Low Calorie Chicken Dinner: Lemon Grilled Chicken with Arugula Recipe

Lemon-zested chicken over peppery arugula with a drizzle of olive oil. A low calorie dinner that tastes like you're eating at a Mediterranean café.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 260 kcal
#mediterranean #diabetic friendly #high protein #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts 12 oz
  • arugula 4 cups
  • lemon 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 11%
Protein 34 g 53%
Fat 9 g 36%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even ¾-inch thickness for uniform grilling.

  2. 2

    Zest and juice the lemon, reserving half the zest for final garnish. In a bowl, combine half the lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, half the salt, and half the pepper.

  3. 3

    Coat chicken breasts with marinade and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to absorb.

  4. 4

    Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side, turning just once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, gently toss arugula with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper just before serving to keep leaves crisp.

  6. 6

    Slice grilled chicken against the grain. Arrange arugula on plates, top with sliced chicken, and finish with reserved lemon zest for a fresh aroma.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout ingredient is the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Combined with fresh lemon zest and juice, the chicken provides lean protein, while the lemon creates the signature bright Mediterranean flavor.
Q. How should I control the heat when grilling the chicken?
For juicy, evenly cooked chicken, grill over medium-high heat. Pound the breasts for uniform thickness and grill each side for 4–5 minutes, turning just once. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid dryness.
Q. How can I keep the arugula crisp and fresh?
Dress the arugula just before serving with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This prevents wilting and helps preserve the peppery crunch that balances the dish’s texture.
Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient breakdown per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 260 kcal, with 34g protein (53%), 7g carbohydrates (11%), and 9g fat (36%), making it a high-protein, low-carb, and low-calorie dinner option.
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