Garlic Herb Chicken And Broccoli With Quinoa
A comforting, protein-packed skillet meal featuring tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli over fluffy quinoa. Finished with a savory sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
The perimenopause lens
A cautious perimenopause lens
These tags explain why the recipe may appear in Lila. They are prompts for noticing your own patterns—not evidence that this meal treats a symptom.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthLow energy
Check how the whole meal lands
Food is one part of energy. Notice meal timing, sleep and symptoms together rather than assigning the result to one nutrient.
Track: energy 1–3 hours later
Appetite changes
Notice patterns without judgment
One meal does not determine body weight. Look at fullness, energy and repeatable eating patterns over time instead.
Track: fullness + meal rhythm
Fatigue
Separate a pattern from one day
Notice energy alongside sleep, meals and symptoms across several days. Ongoing fatigue deserves a clinical conversation.
Track: energy + previous night
Brain fog
Add the missing context
Sleep, stress, meals and symptoms overlap. Seeing them together is more useful than crediting one ingredient.
Track: focus + previous night
Before you start
Your 30-minute game plan
Gather everything first, then tap ingredients and steps as you go.
Equipment
Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
For faster prep, you can use pre-cut broccoli florets or swap in frozen broccoli, though you may need to cook frozen broccoli a minute or two longer.
Do these three things first
- 1Prep cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed), cloves garlic (minced)
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
One clear step at a time
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: In a small pot
- 01
In a small pot
In a small pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Tap card to mark done - 02
While the quinoa cooks
While the quinoa cooks, toss the cubed chicken breast with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat olive oil in a large skillet…
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
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Lower the heat to medium
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring continuously so it doesn't burn. Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and set aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
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Return the cooked chicken and garlic to…
Return the cooked chicken and garlic to the skillet. Toss everything together to warm through, then remove from heat.
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Divide the cooked quinoa between two plates
Divide the cooked quinoa between two plates, top with the chicken and broccoli mixture, and finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
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The nutrition underneath
Why this bowl holds together
For faster prep
For faster prep, you can use pre-cut broccoli florets or swap in frozen broccoli, though you may need to cook frozen broccoli a minute or two longer.
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight…
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making this a great option for an energizing next-day lunch.
Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its…
Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating (saponin), which can sometimes taste bitter or cause mild digestive upset.
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