One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa
A simple, light chicken and quinoa dish infused with bright lemon and fragrant garlic, perfect for an effortless yet satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs quinoa, chicken broth, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 2 pieces (about 12 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup quinoa and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and gently fold them into the quinoa. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with 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 quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with 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 One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken with Quinoa gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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