A clean, protein-rich meal featuring Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli is perfect for various occasions, from a light lunch to a satisfying dinner. This recipe highlights the zesty flavors of lemon and pepper, combined with fluffy quinoa and tender broccoli, making it a delicious and nutritious option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish supports a balanced diet and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this meal suits various dietary preferences while being colorful and appealing.
• Flavorful Profile: The lemon-pepper marinade infuses the chicken with a vibrant taste that pairs perfectly with the wholesome quinoa and steamed broccoli.
• One-Pan Cooking: Grill the chicken while cooking the quinoa at the same time, maximizing convenience and minimizing cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. These essential items will help you create your Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Medium saucepan
• Steamer basket or pot for steaming
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool allows for even cooking while giving the chicken those beautiful grill marks and enhancing flavor.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking quinoa perfectly without burning it; its size accommodates water or broth comfortably.
• Steamer basket or pot for steaming: Ensures that broccoli retains its nutrients while achieving the perfect tenderness without overcooking.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 chicken breast, butterflied or halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of lemon
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 cup water or broth
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

For the Broccoli:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Salt for seasoning

How to Make Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate & Grill Chicken

Mix together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breast thoroughly with this marinade. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all those flavors. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse your dry quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with water or broth along with a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork before stirring in olive oil and optional chopped parsley.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

While your chicken is grilling and quinoa is cooking, steam or boil broccoli florets until they are just tender—this should take about 4 minutes. Once cooked, drain them if needed and season lightly with salt.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

On a plate, create a bed of fluffy quinoa as your base. Top it generously with grilled chicken slices. Add steamed broccoli on the side for a balanced meal that’s as good to look at as it is to eat!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

Serving Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal. The vibrant flavors and textures make it an appealing choice for both lunch and dinner.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the chicken to enhance its zesty flavor.

On a Bed of Mixed Greens

• Serve the chicken and quinoa on a bed of mixed greens for added crunch and nutrition.

Topped with Avocado

• Add sliced avocado on top of the grilled chicken for creaminess and healthy fats.

With a Side of Hummus

• Pair your meal with hummus for a tasty dip, perfect for enjoying with broccoli florets.

How to Perfect Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

To achieve the best results when making Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and herbs provide better taste compared to bottled alternatives.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinsing quinoa helps remove bitterness from its natural coating, resulting in a fluffier grain.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on salt when cooking quinoa or steaming broccoli to elevate their flavors.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs like thyme or cilantro to the quinoa for variety in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in vinaigrette complements the meal’s flavors well.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully.
5. Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provides additional texture and nutrients.
6. Baked Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb option is light yet filling, absorbing flavors from the main dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s final result.

• Bold Marinade Timing: Allowing the chicken to marinate for too long can overpower its flavor. Stick to 10 minutes for optimal taste.
• Bold Quinoa Rinsing: Neglecting to rinse quinoa can lead to a bitter flavor. Always rinse it under cold water before cooking.
• Bold Overcooking Broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long can make it mushy and unappealing. Steam or boil just until tender, about 4 minutes.
• Bold Incorrect Cooking Temperature: Grilling chicken at too high a temperature can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use medium heat for even cooking.
• Bold Forgetting Seasoning: Failing to season each component properly can result in blandness. Be sure to season the quinoa and broccoli as you prepare them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli.

How do I make Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli healthier?

You can use skinless chicken breast and substitute olive oil with cooking spray. Additionally, increase the vegetable portion for more nutrients.

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes! You can swap quinoa for brown rice or couscous. Adjust cooking times according to the grain used.

What should I serve with Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness and texture.

How do I store leftovers of Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preference. Try this protein-rich meal today!

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Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

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Description

Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with Quinoa & Broccoli is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This protein-packed meal features succulent grilled chicken marinated in zesty lemon and pepper, served alongside fluffy quinoa and tender broccoli. Not only is it easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, but it also caters to various dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or satisfying dinner. With its colorful presentation and delicious taste, this dish will impress family and friends alike while supporting a balanced diet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 chicken breast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of lemon
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1 cup water or broth
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Salt for seasoning

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
3. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then combine with water or broth and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
4. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt.
5. To serve, create a bed of quinoa on a plate, top with grilled chicken slices, and arrange steamed broccoli on the side.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, let the chicken marinate longer—up to 30 minutes if time allows. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or cilantro added to the quinoa for extra taste.