Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies: A Healthy and Flavorful Dinner
Hello there, food lovers! I’m Lina Kohn, and I’m so excited to share this wonderful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies recipe with you. It’s a dish that truly embodies what I adore about cooking: simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something absolutely delicious and good for you. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you want a clean-eating dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. My Italian heritage taught me the importance of quality ingredients, and this dish is a testament to that. It’s a healthy weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons!
* It’s incredibly quick to prepare.
* It’s packed with healthy goodness.
* The flavors are bright and satisfying.
* It’s a meal even picky eaters will love.
This dish is a clean-eating dream. It’s proof that healthy food can be utterly delicious.
Lina’s Culinary Journey and the Inspiration Behind This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen in Italy. The air was always filled with amazing aromas. She taught me that the best meals come from fresh, simple ingredients. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies reminds me of those days. It uses bright lemon and fragrant herbs. It’s a taste of my heritage. My culinary adventures continue to be inspired by family traditions. I love sharing these flavors with you. It brings a piece of my Italian home into your kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Alright, let’s get cooking! We’re about to create a fantastic meal. First, we need to gather everything. Think of this as setting the stage for deliciousness.
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
For our star, the chicken, grab about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless breasts. For the marinade, we need two tablespoons of olive oil. You’ll also need one fresh lemon; we’ll use both its juice and zest. Mince up two cloves of garlic. Then, add one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Fresh Vegetables for Steaming
Now for the colorful veggies! You’ll want about a pound of mixed vegetables. I love using broccoli florets, crisp carrot sticks, and vibrant bell pepper strips. Feel free to pick your favorites or whatever looks best at the market. Freshness is key here!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Let’s get this amazing meal on your table! Follow these simple steps. You’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. We’ll take it one step at a time.
Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
First, let’s make our flavorful marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now, add your chicken breasts to this vibrant mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This really lets the flavors soak in.
Grilling the Lemon Herb Chicken to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill grates. Grill them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You want them beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures it’s safe and perfectly cooked.
Steaming the Vegetables to Crisp Tenderness
While the chicken is grilling, it’s time for the veggies! You can steam them in a pot with a steamer basket over boiling water. Or, use your microwave for a quick steam. Cook them until they are just tender-crisp. We don’t want mushy vegetables! They should still have a little bite to them. This keeps them fresh and flavorful.
Tips for the Best Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Want to make this dish even more amazing? I have a few tips for you! Chicken breast thickness can vary a lot. So, always check the internal temperature. Don’t be afraid to adjust the grilling time a bit. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked. Also, think about using seasonal vegetables. Whatever is fresh and in season will taste fantastic. This recipe is very forgiving!
Herb Substitution Ideas for Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
The herbs in this marinade are wonderful. But you can totally switch them up! Try dried rosemary or fresh parsley. Even a little bit of fresh dill would be lovely. Experimenting with herbs adds your own special touch. It keeps things exciting!
Serving Your Delicious Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Now for the best part – enjoying your creation! Arrange the perfectly grilled lemon herb chicken on plates. Place a generous portion of the vibrant steamed vegetables right next to it. The colors look so lovely together. This makes for a beautiful, healthy meal. It’s ready to be devoured. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storing and Reheating Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and steamed veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for about 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and veggies in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the chicken moist. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just be careful not to overcook them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
Got some questions about this delicious meal? I’m happy to help! Many folks ask about marinating time. While 15 minutes is great, you can marinate the chicken for up to an hour for even deeper flavor. Just keep it in the fridge!
What about the veggies? You can use any vegetables you love! Asparagus, zucchini, or green beans are fantastic choices. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even steaming. This makes your healthy dinner super customizable.
And the grill? Medium-high heat is key. If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet. For vegetables, a quick steam in the microwave works wonders. This easy recipe is very adaptable for any kitchen!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Steamed Veggies is a light yet satisfying meal. Each serving offers about 300-350 calories. It’s a good source of protein, with around 35g per serving. The dish contains about 10g of fat and 15g of carbohydrates. Remember, these are approximate values. They can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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Amazing Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with 35g Protein
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal with this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Steamed Veggies recipe. Perfect for a clean-eating dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat them well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Place chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken is grilling, steam your mixed vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Serve the grilled chicken alongside the steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Feel free to use your favorite seasonal vegetables for steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Steaming
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast and 1.5 cups vegetables
- Calories: Approx. 300-350
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 200mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100mg
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