Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful — and they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the grill time slightly since thighs often take a bit longer to cook through. Whether you go with white or dark meat, the zesty marinade still makes Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa a hit.

Is quinoa healthier than rice?

In many ways, yes! Quinoa is considered a complete protein , meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids — something most grains lack. It also packs more fiber and fewer carbs than white rice, making it a great pick for balanced meals like Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa .

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. This recipe is a meal prep dream. You can grill the chicken and make the quinoa salad up to four days in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers, and you’re good to go. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

How long can quinoa salad stay fresh in the fridge?

When stored properly, quinoa salad can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days . Just make sure it’s sealed tight and kept in the fridge. If you’re adding extras like feta or yogurt, add those just before serving to keep everything tasting fresh.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Fresh

Description

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa is a fresh, zesty, and nutritious dinner featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served alongside a vibrant quinoa salad with crisp veggies and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or rosemary)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Quinoa Salad:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/2 red onion, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1.In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
3. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Bring it to a boil with water, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool.
4. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest before slicing.
6. Combine quinoa with diced veggies and herbs. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Toss well.
7. Serve the grilled chicken sliced over or next to the quinoa salad.

Notes

Don’t over-marinate the chicken — citrus can break down the meat.
Cool quinoa fully before mixing in fresh ingredients to keep salad crisp.
Add feta, chili flakes, or roasted vegetables for more flavor and texture.
Meal-prep friendly and delicious hot or cold!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling, Boiling, Assembling
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: grilled chicken and quinoa, lemon herb chicken, healthy dinner, gluten-free recipe, quinoa salad, lemon garlic chicken