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Healthy Chicken Breast Recipe with Roasted Zucchini and Lemon Herb Quinoa for Easy Meal Prep

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A quick and easy meal featuring juicy marinated chicken breast, caramelized roasted zucchini, and bright lemon herb quinoa, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–7 ounces / 170–200 grams each), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup (185 grams) rinsed white quinoa
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or basil
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl or a resealable bag, coating them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.
  4. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a small sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme.
  5. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on one side of a rimmed baking sheet and spread the zucchini slices on the other side in a single layer.
  6. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping zucchini halfway through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  8. Fluff quinoa with a fork. Add chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  9. Serve the roasted chicken breast alongside the zucchini and lemon herb quinoa. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes, longer if possible for better flavor. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Roast zucchini until golden but still slightly firm. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chicken breast, roasted zucchini, lemon herb quinoa, easy meal prep, quick dinner, gluten-free, low-carb option

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/healthy-chicken-breast-recipe-with-roasted-zucchini-and-lemon-herb-quinoa-for-easy-meal-prep/