Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Quinoa

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

Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh lemon and dill, served over vibrant herb-infused quinoa for a light yet satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chicken breasts dry, then rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken in a baking dish, top with 1/2 lemon juice, 2 tbsp dill, and minced garlic. Bake for 20-22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden.
  3. Step 3: While chicken bakes, combine quinoa, vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp salt, and remaining lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, stir in remaining 1 tbsp dill and 2 tbsp chives. Serve chicken over quinoa with reserved pan juices spooned over top.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Quinoa?

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.

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