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Flavorful Lemon-Herb Chicken Bowl

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A quick and easy lemon-herb chicken bowl featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, cooked according to package instructions
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for dressing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for dressing)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  3. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice avocado, and chop fresh herbs. Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces (discard excess marinade). Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  6. Whisk together olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
  7. Assemble the bowl: place quinoa or rice at the base, top with chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese. Drizzle dressing over and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful. Use medium-high heat for a golden crust without drying the chicken. Let chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices. Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or tartness by balancing honey and lemon juice. Cook quinoa in advance to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, chicken bowl, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/flavorful-lemon-herb-chicken-bowl-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-bliss/