Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders with CilantroLime Quinoa

Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders With Cilantrol

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (190g) quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup (a small handful) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
• Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into the cooked quinoa. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Spoon the cilantro lime quinoa onto plates. Top with the garlic lime chicken tenders. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	450
Fat	18g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Mexican

Recipe Introduction: Zesty Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Quinoa

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even if the weather's rubbish? Then check this out. This Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and quinoa recipe is about to become your new weeknight favourite.

It's bursting with zesty flavours, and honestly, it's so easy to make.

A Little Taste of Mexico (Without the Plane Ticket!)

This recipe draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine. Think fresh Lime Chicken , bright cilantro, and the subtle kick of chili.

Chicken And Quinoa is a complete meal, packing protein and goodness into every bite. Ready in under an hour, it's quicker than ordering a takeaway and way healthier.

Weeknight Winner, Healthy Chicken Recipes Style

This isn't just any Quick Chicken Dinner , It's a bowlful of good stuff. We are talking lean protein, a good source of fiber, and all those lovely vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients.

Serve this up when you're craving something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The Chicken Quinoa is a great alternative to rice or potatoes, and its a Healthy Chicken Recipe .

Why This Recipe Rocks

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the simplicity. The Citrus Chicken Marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with flavour while you get the quinoa sorted.

It's the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. Plus, it's super versatile. Don't have Chicken Tenders ? Use chicken breasts cut into strips.

Prefer brown rice to quinoa? Go for it! This recipe is all about making life easier and tastier. Now, let's dive into the ingredient list.

It's shorter than you think for a Weeknight Dinner Ideas .

Ingredients & Equipment: Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and... Let's Get Started!

Right, fancy whipping up some seriously tasty Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Quinoa? I thought so. Forget boring dinners, this is going to be a flavour bomb! And honestly? It's dead easy.

Main Ingredients: Chicken and Quinoa, The Stars Of The Show

Here's what you'll need, broken down for ya. Don't panic, most of it is probably lurking in your cupboard already.

• Chicken Tenders: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Get good ones! Look for plump tenders that are pink, not grey. That's your quality indicator right there.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is always better, trust me.
• Lime Juice: ¼ cup (60 ml) . About 2-3 juicy limes should do it. Squeeze 'em fresh, the bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – good quality extra virgin is the dream, but any will do in a pinch.
• Honey or Agave: 1 tablespoon . Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon . Adjust to your spice liking, you know?
• Cumin: ½ teaspoon .
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon . For that smoky yumminess!
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon
• Quinoa: 1 cup (190g) , rinsed. Rinsing is key, otherwise, it tastes kinda bitter.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475 ml) , low sodium.
• Cilantro: ¼ cup , chopped. A generous handful!
• Lime Juice (again!): 2 tablespoons . Told ya we liked lime.
• Olive Oil (again!): 1 tablespoon .
• Salt (again!): ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
• Black Pepper (again!): ⅛ teaspoon , or to taste.

I learned this the hard way. Once I added too much pepper and oh my gosh! it was spicy.

Seasoning Notes: Zesty Chicken and Quinoa

Lime Chicken dreams begin with the right spice blend. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for that South Western kick. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Don't have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do, it is not the same but will add color.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Listen, you don't need fancy gadgets. Here's the bare minimum:

• Large bowl: For marinating the Chicken Tenders .
• Measuring cups and spoons: Obvs.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping and mincing.
• Citrus juicer: Makes life easier.
• Large skillet or baking sheet: For cooking the Lime Chicken .
• Medium saucepan with lid: For the Chicken Quinoa .

No citrus juicer? A fork works just fine. No baking sheet? Use the bottom of a roasting tin, easy peasy! The beauty of this dish is its simplicity.

Okay, let's get stuck into this Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Quinoa recipe! Honestly, it's a total lifesaver on a busy weeknight.

We're talking healthy chicken recipes that don't taste like you're sacrificing flavour. This ain't your average bland chicken and quinoa dish.

This is bursting with zesty, vibrant flavour. And who doesn't love a little Citrus chicken marinade ?

Let's Get You Prepped for Garlic Lime Chicken Goodness!

Essential Mise en Place is ESSENTIAL!

Right, first things first, get your ingredients out. Chop your 4 cloves garlic , juice 2-3 limes . Honestly, prepped ingredients are a game changer.

I’m not even joking! I tend to measure out all spices together into a small bowl. Makes life easier, you know? For the Chicken Quinoa rinse that quinoa until the water runs clear.

It helps it not taste bitter. And nobody wants bitter quinoa.

Time Saving Organization Tips (Because We're All Busy)

This quick chicken dinner is all about speed. Marinate your Chicken Tenders ahead of time. Even 30 minutes makes a difference.

You can prep the Citrus chicken marinade the night before. Store in the fridge. It’s a solid move if you're super organised (which, let's be honest, isn't always me!).

The Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Cilantro Lime Quinoa Process

Step-by-Step to Flavortown

1. Whisk together marinade in a bowl. It smells divine, doesn't it? Add chicken, toss. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes .
2. Rinse 1 cup quinoa then cook it with 2 cups chicken broth . Simmer for 15 minutes .
3. Fluff quinoa. Add ¼ cup cilantro , 2 tablespoons lime juice , 1 tablespoon olive oil . Season.
4. Pan-fry tenders over medium high heat for 3- 4 minutes per side . Or bake them at 400° F ( 200° C) for 12- 15 minutes .
5. Serve your Lime Chicken over the quinoa. Garnish with lime.

Pro Tips for Next Level Flavor

Cheat Codes for Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and Quinoa Excellence

Want juicy chicken? Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165° F ( 74° C) . Honestly, it’s a game changer.

Skip a step: Buy pre-minced garlic if you're short on time. No shame! Make Easy quinoa recipes : cook a big batch of quinoa at the start of the week.

Ready for anything!

Honestly, once you've mastered this weeknight dinner ideas , you'll be making it all the time. It's super versatile, healthy, and packed full of flavour.

Perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s good for you.

Alright, let's dive into making this Garlic Lime Chicken Tenders and quinoa dish extra special. I want to give you the lowdown on a few things I've learned over the years in my humble kitchen.

Pro Tips and Serving it Up!

Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation makes a huge difference. Think about vibrant colours. Pile the fluffy cilantro lime quinoa on the plate first. Next, artfully arrange the Garlic Lime Chicken tenders on top.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge makes it pop. I like to add a swirl of sriracha mayo sometimes.

Just because. You know?

Sidekick Superstars

This quick chicken dinner is yummy on its own, but a side can elevate it. A simple black bean and corn salad is my go-to.

It’s fresh, colourful, and complements the Lime Chicken perfectly. For drinks? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a cheeky margarita!

Storage Secrets

Keeping it Fresh

Leftover Chicken Tenders are fab the next day. Store the chicken and quinoa separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

They'll last for about 3-4 days . Honestly, though, they never last that long in my house!

Freezing for Later

Yes! You can freeze the cooked Chicken Quinoa . Wrap it well or use freezer safe containers. It'll keep for 2-3 months . Defrost it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Roundup

For the chicken, a quick zap in the microwave works, but it's best reheated in a skillet with a bit of oil to keep it juicy.

The quinoa reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Safety first!

Remix and Re-imagine: Dietary Adaptations

Spice it Up, Change it up!

• For a gluten free version, just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten free. Easy peasy!

• Want to make it low-carb? Swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice. It totally works. Honestly, I've done it loads of times.

Seasonal Swaps

In the summer, add grilled corn to the quinoa for extra sweetness. During winter, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds brightens things up. Seasonal ingredients for the win!

Nutrition Nuggets

Basics for the Body

This healthy chicken recipes clocks in around 450 calories per serving. It’s packed with 45g of protein to keep you full and fueled.

There's also about 18g of fat and 30g of carbs. It's a balanced weeknight dinner ideas that's both delicious and good for you!

Health Perks

The Chicken And Quinoa provides sustained energy. The citrus chicken marinade is a vitamin C powerhouse. Using chicken tenders also gives lean protein source. What's not to love?

So there you have it! These are all my little nuggets of wisdom on making the most of this recipe.

Now, go on, get cooking and enjoy! Don't be afraid to experiment, and remember cooking should be fun!