The Best Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa
Tender herb-crusted chicken roasted to golden perfection, paired with fluffy quinoa and seasonal vegetables for a balanced, healthy meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken breast, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 medium (2 lbs) cubed butternut squash
- 12 pieces brussels sprouts
- 1 whole lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season 2 lbs chicken breast with 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp thyme, and 1 tbsp rosemary. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil and let rest 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until absorbed.
- Step 3: Toss 2 lbs butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
- Step 4: Toss brussels sprouts with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast alongside squash for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
- Step 5: Place chicken in a roasting pan with 1/2 cup quinoa. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and juices run clear. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 The Best Herb-Roasted 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Herb-Roasted 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 The Best Herb-Roasted Chicken with 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 The Best Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.