Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Collection
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. Marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served over a bed of vibrant vegetables and grains make it a wholesome meal.
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl combines succulent grilled chicken with fresh veggies and a zesty lemon dressing. It's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright lemon flavor that enhances the grilled chicken
- Packed with fresh vegetables for a colorful, healthy meal
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
The Perfect Marinade
The marinade is the star of the show in this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl. Combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a bright and zesty flavor profile that infuses the chicken with moisture and taste. This marinade not only enhances the chicken but also lends a delightful aroma to your kitchen as it grills. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making this dish a standout at any meal.
Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary elevates the dish, bringing a garden-fresh taste that complements the lemon beautifully. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can also prepare the marinade in advance and let the chicken soak overnight for even deeper flavors. This flexibility makes it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Vibrant Vegetable Medley
This bowl is not just about the chicken; the vibrant vegetable medley adds both color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions create a visually appealing dish that’s also full of vitamins and minerals. Each ingredient contributes its unique texture and flavor, making every bite a delightful experience. Fresh vegetables are essential for a balanced meal, providing fiber and antioxidants that promote overall health.
Feel free to customize the vegetable assortment based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. For instance, adding roasted zucchini or seasonal greens can enhance the flavor and nutrition of this dish. The versatility of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl means you can experiment with different vegetables to keep it fresh and exciting.
Serving Suggestions
To take your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl to the next level, consider serving it with a light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over the top. This simple dressing, made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey or mustard, ties all the flavors together beautifully. It adds an extra layer of brightness that enhances the entire dish.
This bowl is perfect for meal prepping as well. Prepare the components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your bowl, and you have a healthy, delicious meal in minutes. It’s ideal for lunches at work or quick dinners after a busy day.
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, chopped
- 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 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Assemble the Bowl
In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, followed by the grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle with any remaining marinade or a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Feel free to customize your bowl with any of your favorite vegetables!
Nutrition Highlights
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the quinoa or brown rice serves as a hearty base rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. These elements help keep you full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced meal.
The variety of fresh vegetables adds a rainbow of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like potassium and magnesium. Incorporating such a diverse array of produce into your meals can help support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the marinade will continue to develop, making the chicken even tastier the next day. However, to maintain the quality of the vegetables, it’s best to store them separately and add them to your bowl just before serving.
For longer storage, consider freezing the grilled chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before assembling your bowl.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or shrimp for a different flavor.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables in advance for a quick meal.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use quinoa or brown rice, this recipe is gluten-free.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. Marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served over a bed of vibrant vegetables and grains make it a wholesome meal.
Created by: Ophelia Turner
Recipe Type: Home Healthy Meals Collection
Skill Level: Easy
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, chopped
- 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 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In a large bowl, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, followed by the grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle with any remaining marinade or a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g