Roasted Chicken Breast with Quinoa
When you need a reliable dinner that comes together without cluttering the stove, roasting chicken alongside a quick pot of grain is hard to beat. The chicken breasts roast at high heat with olive oil and dried herbs, staying tender while developing lightly browned edges, while the quinoa gently absorbs rich chicken broth on the stovetop.
Why this one works
- The entire meal cooks in parallel, bringing dinner together in under thirty minutes.
- Cooking the quinoa in chicken broth infuses every grain with deep, savory flavor.
- A simple coating of olive oil and dried herbs keeps the lean chicken breast juicy and aromatic.
- Slicing the roasted chicken over a bed of grain makes for clean, effortless plating.
What you’ll need
- 2 (approx. 300g) chicken breasts Look for evenly sized breasts so they roast uniformly within the 25-minute window.
- 1 cup (185g) quinoa Rinsing removes any natural saponin coating, ensuring clean flavor and a light, separated texture.
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth Provides the cooking liquid for the quinoa while adding built-in seasoning to the grain.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil Helps the dried herbs adhere and locks in surface moisture during roasting at 400°F.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried herbs A classic blend such as Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano perfumes the chicken nicely as it roasts.
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What to have nearby
- Baking sheet or roasting pan for cooking the chicken
- Medium saucepan with a lid for simmering the quinoa
- Fine-mesh sieve for rinsing the quinoa thoroughly
- Sharp chef's knife and cutting board for slicing the meat
Step-by-step instructions
Timing is straightforward with this recipe because the stovetop and oven work simultaneously. Get the chicken into the hot oven first, then immediately turn your attention to rinsing and simmering the quinoa so both components finish right around the same time.
- 1Step 1
Preheat oven to 200C (400F).
- 2Step 2
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and herbs.
- 3Step 3
Roast chicken for 25 minutes until cooked through.
- 4Step 4
Meanwhile, rinse quinoa and combine with broth in a pot.
- 5Step 5
Simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- 6Step 6
Slice chicken and serve over the fluffy quinoa.
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A few things worth knowing
- Let the roasted chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing so the juices settle.
- Keep the saucepan covered while simmering the quinoa to trap steam and ensure even liquid absorption.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork as soon as the broth is absorbed to keep the grains tender and separate.
Ways to make it your own
- Finish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley or a fresh lemon wedge.
- Plate alongside tender roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
Serving suggestions
Spoon a generous base of warm, fluffy quinoa onto each plate and fan the sliced herb chicken right over the top. It pairs naturally with simple greens on the side, such as steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a crisp mixed salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Storage & reheating
Transfer any leftover chicken and quinoa into airtight containers once cooled. Keep refrigerated and reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of broth or water to the quinoa if needed to restore its moisture.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Why is it important to rinse quinoa before cooking?+
Rinsing quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer removes its naturally occurring outer coating, which can otherwise lend a bitter taste.
How do I know when the chicken breasts are done?+
The chicken should be opaque all the way through, firm to the touch, and register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part when checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I prepare the quinoa ahead of time?+
Yes, the quinoa can be simmered in broth ahead of time and warmed gently just before you slice and plate the freshly roasted chicken.
This simple pairing delivers balanced textures and clean flavors with minimal hands-on effort, making it a practical staple for any weeknight rotation.
Roasted Chicken Breast with Quinoa
Tender herb-rubbed roasted chicken breasts sliced over fluffy quinoa simmered in savory chicken broth for an easy, balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 2 (approx. 300g) chicken breasts
- 1 cup (185g) quinoa
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried herbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (400F).
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and herbs.
- Roast chicken for 25 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, rinse quinoa and combine with broth in a pot.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Slice chicken and serve over the fluffy quinoa.
Nutrition
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