Herbed Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad

Craving the best high protein chicken recipes? Try my simple herb-glazed chicken with protein-packed quinoa salad! Perfect for weeknights.

May 18, 2025
By Leo Martins.

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Discover the Magic of Herbed Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad

You ever have one of those days where you just want something delicious, healthy, and easy? well, let me tell you about this herbed grilled chicken with quinoa salad ! trust me, it’s one of those high protein chicken recipes that checks all the boxes.

Picture this: juicy chicken marinated in fresh herbs, grilled to perfection, paired with a vibrant quinoa salad that dances with flavor.

Yup, it's that good!

This dish takes cues from mediterranean vibes and brings a taste of summer to your table. seriously, if you could bottle summer in a meal, this would be it! it’s beautiful, colorful, and makes you feel fancy without the fuss.

The whole thing takes about an hour, with 20 minutes of actual cooking, plus another 30 minutes of marinating. and guess what? it serves four , so you can impress your family or save some for meal prep.

Now let's talk about the benefits. first off, it’s packed with protein! this recipe uses chicken breasts, which are super lean and great for muscle power.

Plus, quinoa is a nutritional superstar, bringing in those excellent grains with a nutty twist. perfect for a healthy dinner recipe that won't weigh you down on a busy weeknight.

Whether you’re throwing a summer barbeque or just need a quick, healthy meal after work, this dish is a champion.

One of my favorite things about this recipe? the marinade. i mean, it’s super simple, but the explosion of flavor once the chicken hits the grill? oh my gosh! fresh lemon, fragrant thyme, and rosemary collide in this herb-infused hug for the chicken.

It’s light, bright, and just downright delicious!

Honestly, making it has its challenges. i remember the first time i grilled chicken—i was terrified it would turn out dry and sad.

But with this recipe, just let the chicken hang out in that marinade for a while and it will soak in all those yummy flavors.

Plus, don’t skip the resting time after grilling. letting it sit for a few minutes makes all the difference to keep those juices in!

So grab your grill, and let’s dive into those ingredients because you’re about to impress yourself in the best way possible!

Herbed Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Preheat the grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Plate sliced chicken alongside the quinoa salad and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

To whip up this Herbed Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad , you'll need some pretty straightforward stuff. Here’s the breakdown for the high protein chicken recipes lovers out there:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g )
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Quinoa Salad:

• 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Quality is key. go for chicken breasts that feel firm and have a nice pink hue. for quinoa, a nutty smell is your best friend, and for those herbs? fresh ones will seriously elevate your dish.

Seasoning Notes

Now let’s talk flavor. this recipe shines because of its seasoning. you need those essential spices , like salt and pepper, for a solid base.

But hey, toss in some paprika for warmth or a pinch of cayenne if you like a kick!

If you run out of lemon juice, white vinegar is a fab substitute. outta thyme? dried oregano or basil could work in a pinch, too.

Seriously, it’s about making it work for you!

Equipment Needed

Alright, let’s get down to the gear. You won't need to raid the kitchen—just grab these essentials:

• Grill pan or outdoor grill : Don’t stress if you don’t have an outdoor grill; the pan will do just fine!
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

If you’re missing any of these tools, don’t worry! a regular skillet can sub for a grill pan, and you can mix in any bowl you have handy.

Cooking shouldn't stress you out—it should be fun!

Wrapping It Up

With these ingredients and handy tools, you'll be well on your way to a delicious meal. this healthy dinner recipe no bread required is high in protein and flavorful, making it a winner for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping.

So, gear up, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! you’re about to serve up some serious flavor!

Cooking Method: Herbed Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad

When it comes to high protein chicken recipes , this herbed grilled chicken with quinoa salad is a real winner! not only is it packed with protein, but it’s also bursting with flavor.

Let's roll up our sleeves and dive right into it.

Prep Steps

First things first, let’s talk mise en place . get your ingredients measured out: chicken, herbs, and that lovely quinoa. it makes cooking smoother than butter! oh my gosh, you’ll be amazed how much easier everything goes when you’re organized.

And please, be safe! When handling raw chicken, wash your hands and surfaces afterward to dodge any cross-contamination drama. No one wants food poisoning on their dinner plate.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Marinate the chicken: whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, and your herbs (1 tbsp each of thyme and rosemary) in a large bowl.

   Toss in the chicken breasts, cover, and let ‘em soak up those flavors in the fridge for 30 minutes .

2. Cook the quinoa: in a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.

   Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid evaporates. let it sit for 5 more minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.

   Trust me, that fluffiness is key!

3. Grill the chicken: preheat your grill (or grill pan) on medium heat. grill those marinated beauties for about 6- 7 minutes per side .

   You want that chicken cooked through with an internal temp hitting 165° f ( 75° c) . juices should run clear, not pink.

4. Assemble the salad: combine the fluffy quinoa with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley . drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar .

   Mix it all up, and your taste buds are about to party!

5. Serve It Up: Slice those grilled chicken breasts and plate them alongside your colorful quinoa salad. Boom! Dinner is served!

Pro Tips

Now for some pro tips! marinating the chicken overnight is a game-changer for flavor. also, always preheat your grill; the perfect grill marks are worth it.

Speaking from experience, rushing this step can lead to some sticky situations!

And hey, common mistake alert! Don't skip resting the chicken before slicing. Let it chill for 5 minutes to ensure juicy bites. Think of it as chicken self-care!

Finally, if you’re meal prepping, this dish holds up great in the fridge! Just reheat gently. This meal is ready, whether it's a fast healthy chicken dinner or a hearty lunch treat.

So there you have it! A scrumptious, healthy chicken recipe high in protein that's perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Oh my gosh, where do i even start with presentation?! plating can make a world of difference. for this herbed grilled chicken with quinoa salad , try slicing the chicken and fanning it out on a plate.

Then, spoon that beautiful quinoa salad right on the side. a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brings it all together, kind of like that cherry on top of a sundae, but with a healthy twist!

Thinking about beverages? You can’t go wrong with a crisp white wine , like a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Or, if you’re keeping it low-key, a refreshing glass of iced tea pairs perfectly too!

Storage Tips

So, you’ve got leftovers (or maybe you're meal prepping for the week)? no worries! store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days . if you want to freeze it, pack the chicken and quinoa separately to maintain that perfect texture.

Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. for reheating, a microwave will do the trick, but throwing it back on the skillet for a couple of minutes gets it nice and heated, just like when you first made it!

Variations

There's always room for creativity, right? if you're looking for a low-carb dinner , swap that quinoa for cauliflower rice.

Or go full-on seasonal and throw some grilled zucchini or bell peppers into your quinoa salad. if you’re feeling wild, try making it a protein-packed casserole by layering cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, and cheese in a baking dish before giving it a run in the oven!

Nutrition Basics

Let's break down the stats: each serving packs around 38g of protein —talk about a power meal! it's rich in vitamins from the veggies, and you get healthy fats from olive oil.

Not to mention, it’s loaded with flavor and totally keeps you feeling full for hours! with its balance of macronutrients, this dish offers a solid option for those searching for healthy chicken recipes high in protein .

Plus, if you’re looking into high protein meals keto —you're in the right lane, my friend!

Wrap-Up

So there you have it! this high protein chicken recipe isn't just easy to whip up; it’s a meal you’ll actually look forward to.

Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner with the fam or dishing it out for sunday meal prep, it’s sure to hit the spot.

Look into in with confidence, because you’ve totally got this! happy cooking, everyone!