Lemon Garlic Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
A straightforward, high-protein skillet meal featuring tender chicken breast and fluffy quinoa infused with fresh lemon juice and garlic.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Fiona + Lila
Fiona created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
Pre-cooked or batch-cooked quinoa saves significant weeknight prep time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet…
- 01
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet…
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat at 350°F (175°C) for 1 minute.
Allow: 1 minute
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the chicken breast cubes to the…
Add the chicken breast cubes to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Look for: browned on all sides and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
Tap card to mark done - 03
Lower the heat to medium
Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir in the cooked quinoa
Stir in the cooked quinoa, spinach, lemon juice, and salt, tossing continuously for 2 minutes until the spinach is completely wilted and the quinoa is warmed through.
Look for: the spinach is completely wilted and the quinoa is warmed through
Tap card to mark done - 05
Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl…
Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Allow: 2 minutes
Tap card to mark done
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