Are you searching for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully good for you? Look no further! This Healthy Grilled Chicken Dinner with Steamed Veggies and Garden Salad is your answer to a delicious, guilt-free feast. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal but impressive enough for a relaxed weekend dinner.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Grilled Chicken Dinner
This recipe hits all the right notes: flavor, speed, and nutrition. You get tender, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, vibrant steamed vegetables, and a crisp, refreshing garden salad all on one plate. It’s a complete meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, without weighing you down.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make this ideal for busy schedules.
- Nutrient-Packed: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats combine for a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Delicious: Simple, fresh flavors that everyone will love!
The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Grilling chicken breast can sometimes lead to dry results, but with a few simple tricks, you can achieve juicy perfection every time. The key is a good marinade and proper cooking technique. Our recipe uses a simple olive oil and herb marinade that locks in moisture and infuses incredible flavor.
When it comes to grilling, having the right equipment makes all the difference. For consistent results and even cooking, I highly recommend checking out My Favorite Grill – it’s a game-changer for home cooks!
Grilling Tips for Success:
- Pat your chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get a good sear.
- Don't overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.
Complementary Sides: Steamed Veggies & Fresh Salad
The beauty of this dinner isn't just the chicken; it's the harmony of the sides. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans retain their vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutrients. They offer a light, earthy contrast to the savory chicken.
Meanwhile, a simple garden salad provides a refreshing crunch and a burst of freshness. The combination of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and grated carrots adds another layer of texture and a wealth of vitamins, making this meal truly complete and satisfying.
Tips for Success & Variations
- Marinating: For an even deeper flavor, marinate your chicken for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Herb Power: Experiment with different dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a poultry blend.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your chicken seasoning for a little heat.
- Veggies Galore: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables to your steamer basket, such as zucchini slices, bell pepper strips, or asparagus spears.
- Dressing: A light vinaigrette or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice with a drizzle of olive oil works wonderfully for the salad.
- Meal Prep: This meal is fantastic for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch of chicken and veggies at the beginning of the week for easy healthy lunches or dinners.
FAQs
How do I ensure my grilled chicken is juicy and not dry?
To keep grilled chicken juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Cook it over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165u00b0F (74u00b0C), and avoid overcooking. Resting the chicken for 5-10 minutes after grilling also helps retain its juices.
Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to use your favorite seasonal vegetables for steaming, such as asparagus, snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. For the salad, any leafy greens and fresh toppings you enjoy will work beautifully.
What are the health benefits of this grilled chicken dinner?
This meal is packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from the variety of fresh and steamed vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. It's a well-balanced, low-calorie, and nutrient-dense option that supports overall health and provides sustained energy.
How long can I store leftovers of this meal?
Leftovers of the grilled chicken and steamed vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to store the salad components separately and assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Healthy Grilled Chicken Dinner with Steamed Veggies & Garden Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced, Healthy
Description
A light and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, vibrant steamed vegetables, and a crisp garden salad.
Ingredients
1 chicken breast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried herbs (oregano or parsley)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrot sticks
1 cup green beans
Pinch of salt
1 cup chopped lettuce
½ cup sliced cucumbers
½ cup sliced tomatoes
½ cup grated carrots
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Pat the chicken breast dry. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breast.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breast on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Steam the Vegetables. While the chicken is grilling, place broccoli florets, carrot sticks, and green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad. In a medium bowl, combine chopped lettuce, sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, and grated carrots. Toss gently.
Step 5: Serve. Plate the sliced grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and garden salad. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy meal!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Feel free to use your favorite blend of herbs for seasoning. You can also add a light vinaigrette to the salad for added zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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