Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

Highlighted under: Fresh Planning

A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a wholesome meal.

Fern Holloway

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2025-12-30T17:34:34.327Z

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, providing a juicy and flavorful base for this nutritious bowl.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh and tangy lemon flavor that brightens the dish
  • A colorful mix of vegetables for added crunch and nutrition
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals

The Benefits of Grilling

Grilling is a fantastic cooking method that enhances the natural flavors of food while also making it healthier. When you grill chicken, the excess fat drips away, resulting in a leaner protein option that's packed with flavor. The high heat used in grilling also creates a delicious char, adding depth to the dish without the need for heavy sauces.

In addition to the health benefits, grilling is quite convenient. It allows for the preparation of larger batches, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. With this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, you can easily make enough for the entire week, ensuring you have a nutritious meal ready to go at a moment's notice.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The key to a delightful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl lies in selecting the freshest ingredients. Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts if possible, as they provide better flavor and texture. When it comes to vegetables, vibrant colors typically indicate higher nutrient levels, so fill your bowl with a rainbow of produce. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme not only add aromatic flavor but also boost the dish's health benefits.

Don't forget about your grains! Quinoa is an excellent choice as it is high in protein and fiber. This superfood pairs perfectly with the zesty chicken and fresh vegetables, creating a balanced meal that will keep you satiated. By using high-quality ingredients, you elevate this simple recipe into something truly special.

Customizing Your Bowl

One of the best aspects of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a different protein, feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. The marinade works beautifully on various proteins, allowing you to enjoy this dish in many ways.

Additionally, you can mix and match the vegetables and toppings. Try adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or even a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun meal to experiment with while still enjoying the core flavors of lemon and herbs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Bowl

In a serving bowl, layer cooked quinoa, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!

Serve immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator.

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, try adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top before serving.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is an excellent candidate for meal prep. After preparing the chicken and bowl components, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful, while the quinoa and vegetables maintain their freshness for up to four days.

When you're ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the chicken and quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble your bowl with the cold toppings like avocado and feta just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh. This makes it an easy and healthy option for busy weekdays.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, consider pairing it with a refreshing drink such as iced herbal tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. These beverages complement the zesty flavors of the dish and provide a light, thirst-quenching option.

For a complete dining experience, you might also serve the bowl with whole-grain pita bread or a side salad. A light vinaigrette dressing would work beautifully here, offering an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes with the lemony chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled vegetables.

→ 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 bowl vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with grilled tofu and omit the feta cheese.

→ What can I use instead of quinoa?

You can use brown rice, farro, or couscous as an alternative to quinoa.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a wholesome meal.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Fern Holloway

Recipe Type: Fresh Planning

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken Marinade

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1/4 cup olive oil
  3. 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  1. 2 cups cooked quinoa
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  3. 1 cucumber, diced
  4. 1 avocado, sliced
  5. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 03

In a serving bowl, layer cooked quinoa, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, try adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g