Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in delivering its incredible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Quinoa Base:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients: Setting the Stage

Marinating the Chicken

Do you know the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken? It’s all in the marinade! Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you’ve got time, let them soak up those flavors for a couple of hours in the fridge.

Prepping the Quinoa and Veggies

Rinsing quinoa is crucial to remove its natural bitterness. Once rinsed, drain it thoroughly. Dice the zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the red onion. It’s a simple prep that makes a world of difference in the final dish.

How to Assemble the Lemon Herb Chicken and Quinoa Bake

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! This is where the magic happens.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread the rinsed quinoa evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Scatter the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion over the quinoa. Sprinkle smoked paprika and chili flakes (if using) over the veggies for a touch of warmth and depth.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the quinoa and vegetables. Pour any leftover marinade over the dish—it’s packed with flavor and will seep into the quinoa as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Carefully pour the chicken broth into the dish, ensuring it covers the quinoa. This will help it cook to fluffy perfection while absorbing all those delicious juices.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to let the chicken brown slightly and the edges crisp up.