Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

Highlighted under: Balanced Favorites

A refreshing and flavorful bowl featuring grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served over a bed of grains and topped with fresh vegetables.

India Rutherford

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2025-12-30T17:25:34.286Z

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also a healthy meal option. The vibrant flavors of lemon and fresh herbs complement the succulent grilled chicken, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up the dish
  • Juicy grilled chicken that is perfectly seasoned
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies and grains

The Perfect Summer Meal

As the weather warms up, there's nothing quite like a light and refreshing meal that captures the essence of summer. The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is a delightful option that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this bowl is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner.

The zesty marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of citrus flavor, while the combination of grains and fresh vegetables adds texture and nutrition. This dish is a celebration of seasonal produce, making it an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl is its versatility. You can easily swap out the grains or vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For example, if you're not a fan of quinoa, you can substitute it with brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Similarly, feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all make excellent additions to this bowl. This customization not only allows you to cater to different taste buds but also helps keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Meal Prep Made Easy

This recipe is also an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken in advance and grill a larger batch to use throughout the week. Simply store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator and assemble your bowls as needed. This not only saves time but also ensures you have a healthy meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes.

Additionally, by preparing different toppings and grains, you can create a variety of combinations to keep your meals interesting. This strategy helps you maintain a balanced diet without the stress of daily cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

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

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest.

Prepare the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa or rice, followed by grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy grilled lemon herb chicken bowl!

Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables or grains.

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite dressing before serving.

Storage Tips

To keep your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl fresh, store the components separately. The grilled chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. The grains should also be stored in a sealed container to prevent drying out. Fresh vegetables are best added right before serving to maintain their crispness and flavor.

If you plan on enjoying leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate as well. This will prevent the grains and vegetables from becoming soggy, ensuring that your bowl remains vibrant and delicious even after a day in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of tahini sauce or a yogurt-based dressing over your bowl before serving. This enhances the overall taste and adds creaminess to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Pair your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, to complement the zesty flavors. A light dessert, like fruit salad or sorbet, would also make a perfect finish to this wholesome meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or an indoor electric grill if you don't have an outdoor grill.

→ What sides pair well with this bowl?

This bowl is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl

A refreshing and flavorful bowl featuring grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served over a bed of grains and topped with fresh vegetables.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: India Rutherford

Recipe Type: Balanced 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. Juice of 2 lemons
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

  1. 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  3. 1 cucumber, diced
  4. 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  5. 1 avocado, sliced
  6. Fresh parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest.

Step 03

In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa or rice, followed by grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your vibrant and healthy grilled lemon herb chicken bowl!

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite dressing before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 30g