Herb-Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Seasonal Vegetables

Herb Roasted Chicken With Quinoa And Seasonal Ve

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in (approx. 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme (10g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (5g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (5g)
• 1 cup quinoa (170g)
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (480ml)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (approx. 200g)
• 1 zucchini, sliced (approx. 150g)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (approx. 150g)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well. Coat chicken with the herb mixture evenly.
• Place chicken thighs skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• While chicken is roasting, rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Toss diced bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with a splash of olive oil and pepper. After 30 minutes, add vegetables to the roasting pan with the chicken and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and vegetables are tender.
• Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Serve the roasted chicken and vegetables on a bed of quinoa. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories	420
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	American

Savor the Flavor: Herb Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Veggies

Oh my gosh, have you ever had one of those evenings where you just want a cozy, simple meal that doesn’t leave you feeling like you overdid it? this herb roasted chicken with quinoa and seasonal vegetables is one of my go-tos.

It's packed with flavor and makes for an incredible low sodium dinner idea . seriously, the smell alone will have your mouth watering!

A Little Background

This dish takes inspiration from classic homey dinners. it’s a nod to the good ol’ sunday roast but with a healthier twist.

Using lean chicken , vibrant veggies, and quinoa, it’s a meal that won't weigh you down. on top of that, this recipe is pretty easy to whip up, clocking in around an hour with just 20 minutes of prep.

You’ll get about four generous servings, so it’s perfect for a family meal or meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Meal

First off, let’s chat about the health benefits. quinoa boasts protein, fiber, and tons of other nutrients. plus, this dish is low in sodium, which makes it heart friendly.

It’s like a party for your taste buds without the guilt.

Think of this recipe when you need a casual weeknight dinner or even when you're entertaining friends. picture yourself serving it at a dinner gathering while people rave about how amazing it tastes.

They’ll never guess you made it in under an hour! this recipe is special because it combines texture and flavor crispy chicken skin with fluffy quinoa and vibrant veggies.

It’s a complete meal that sings harmony on your plate.

Now that we've set the scene, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this magic happen! Grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Low Sodium Dinner Ideas

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Making Herb Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Seasonal Vegetables is easy peasy! Gather these ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 4 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in, about 1.5 lbs / 680g )
• Olive Oil:
  • 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml )
• Seasonings:
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme (10 g)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (5 g)
• Quinoa:
  • 1 cup (170 g)
• Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth:
  • 2 cups (480 ml)
• Vegetables:
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (approx. 200 g )
  • 1 zucchini, sliced (approx. 150 g )
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (approx. 150 g )

Tip: Look for fresh herbs at the market. Those beauties can transform the dish!

Seasoning Notes: Get Flavorful!

Now, let’s jazz it up with some flavors! Here’s what you need:

• Essential Spice Mix: Thyme, garlic powder, and paprika work wonders together for that savory punch.
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of lemon juice can brighten it all up!
• Quick Substitutions: No thyme? Use oregano or basil instead! They're just as tasty. Need a kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist!

Equipment Needed: What's In Your Kitchen?

You don't need to be a MasterChef for this recipe, but here’s a quick list of essentials:

• Roasting Pan: This is where the magic happens with your chicken.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine those seasonings and olive oil.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For all that chopping and slicing.

Not got a roasting pan? A regular baking dish will do just fine!

Cooking Stories: Chopping It Up

Honestly, when i first tried roasting chicken, i was freaked out! i mean, seriously, what if i undercooked it? but using a meat thermometer changed my kitchen game.

As long as your chicken hits 165° f ( 75° c) , you’ll be golden! remember, cooking it just right adds a delicious moisture.

Experimenting with low sodium dinner ideas is like discovering an entirely new food world. switching up spices has led me to amazing meals, from skinnytaste ground turkey recipes to zesty zucchini taco skillet dishes.

Trust me, once you embrace this cooking adventure, you’ll be whipping up ground turkey snacks quicker than you can say “what’s for dinner?”

Remember to share your culinary wins (or oops moments) with friends! Happy cooking!

Mastering the Cooking Method: A Fun Guide to Your Low Sodium Dinner Ideas

Alright, my friends, let's dive into the kitchen and whip up something fabulous! if you're on the hunt for low sodium dinner ideas , i’ve got a delicious one for you: herb roasted chicken with quinoa and seasonal vegetables .

This recipe not only packs a punch in flavor but is also a nod to good old home cooking without all the sodium.

Let’s break down the cooking method together!

Prep Steps That Make It Easy Peasy

First things first: it's all about that mise en place . gather your ingredients chicken thighs, quinoa, veggies, and herbs and get organized.

Pre-chop those bell peppers and zucchini so you can just toss them in when it's time. you’re gonna save so much time that way.

Honestly, it’s a game changer!

Oh! And a quick safety reminder: when handling raw chicken, remember to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with it. Nobody wants a case of cross contamination, you know?

Step-by-Step Process: Cooking Like a Boss

1. Preheat the Oven : Set that bad boy to 400° F . Get it nice and hot!
2. Prep the Chicken : Pat those chicken thighs dry. Mix up olive oil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken like you mean it!
3. Roast the Chicken : Place the seasoned chicken skin side up in a roasting pan. Let it roast for 30 minutes . Go binge watch a quick Netflix episode while you wait!
4. Cook the Quinoa : Rinse your quinoa (no one wants gritty quinoa), then boil it with low-sodium vegetable broth for 15 minutes . Look for those little tails; that means it’s done!
5. Veggie Time : Toss your colorful veggies in olive oil, sprinkle a bit of pepper, and throw them in with the chicken for another 15 minutes . You want those veggies to be tender but not mushy aim for a nice golden brown!
6. Check that Chicken : You want an internal temperature of 165° F for perfectly cooked chicken. Is it juicy? You bet!
7. Serve It Up : Fluff the quinoa and serve the chicken and veggies right on top. Bam! You’ve got yourself quite the meal.

Pro Tips to Up Your Game

1. Marinate Heaven : For mouthwatering flavors, consider marinating your chicken overnight in that herb mix. Trust me, it’s like flavor fireworks.
2. Avoid the Dry Chicken Trap : Use a meat thermometer, folks! Overcooked chicken is a sad chicken.
3. Flexible Veggies : Got other veggies you want to use up? Go for it! This dish is all about being adaptable.

Wrapping It All Up

Cooking doesn't have to be super complicated, right? with this low sodium dinner idea , you’re not just eating healthier; you’re enjoying the process of creating a scrumptious meal.

So grab those ground turkey tomatoes recipes or think about some clean eating dinner recipe options for future meals, because once you've mastered the herb roasted chicken, the sky's the limit on what you can create next!

Here’s to easy weeknight dinners and full bellies. Now go on, get cooking, my friends!

Recipe Notes for Herb Roasted Chicken with Quinoa and Seasonal Vegetables

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s talk plating! when you dish up your herb roasted chicken , don’t just throw it on a plate and call it a day.

Get fancy! i like to serve it on a fluffy bed of quinoa; it adds a pop of texture. throw some of those colorful seasonal veggies around the chicken for a splash of color.

Makes it look gourmet, right?

Feeling a little extra? pair it with a nice side salad. something fresh to balance the dish like mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

And honestly, a chilled glass of sparkling water with a lemon wedge just elevates the whole vibe. it’s the little things, you know?

Storage Tips

Now, let’s chat storage. if you've got leftovers lucky you! store them in an airtight container in the fridge. you’ll wanna eat those beauties within 3 days for the best taste.

If you’re looking to stash some for later, pop it in the freezer! just make sure to wrap the chicken well.

It should last about 3 months .

When it's time to reheat, try not to toss it in the microwave for too long. that can dry it out.

Instead, put it in the oven at 350° f until warmed through. you’ll thank me later!

Variations

Ever thought about how you can switch things up? For a low sodium dinner idea , ditch the chicken for some grilled portobello mushrooms. Super tasty and perfect for a plant based night!

And hey, swapping in seasonal veggies? Total game changer! If zucchini isn’t your jam right now, try roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts. You’ll discover some surprises when you play around.

Nutrition Basics

This recipe isn’t just pretty it’s packed with nutrients! each serving has about 420 calories , which feels just right for a hearty dinner.

It’s loaded with 28g of protein from the chicken and quinoa, and gives you some healthy fats without being crazy high in sodium just 60mg ! plus, the colorful vegetables bring those essential vitamins and fiber to the party.

Eating well doesn't need to be a struggle. You can indulge in delicious meals and still keep it healthy. These Healthy Basic Dinner Recipes not only satisfy your taste buds but also keep things balanced so, hello clean eating!

So get out there, throw on that apron, and whip up this delightful meal. trust me, your taste buds will throw a mini party! cooking can be fun, so don’t stress.

You’ve totally got this!