Name: Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken with Fluffy Quinoa Pilaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Sea salt and black pepper; 1 cup white quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1 tbsp lemon zest

2Instructions

Quick Summary

A balanced, high-protein meal featuring juicy oven-roasted chicken thighs paired with a bright, herb-infused quinoa pilaf. This one-pan approach (or two-pan for efficiency) maximizes flavor while keeping prep time minimal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Sea salt and cracked black pepper

For the Quinoa

1 cup white quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon zest

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Season chicken with oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roast on a rimmed baking sheet for 35–40 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
3. While chicken roasts, sauté onions in a small pot until soft. Add rinsed quinoa and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley and lemon zest.

Stewart's Secret: To get extra-crispy chicken skin without burning the meat, start the chicken in a cold oven and set it to 400°F. The gradual heat-up renders the fat slowly, resulting in a glass-like crunch.

Nutrition Snapshot

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	32g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	38g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute brown quinoa?

Yes, but increase the simmer time to 20–25 minutes and add an extra splash of broth, as brown quinoa is chewier and requires more hydration.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an air fryer to regain its crispness.

Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Roasted Lemon-Herb Chicken with Fluffy Quinoa Pilaf

The Story

1Ingredients

2Instructions

Quick Summary

Ingredients

For the Chicken

For the Quinoa

Method

Nutrition Snapshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute brown quinoa?

How do I store leftovers?

Is this meal gluten-free?

Nutrition Information

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Stewart Lucas

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