Description
This Honey Lemon Chicken with Quinoa is a light, protein-packed meal bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. Juicy chicken is coated in a zesty honey lemon sauce and served over fluffy quinoa for a healthy and satisfying dish—ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for a crispy texture)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Honey Lemon Sauce:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Lemon slices
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil.
- Add 1 cup quinoa and ¼ tsp salt, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat dry and toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Lemon Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then add to the sauce.
- Combine & Simmer:
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon quinoa onto plates and top with the honey lemon chicken.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon slices.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra tenderness.
- Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
