 (sliced) red onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Spread cherry tomatoes and red onion on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer chicken to the baking sheet with vegetables, brush with remaining olive oil, and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and juices run clear. Cook quinoa in salted boiling water for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Serve chicken over quinoa with roasted tomatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 (6 oz each) chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes 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-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
