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To make Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Additional fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish These ingredients bring freshness and flavor to the bowl. Each item plays a key role in creating a balanced meal. The chicken adds protein, while quinoa provides fiber. The veggies add crunch and color. Feta gives a bit of creaminess. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for all steps to prepare this dish! To make the marinade, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend adds a fresh flavor. You want to coat the chicken well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have time, two hours brings out the best taste. Cooking notes: Always marinate in the fridge to keep the chicken safe. Use a sealed container or cover the bowl tightly. To cook the quinoa, rinse it well under cold water. This removes the bitter coating. In a saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Heat on medium-high until it boils. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once all the water is absorbed, the quinoa should be fluffy and light. Timing and consistency are key. You’ll know it’s done when the grains appear to have popped open. For cooking, you need a grill pan or a skillet. Preheat it on medium heat. Take the marinated chicken and place it in the hot pan. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it reaches 165°F. Tips for perfect chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy. Start with a scoop of quinoa as your base. This is your canvas. Layer the sliced chicken on top. Then, add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices around the chicken. For extra flavor, sprinkle feta cheese on top. Presentation matters! Arrange everything neatly to make it look appealing. To finish, sprinkle fresh dill on each bowl. Add lemon wedges on the side for that zesty touch. You can also serve the bowls with a drizzle of olive oil for richness. These simple garnishes enhance both flavor and visual appeal, making your meal even more enjoyable. Ensuring Juiciness To keep your chicken juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. The lemon juice adds moisture and flavor. Always cook the chicken on medium heat. This helps to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside moist. Avoiding Overcooking To prevent dry chicken, use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to settle back into the meat. Fluffing Techniques Once your quinoa is cooked, let it sit for five minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff it gently. This helps separate the grains and makes it light and airy. Enhancing Flavor Cook quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. This adds depth to the flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice while cooking to boost taste. Alternative Garnishes If you want to mix it up, try using fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also add nuts for crunch, like toasted almonds or walnuts. Seasonal Variations In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers for sweetness. In fall, roasted pumpkin cubes add warmth and color. Each season brings new flavors to explore! {{image_4}} Alternative Protein Options If you want to switch up the protein, try these options: - Salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist - Tofu for a plant-based choice - Turkey breast for a leaner alternative These proteins can soak up the lemon-dill flavor just like chicken does. Gluten-Free Quinoa Quinoa is a great choice for a gluten-free base. It's packed with protein and fiber. If you want something different, try: - Brown rice for a hearty option - Cauliflower rice for a low-carb swap - Millet for a nutty taste Each option works well with the dish's bright flavors. Vegan Adaptation To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken with marinated jackfruit or chickpeas. Use a vegan feta cheese for the topping. This keeps the meal fresh and plant-based. Low-Carb Alternatives For a low-carb version, skip the quinoa. Use spiralized zucchini or lettuce leaves as your base. This will keep the dish light and still full of flavor. Additional Herbs and Spices You can boost the flavor with more herbs. Try: - Chives for a mild onion taste - Parsley for a fresh kick - Basil for a sweet touch These herbs add depth and freshness to your bowls. Sauce Ideas If you want to add more zing, consider these sauces: - A yogurt sauce with mint - A spicy aioli for heat - A balsamic glaze for sweetness These sauces can elevate your lemon-dill chicken bowls and make them even more delightful. Container Recommendations For storing your Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they keep the food fresh. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent air from getting in. Refrigeration Guidelines Place the bowls in the fridge right after you finish your meal. The cool air helps keep the food safe. Leftovers can last up to three days in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. How to Freeze Bowls If you want to save your Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls for later, freezing is a great option. Let the bowls cool down to room temperature first. Then, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thawing Recommendations When you're ready to eat, thaw the bowls in the fridge overnight. This keeps the food safe and tasty. If you're in a hurry, you can also use the microwave to defrost, but do it carefully to avoid uneven heating. Best Methods for Reheating The best way to reheat your Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls is in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. This helps keep the moisture in. Heat in short bursts, checking often. Maintaining Flavor and Texture To keep your dish flavorful, add a splash of fresh lemon juice before reheating. This brightens up the taste. Stir the contents halfway through reheating to ensure even warmth. Enjoy your delicious meal just like the first time! To make Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls, you need to follow a few steps. First, marinate 1 pound of chicken breasts in a mix of olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth until fluffy. Grill the marinated chicken until cooked through. Assemble the bowls with quinoa, sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and optional feta cheese. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. You can use several other grains in place of quinoa. Some great options include: - Brown rice - Farro - Barley - Couscous - Bulgur Each grain brings a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Choose one based on what you like. Yes, you can use dried dill instead of fresh. However, the flavors differ. Fresh dill has a bright, crisp taste. Dried dill is more intense and concentrated. Use about one-third of the amount—1 tablespoon of dried dill equals 2 tablespoons of fresh. Adjust based on your taste. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the bowls. In this article, we covered how to make Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls with step-by-step guides. We looked at key ingredients, cooking methods, and ways to assemble your meal. Remember to marinate your chicken for a tasty bite. You can also customize your bowls with swaps for ingredients to fit your diet. Store your extras safely to enjoy later. With these tips, you'll make delicious, healthy meals that impress!

Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls

Discover the delightful flavors of Lemon-Dill Chicken Bowls that will make your meal prep exciting! This easy recipe features marinated chicken cooked to perfection on a bed of fluffy quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and optional feta for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this vibrant dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon

2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Additional fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

    Prepare the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

      Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the bowl and place them in the pan. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

        Assemble the Bowls: To create the bowls, start with a generous portion of quinoa as the base. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the quinoa. Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of avocado around the chicken. If desired, crumble feta cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

          Garnish and Serve: Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a couple of lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty touch.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings