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Flavorful New Years Eve Dinner Bowl with Lemon-Herb Chicken

lemon-herb chicken bowl - featured image

A quick and easy healthy dinner bowl featuring lemon-herb marinated chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  5. While chicken rests, slice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and rinse baby spinach or mixed greens.
  6. Divide cooked quinoa or rice between bowls. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and greens. Sprinkle with feta if using. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently or arrange artfully.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Use medium-high heat to get a golden crust without burning. Add avocado fresh before serving to prevent browning. For dairy-free, omit feta or substitute with toasted nuts. Quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice can be used as base.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, dinner bowl, healthy recipe, avocado, quinoa bowl, New Years Eve dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, healthy celebration