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Culinary Harmony: A Healthy Dinner with Chicken and Quinoa

Transform your evening meal into a nutritious and flavorful experience with this healthy dinner recipe featuring succulent chicken paired with the wholesome goodness of quinoa. Packed with protein, fiber, and a burst of vibrant flavors, this dish is a delightful way to end your day on a nutritious note.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Zest and juice of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa Salad:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
  4. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Quinoa Salad:

  1. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
  2. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
  4. Drizzle the remaining half of the lemon herb marinade over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Serving:

Plate the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken slices alongside a generous serving of the Quinoa Salad. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an added burst of flavor.

This delightful combination of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced and nutritious dinner. With a mix of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a perfect way to end your day on a healthy and delicious note. Enjoy the culinary harmony!

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