Grilled Chicken Breast With Quinoa
As a home cook who's passionate about gluten-free cooking, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that are both delicious and easy to make. That's why I'm excited to share with you my recipe for grilled chicken breast with quinoa, a perfect combination of protein and complex carbohydrates that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
I remember the first time I made this dish, I was amazed at how flavorful and tender the chicken turned out, and how well it paired with the nutty flavor of quinoa. Since then, I've made it countless times, and it's become a favorite among my friends and family.
What I love about this recipe is that it's not only gluten-free, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish, and it's perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special occasion.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of techniques to achieve the perfect grilled chicken breast, including marinating, grilling, and resting. We'll also be cooking quinoa to the perfect texture, with a focus on using the right ratio of water to quinoa and cooking it for the right amount of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- It's a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- The combination of grilled chicken and quinoa is a perfect pairing of protein and complex carbohydrates.
- This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
- It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
- The flavors in this recipe are delicious and well-balanced, making it a great option for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe is in the combination of techniques used to cook the chicken and quinoa. By marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, we're able to add flavor and tenderize the meat, making it perfect for grilling.
Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat allows us to achieve a nice char on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. And by cooking the quinoa in a mixture of water and chicken broth, we're able to add flavor and texture to the dish.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of quinoa, which is a complete protein and a great source of complex carbohydrates. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breast, quinoa, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. You'll also need some salt and pepper to season the dish, as well as some chicken broth to add flavor to the quinoa.
When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality options. For the chicken breast, look for boneless and skinless breasts that are free of added hormones and antibiotics. For the quinoa, choose a high-quality brand that is gluten-free and has a nice texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breastsLook for chicken breasts that are free of added hormones and antibiotics, and that have a nice texture and flavor.
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drainedChoose a high-quality brand of quinoa that is gluten-free and has a nice texture.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that has a nice flavor and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juiceUse freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves of garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and mince it finely to release its oils and flavor compounds.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thymeChoose a high-quality brand of thyme that has a nice flavor and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon of saltUse a high-quality salt that has a nice flavor and texture, such as kosher salt or sea salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
- 2 cups of chicken brothChoose a high-quality brand of chicken broth that is gluten-free and has a nice flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture, and chop it finely to release its oils and flavor compounds.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breast With Quinoa
- 1In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- 2Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat, making sure they are fully covered in the marinade.
- 3Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
- 4Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it's hot before adding the chicken.
- 5Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
- 6While the chicken is cooking, rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well, making sure to remove any excess water.
- 7In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, then add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low, covering the saucepan with a lid.
- 8Simmer the quinoa for 15-20 minutes, or until it's tender and the liquid has been absorbed, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- 9Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, making sure to tent it with foil to keep it warm.
- 10Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the quinoa.
- 11Slice the chicken breasts and serve with the quinoa, making sure to garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken and quinoa, to get the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough, making sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish, such as thyme and parsley, making sure to choose fresh and high-quality options.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the dish your own, such as adding other vegetables or spices to the quinoa.
- Make sure to cook the quinoa according to the package instructions, as it can be easy to overcook, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Use a grill or grill pan to add a smoky flavor to the chicken, making sure to preheat it to medium-high heat before adding the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, as it will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender, making sure to tent it with foil to keep it warm.
- Serve the dish with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad, to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough, making sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish, making sure to choose fresh and high-quality options.
- Not cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions, which can result in overcooked or undercooked quinoa, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Not letting the chicken rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out and the chicken to become dry, making sure to tent it with foil to keep it warm.
- Not using a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish, which can make it bland and uninteresting, making sure to choose fresh and high-quality options.
- Not serving the dish with a variety of sides, which can make it feel like a incomplete meal, making sure to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the quinoa for extra flavor and nutrition, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Use different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a variation on the dish, making sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
- Add some heat to the dish by using spicy herbs or spices, such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, making sure to choose fresh and high-quality options.
- Use different types of grains, such as brown rice or farro, for a variation on the quinoa, making sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
- Add some nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the quinoa for extra crunch and nutrition, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a variation on the lemon juice, making sure to choose fresh and high-quality options.
- Add some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the quinoa for extra sweetness and flavor, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Breast With Quinoa
This dish is perfect for serving as a main course, and can be paired with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad, to add some extra flavor and nutrition.
Some other options for serving this dish include serving it with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or serving it with a side of quinoa salad, made with cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
To store the dish, simply place the cooked chicken and quinoa in an airtight container, and refrigerate or freeze as desired.
When reheating the dish, simply microwave or oven-heat the chicken and quinoa until warmed through, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
It's also a good idea to label and date the container, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored, and make sure to consume it within the recommended time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook quinoa?
The best way to cook quinoa is to rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well, then cook it in a medium saucepan with a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, bringing the water to a boil, then reducing the heat to low and covering the saucepan with a lid, and simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
The best way to know if the chicken is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer, which should read 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the breast, making sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones or fat.
Can I use different types of protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of protein in this recipe, such as shrimp or tofu, making sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and using a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor to the dish.
How do I store this dish?
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers, and simply placing the cooked chicken and quinoa in an airtight container, and refrigerating or freezing as desired.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers, and simply cooking the chicken and quinoa, then storing it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
What are some variations on this recipe?
Some variations on this recipe include adding diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the quinoa, using different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu, or adding some heat to the dish by using spicy herbs or spices, such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, and using a variety of gluten-free ingredients, such as quinoa and chicken broth.
Can I serve this dish at a dinner party?
Yes, you can serve this dish at a dinner party, making it a great option for a special occasion, and pairing it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad, to add some extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat, making sure they are fully covered in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it's hot before adding the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well, making sure to remove any excess water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, then add the quinoa and reduce the heat to low, covering the saucepan with a lid.
- Simmer the quinoa for 15-20 minutes, or until it's tender and the liquid has been absorbed, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, making sure to tent it with foil to keep it warm.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the quinoa.
- Slice the chicken breasts and serve with the quinoa, making sure to garnish with additional parsley if desired.