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Flavorful Lemon-Herb Chicken Dinner Bowl

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A quick and easy lemon-herb marinated chicken served over a base of quinoa or brown rice with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing, perfect for New Year’s Eve snacks or a casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Cook 1 cup of quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Quinoa takes about 15 minutes; brown rice 40-45 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and measure out baby spinach or mixed greens. Set aside.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
  6. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  9. Assemble the bowl by starting with quinoa or rice, then add greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced chicken.
  10. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle feta cheese on top if using.
  11. Gently toss everything and serve immediately. For prep ahead, keep dressing separate and add before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor; resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy. Use medium-high heat for a good sear without burning herbs. Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Whisk dressing vigorously to emulsify. For a creamier dressing, add Greek yogurt. Multitask by cooking grains first, prepping veggies while chicken marinates, then cook chicken last.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, dinner bowl, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, New Year’s Eve snacks, easy chicken dinner, quinoa bowl, brown rice bowl

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/flavorful-lemon-herb-chicken-dinner-bowl-easy-new-years-eve-snacks/