Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Quinoa Skillet

Looking for a weeknight dinner that's both delicious and nutritious? Try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Quinoa Skillet! This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken with nutty quinoa in a rich, tangy sauce made with fresh garlic and zesty lemon. Packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, it’s perfect for busy families or impressing guests. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a meal that fits any occasion. Enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dinner that's good for you!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a lighter version)

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and is fragrant.

Add Quinoa:

Stir in the rinsed quinoa, mixing it well with the sautéed onions and garlic. Toast the quinoa for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to enhance its flavor.

Cook Quinoa:

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and has a fluffy texture.

Prepare Cream Sauce:

While the quinoa is cooking, take a separate mixing bowl and whisk together the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried Italian herbs. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients:

Once the quinoa is fully cooked, return the sautéed chicken back to the skillet. Pour the prepared cream sauce over the chicken and quinoa mixture, gently stirring to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Let the skillet simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve:

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by lemon slices on the side for an additional burst of citrus flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve the dish in shallow bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a few lemon slices arranged artistically on the side.