🥗✨ Clean Start Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls
January has a way of making us feel like we need to flip our entire lives upside down overnight.
New routines. New rules. New restrictions.
But here’s the truth: lasting health doesn’t come from extremes — it comes from meals that make you feel good and fit into real life. That’s exactly why these Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls have become a go-to in our kitchen when we’re easing back into a healthier rhythm.
They’re light but satisfying, packed with protein and veggies, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight — or prep ahead for the week so future-you is already winning.
Why This Is a “Reset” Meal That Actually Works
This isn’t a “diet” recipe. It’s a feel-good, fuel-your-body kind of meal:
✔️ High-quality protein to keep you full and energized
✔️ Healthy fats for balance and satisfaction
✔️ Fiber-rich veggies to support digestion
✔️ No refined sugar, gluten, or dairy
✔️ Flexible enough for the whole family
It’s the kind of meal you can enjoy consistently — and consistency is where real results come from.
Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls (GF • DF • Paleo-Friendly)
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: ~35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Lemon Herb Chicken
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Zest + juice of 1 large lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
Roasted Vegetables
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Base Options (choose one)
Cauliflower rice (light + low-carb)
Quinoa (great for sustained energy)
Mixed greens for a lighter bowl
Optional Toppings
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Sliced avocado
Extra lemon wedges
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss until well coated.
Tip: Even 10 minutes of marinating adds big flavor.
2️⃣ Roast the Veggies
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Toss broccoli, zucchini, and carrots with olive oil and salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, until tender with lightly golden edges.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4️⃣ Build Your Bowls
Add your base to a bowl, top with roasted veggies and sliced chicken, and finish with herbs, avocado, and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
How to Make This Work All Week
Meal prep-friendly: Store chicken, veggies, and base separately for up to 4 days
Family-approved: Simple flavors kids actually eat
Flavor boost: Drizzle olive oil or add fresh herbs right before serving
A Healthier Year Starts With One Good Meal
You don’t need perfection to start the year strong — you just need one solid meal you can come back to again and again.
These Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls are proof that eating well can be simple, satisfying, and sustainable. No stress. No extremes. Just real food that supports how you want to feel.
Here’s to a healthier, happier year — one bowl at a time 💛
