Print

Irresistible Nye Snacks Lemon-Herb Chicken Dinner Bowl

lemon-herb chicken dinner bowl - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy lemon-herb chicken dinner bowl featuring juicy chicken marinated in fresh lemon and herbs, served over wholesome grains and fresh veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal preppers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (185 g quinoa or 195 g brown rice), cooked
  • Optional: lemon juice or olive oil for fluffing the grains
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (extra parsley or basil)
  • Optional extras: feta cheese crumbles, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
  3. Rinse quinoa or brown rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions (quinoa about 15 minutes, brown rice about 40 minutes). Fluff with a fork and optionally toss with lemon juice or olive oil.
  4. While grains cook, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop red onion. Soak onion in cold water for 10 minutes if desired to mellow flavor. Chop extra herbs for garnish.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  6. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden and lemony.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
  8. Assemble bowls by layering quinoa or rice, topped with chicken and arranged veggies. Sprinkle with optional feta, nuts, or avocado slices. Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle with olive oil or lemon juice.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better marinade adhesion and crispier sear. Rinse quinoa to remove bitterness. Avoid overcrowding pan to ensure even cooking. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices. Adjust seasoning after assembly. For vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated similarly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, chicken dinner bowl, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, quinoa bowl, brown rice bowl, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/irresistible-nye-snacks-lemon-herb-chicken-dinner-bowl-recipe-easy-and-delicious/