Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken over Cilantro-Lime Quinoa
Try this Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken over Cilantro-Lime Quinoa recipe.
Try this Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken over Cilantro-Lime Quinoa recipe.
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice (i used simply orange)
- 2 tablespoons and 1/2 low sodium soy sauce
- 1 pounds and 1/2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup â„4 cilantro (coarsely chopped)
- romaine lettuce (cherry tomatoes chopped avocado or guacamole, fresh lime, extra chopped cilantr
- Carbohydrate 40.3580457180027 g
- Cholesterol 467.62578125327 mg
- Fat 105.503928293509 g
- Fiber 4.09273753774194 g
- Protein 122.280418666043 g
- Saturated Fat 29.5942806932632 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (815g)
- Sodium 472.166251732752 mg
- Sugar 36.2653081802608 g
- Trans Fat 8.51043276031411 g
- Calories 1627 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk together all of the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Remove about 1/3 cup (put in an airtight container in the fridge for later) and pour the rest into a large sealable bag.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and put in the marinade.
- Place in the fridge for at least 3 hours making sure to flip the bag halfway through the time it is in the fridge. I recommend marinating for 6-8 hours.
- Once the chicken has been marinated, place the chicken pieces on a skewer.
- Lightly oil the grill grate and then place the skewers on the grill.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes turning as needed (depending on the size of your pieces) or until chicken juices run clear.
- As you turn the kabob sticks, make sure to brush the chicken with the reserved 1/3 cup marinade frequently.
- Thoroughly rinse the quinoa. Add the chicken broth, quinoa, and minced garlic to a small pot over high heat.
- Bring to a boil and once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat but keep covered and allow to sit for about 5 minutes. Lightly fluff with a fork.
- Stir in the lime juice, white sugar, cilantro, and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Coarsely chop the lettuce, halve the tomatoes, and chop the avocado (or mash it up). Place on a plate or in a bowl and add a large scoop of the cilantro-lime quinoa.
- Place the grilled chicken on top with the dressing (recipe below) if desired.
- Squeeze on some fresh lime and top with some chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy immediately.
A Busy Mom's Guide to Delicious and Healthy Weeknight Meals: Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken and Cilantro-Lime Quinoa
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed, finding time for elaborate cooking feels like a luxury I can't afford. Yet, I refuse to compromise on nourishing my family with delicious, wholesome meals. That's why I've become a master of quick, easy recipes that don't sacrifice flavor or nutrition. This Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken over Cilantro-Lime Quinoa is a perfect example. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together surprisingly quickly, even on the busiest of weekdays.
The key to this recipe is the marinade. The honey and lime create a beautifully balanced sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. Marinating the chicken for a few hours (or even overnight!) allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender grilled chicken. I often prep the marinade in the morning, pop the chicken in, and let it sit in the fridge while I tackle other tasks. This makes the evening cooking process a breeze.
The cilantro-lime quinoa is equally simple yet incredibly satisfying. It's a light and refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the grilled chicken. The bright citrus notes of the lime juice and the fresh cilantro add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken. I often double this quinoa recipe, as it's a versatile side that pairs perfectly with other dishes throughout the week. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day!
This recipe is also highly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking. For example, adding a pinch of chili powder to the marinade would give it a nice kick, while a sprinkle of cumin would add a warm, earthy tone. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and ease of preparation. It's a lifesaver on those days when time is short but you still want to serve a healthy and delicious meal.
Beyond the practical aspects, this dish offers a moment of joy and satisfaction in the midst of a busy life. The vibrant colors, the fresh ingredients, and the delicious flavors create a sense of calm and nourishment that extends beyond the physical. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, taking a few moments to prepare a healthy and flavorful meal can bring a sense of peace and well-being.
So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates delicious and healthy food that's easy to make, give this Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken over Cilantro-Lime Quinoa a try. You won't be disappointed. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours as well.
Tips and Variations:
- Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, or even overnight, for best results.
- Customize your quinoa: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the quinoa for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- Add some crunch: Top the dish with toasted slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken and quinoa ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Enjoy!
