Baked Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad
Baked Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad offers a well-rounded and satisfying meal that combines tender baked chicken with a vibrant and nutritious quinoa salad. The baked chicken breasts are infused with the flavors of garlic and paprika, resulting in juicy and flavorful protein. The quinoa salad, on the other hand, showcases a medley of colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, all combined with the protein-packed quinoa base.
INGREDIENTS
For Baked Chicken Breast:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
For Quinoa Salad:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes), diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Lemon zest (from the fresh lemon)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Baked Chicken Breast:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush the marinade over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Quinoa Salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced mixed vegetables, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
Assembling the Dish:
Serve slices of Baked Chicken Breast alongside a portion of Quinoa Salad.
Garnish the quinoa salad with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Provide lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken and quinoa salad.
TIPS
You can add a variety of vegetables to the quinoa salad, such as corn, peas, or avocado.
Customize the quinoa salad by adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture.
Marinate the chicken breasts for a longer time if you prefer more flavor. You can also add additional spices or herbs to the marinade.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: About 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
