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Irresistible Lemon-Herb Chicken Bowl

lemon-herb chicken bowl - featured image

A bright and fresh lemon-herb chicken bowl perfect for game day or a quick, wholesome meal. Juicy chicken marinated in lemon and herbs served over quinoa or brown rice with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh greens like baby spinach or arugula (a handful per bowl)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes up to 2 hours.
  3. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions, fluff with a fork, and keep warm.
  4. Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion thinly, and roughly chop greens. Slice avocado just before serving.
  5. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing; whisk until smooth.
  7. Assemble the bowl by layering quinoa or rice, fresh greens, sliced cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado slices.
  8. Drizzle with lemon-yogurt dressing and garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken between 20 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking. Fresh lemon zest is key for bright flavor. Use fresh herbs if possible for best taste. Dressing can be swapped for lemon-tahini or vinaigrette for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, chicken bowl, game day meal, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, lemon chicken, quinoa bowl, easy dinner