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Low Calorie High Protein Lunch Bowls With Grilled Chicken Quinoa Power Bowl - A Simple, Satisfying Meal

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Quinoa 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Veggies and Add-Ins 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Light Lemon Vinaigrette 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and let sit 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
  2. Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa well. Add to a pot with broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let steam 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Prep the grill or pan: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil grates (or the pan).
  4. Grill the chicken: Cook 5–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  5. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Add a bed of greens to each bowl. Spoon in quinoa, top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and herbs. Add avocado if using.
  7. Dress and serve: Drizzle with vinaigrette right before eating. Finish with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if you like.