Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• Chicken breast 6 oz
• Quinoa 3/4 cup
• Cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup
• Cucumber 1/2 cup
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic powder 1/4 tsp
• Fresh parsley 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
   Tip: Drying the chicken helps it grill better and develop a nice crust.
2. Preheat the grill or pan. Heat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a pan, you can add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
   Tip: Make sure the grill or pan is hot before adding the chicken to get good grill marks and prevent sticking.
3. Grill the chicken. Place the chicken breast on the grill or pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get nice grill marks.
   Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safety and juiciness.
4. Prepare the quinoa salad. In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber. Add the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything gently to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
   Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
5. Serve. Place the grilled chicken breast on a plate alongside the quinoa salad. Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!
   Tip: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.

Pro tips

• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or regular skillet works well for cooking the chicken.
• Cooking quinoa in advance and storing it in the fridge saves time for quick meals.