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- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) Quinoa serves as the base of this dish. It is high in protein and fiber. Using chicken broth adds depth and flavor. The chicken breast gives a nice protein punch. The lemon brings brightness to every bite. - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Fresh herbs add color and taste. Parsley and basil create a fresh flavor. Garlic and onion powder enhance the savory notes. Salt and pepper balance everything out. This combination makes the chicken bites really pop. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch) Olive oil helps to cook the chicken perfectly. It adds a lovely richness. If you want some crunch, use breadcrumbs. They give texture and an extra layer of flavor. You can decide if you want that crunch or not! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the quinoa. In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of chicken broth. This broth adds rich flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. This time allows the quinoa to absorb all the liquid. When done, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. Next, you will prepare the chicken. Take 1 pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Include 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This blend gives the chicken a bright and fresh flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key for deep flavor. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, add the quinoa to the skillet. Stir everything together gently. Allow it to warm through for another 2 to 3 minutes. If you like some crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs over the mixture and let it cook for an additional minute. This will give your dish a delightful texture. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty lemon and herb flavors. If you have more time, marinating longer enhances the taste even more. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil make a big difference in flavor. They add bright notes that dried herbs just can't match. Always choose fresh for the best results. When cooking chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy. To add crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on the chicken and quinoa mix. Let them cook for just a minute to achieve the perfect crispy bite. This simple step makes a big change in texture. Serve these chicken bites on a nice platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color. This not only looks pretty but also gives hints of the flavors inside. You can also pair these bites with a light dip, like yogurt or garlic sauce. This adds a new layer of flavor and makes for a fun meal. Pro Tips Enhance Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for longer, ideally 1-2 hours, in the lemon mixture before cooking. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste. Consider adding thyme or oregano for extra flavor. Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: To ensure fluffy quinoa, remember to rinse it thoroughly to remove bitterness and cook it with the right liquid ratio. Breadcrumb Variations: For a twist, try using seasoned panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a different texture and flavor. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa. It is naturally gluten-free and a great base for this dish. If you want to swap out the chicken, try chickpeas or tofu. Both options provide protein and work well with the lemon and herbs. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices give a nice kick. You can also mix in new herbs, like cilantro or dill. Each herb brings its own unique taste to the dish. Pair these chicken bites with dips like tzatziki or hummus. They add creaminess and flavor. For side dishes, consider a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. These options balance the meal and keep it light. Store leftover Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Bites in a sealed container. Keep them in the fridge. Make sure to eat them within three days for the best taste. To reheat, place the bites in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. Heat them for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring gently. To freeze, let the chicken bites cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the bites in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat them as mentioned above. The freshness of Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Bites is easy to check. Look for signs like a sour smell or a change in color. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to throw them away. For best quality, consume the bites within three days when refrigerated and within three months when frozen. Enjoy them while they are fresh for the tastiest experience! You can prep these bites easily. Start by cooking the quinoa. Let it cool and store it in the fridge. Marinate the chicken pieces with lemon juice and herbs. Keep the marinated chicken in a separate container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, cook the chicken and mix it with the quinoa. This method saves time and keeps flavors fresh. Yes, you can. Some great options are brown rice, farro, or couscous. Each grain will bring a different texture and flavor. Cook the grains according to the package instructions. Make sure to adjust cooking times, as they can vary. These alternatives will still pair well with the lemon and herbs. These bites go well with many sides. Try serving them with a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great match. You can add a light dipping sauce, like tzatziki or hummus, for extra flavor. These pairings enhance the meal and make it more colorful on the plate. This post guides you to make Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Bites. We explored key ingredients like quinoa, chicken, and fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for flavor and texture. You can adapt the dish with dietary options or new flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. Enjoy your tasty bites now and later!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Chicken Bites

Delicious and healthy chicken bites mixed with quinoa and fresh herbs, perfect for a light meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the cooked quinoa to the skillet. Stir everything together gently and allow it to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
  • If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the mixture and let it cook for an additional minute to achieve a crunchy texture.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken bites on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appealing look.
Keyword bites, chicken, healthy, lemon, quinoa