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Grilled lemon-herb chicken sliced and served over quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, fresh thyme and lemon wedges in a blue bowl.

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Bowls: 7 Incredible Meal Prep Secrets


  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These vibrant Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Bowls combine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with fresh vegetables and grains for a balanced, flavorful meal that’s ideal for both quick dinners and make-ahead lunches. With bright citrus notes, aromatic herbs, and a colorful medley of nutritious ingredients, these bowls deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 lemons (zested + juiced)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and chill at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
  • Grill to perfection: Fire up the grill (or a grill pan) over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side, until it reads 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  • Assemble the bowls: Divide rice/quinoa among four containers. Top with chicken slices, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and parsley. Drizzle any extra juices from the chicken over the top.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop in microwave ~1½ minutes or enjoy cold for a crisp, picnic-style bite!

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the feta cheese separately and add it just before serving for best texture.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier result.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
  • This recipe works beautifully with other grains like farro or couscous.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, meal prep, lemon herb chicken, healthy bowl, Mediterranean chicken, quinoa bowl, make-ahead lunch