Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

Highlighted under: Simple Favorites

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a refreshing and flavorful meal packed with protein and vibrant veggies.

Maeve Colchester

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:04:34.944Z

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl combines juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture with fresh vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up each bite
  • Grilled chicken that's juicy and tender
  • Packed with colorful veggies for a nutritious meal

The Perfect Summer Meal

When the weather warms up, there's nothing quite like a light and refreshing meal to keep you energized and satisfied. The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is the ideal summer dish, combining the vibrant flavors of citrus and fresh herbs. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also offers a balanced array of nutrients, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.

The combination of grilled chicken and colorful veggies creates a lovely presentation that is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this bowl is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Nutritional Powerhouse

This bowl is not only delicious but also packed with protein and essential vitamins. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps in muscle repair and growth, making it an excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle. Coupled with quinoa or brown rice, you've got a hearty base that provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

The addition of fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers contributes essential vitamins and minerals, boosting your overall health. Avocado adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health and help keep you feeling full. This recipe demonstrates that eating healthy doesn't have to be boring or flavorless.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For instance, if you're not a fan of red onion, feel free to substitute it with green onions or omit it altogether. Similarly, you can swap out the veggies for seasonal produce to keep things fresh and exciting.

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider replacing the chicken with marinated grilled tofu or chickpeas. Both options provide a great source of protein and will still allow you to enjoy the zesty lemon herb flavor. This adaptability makes the dish suitable for everyone, from meat lovers to plant-based eaters.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients to make this delightful bowl.

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  • 4 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cucumber (diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 avocado (sliced)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can proceed to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Bowl

In a bowl, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, followed by the grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your vibrant and healthy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl!

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, add feta cheese or a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top before serving.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, storing them properly can help maintain their freshness. Keep the grilled chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave, but avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from becoming dry.

For best results, store the quinoa or brown rice separately to keep its texture intact. You can also assemble the bowl fresh each time you want to eat, allowing for a visually appealing presentation and ensuring everything stays crisp.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl, consider adding a drizzle of homemade vinaigrette or a dollop of yogurt sauce on top. A touch of feta cheese can also enhance the flavor profile and provide a nice contrast to the fresh ingredients. Serve the bowl with a side of warm pita or crusty bread for a complete meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the bowl. These additions can provide a delightful kick that complements the zesty lemon flavors. Don't hesitate to experiment and make this dish your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and assemble the bowl just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this bowl?

This bowl pairs well with a light side salad or some whole-grain bread.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a refreshing and flavorful meal packed with protein and vibrant veggies.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Maeve Colchester

Recipe Type: Simple Favorites

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken Marinade

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1/4 cup olive oil
  3. 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
  4. 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  5. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  1. 4 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  2. 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  3. 1 cucumber (diced)
  4. 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  5. 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
  6. 1 avocado (sliced)
  7. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 03

In a bowl, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, followed by the grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, add feta cheese or a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g