Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: Fresh Ideas
Enjoy a refreshing and healthy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, perfect for any meal.
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a delightful combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing. It's perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy weeknight dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and zesty flavors that elevate your meal
- Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
The Benefits of Grilling
Grilling is a fantastic cooking method that not only adds a unique flavor to your food but also promotes healthier eating. When you grill chicken, the excess fat drips away, resulting in a leaner protein option. This method also allows you to infuse your dishes with various herbs and spices, enhancing the taste without added calories. Plus, grilling can be a fun and interactive cooking experience, perfect for family gatherings or summer barbecues.
Another advantage of grilling is the speed at which you can cook your meals. With the right preparation, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl exemplifies this, as the marinated chicken cooks quickly on the grill while you prepare the fresh ingredients for your bowl. It's an efficient way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Insights
Choosing high-quality ingredients is essential for making the most flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl. Opt for organic chicken breasts whenever possible; they are free from antibiotics and hormones, ensuring a healthier meal. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary not only enhance the taste but also provide numerous health benefits. These herbs are rich in antioxidants and can support digestion, making your meal both tasty and nutritious.
The base of your bowl, whether quinoa or brown rice, is another important choice. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and those looking to boost their protein intake. Brown rice, on the other hand, is a whole grain that offers fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Both options pair beautifully with the grilled chicken and fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal.
Perfect Pairings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and match your favorite vegetables to make this bowl your own!
Cooking Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Bowl
In a large bowl, layer cooked quinoa or rice, followed by grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the assembled bowl.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Tips for Meal Prep
Meal prepping can save you time and stress during the week, and the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is perfect for this. After grilling the chicken, slice it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble your bowls throughout the week. Cooked quinoa or rice can also be stored in the fridge for up to five days, making it easy to grab and go.
To keep your vegetables fresh, consider prepping them in advance, but store them separately until you're ready to eat. This will prevent them from becoming soggy. When you're ready for a meal, simply combine all the components in a bowl, add your dressing, and enjoy a nutritious dish in minutes.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers from your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will remain good for up to three days, while the vegetables and grains can last for five days. For best results, avoid mixing all components together before storing, as this can lead to mushy textures.
When it's time to reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The grains can also be reheated in the microwave, but consider adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Fresh toppings like avocado or herbs should be added just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies or beans.
→ What can I serve with this bowl?
You can serve a side salad or some grilled vegetables.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Enjoy a refreshing and healthy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, perfect for any meal.
Created by: Lorna Whitcombe
Recipe Type: Fresh Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, layer cooked quinoa or rice, followed by grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the assembled bowl.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g