Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Quinoa Pilaf
Tips for Experienced Cooks
Maximize the flavors by marinating the chicken for longer, up to 24 hours if possible. This deepens the aromatic infusion of herbs and spices, providing a richer taste. For the roasted vegetables, try experimenting with additional herbs like basil or marjoram, and consider a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes of roasting for a tangy contrast. Explore the idea of toasting the quinoa in a dry pan before boiling to bring out a nuttier flavor, and add a clove of minced garlic to the simmering broth for extra depth.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large baking sheet, toss together the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden.
- 2 zucchini (sliced)
- 2 yellow squash (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 4: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 5: Serve
To serve, divide the grilled chicken breasts among plates. Serve with a generous portion of the roasted vegetables and quinoa pilaf.
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 4 whole chicken breast
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 2 whole zucchini
- 2 whole yellow squash
- 1 whole red bell pepper
- 1 whole yellow bell pepper
- 1 whole red onion
Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole salt
- 1 whole pepper