HCG Diet Recipe 26: Citrus Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herb Crunch (and Quinoa)

By Adrienne (with a influence from Dr. Zach)

Zach also spent time in S. America the home of quinoa. Quinoa makes a great addition for you (after you lose the weight) and for the kids, now. It's like rice with a bit of a crunch - and protein.

After a hearty beef day, this is where we tighten things back up.

Chicken breast gets a bad reputation—not because it’s not good, but because it’s usually overcooked, under-seasoned, and treated like an obligation instead of an opportunity.

But when you do it right? It’s one of the most efficient, clean, and effective proteins you can put on your plate.

Today’s focus is simple: Keep it juicy. Keep it fresh. Keep it intentional.

Why Chicken Breast Still Wins

• Ultra lean protein → supports fat loss while preserving muscle

• Low calorie, zero carb → keeps you deep in fat-burning mode

• Versatile → absorbs flavor better than almost any protein

This is one of those meals that quietly does all the work in the background.

The Recipe: Citrus Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

• 1–2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp MCT oil

• Juice of 1 lemon (or lime for a Southeast Asia twist)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• Salt & black pepper

• Optional: pinch of paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

1. Butterfly or pound the chicken Even thickness = even cooking = juicy result

2. Marinate briefly (10–20 minutes) Combine MCT oil, citrus juice, garlic, salt, and pepper

3. Cook hot and controlled

   • Grill or skillet over medium heat

   • 5–6 minutes per side

4. Rest before slicing This is where most people mess up—don’t skip it

The Fresh Add-On: Herb Crunch (Make This Right Before Serving)

This is your “something fresh”—the element that makes this meal feel complete.

Ingredients

• Finely chopped cucumber

• Fresh parsley + cilantro

• Small amount of red onion (optional)

• Splash of vinegar or lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

Instructions

• Toss everything together just before serving

• Spoon over sliced chicken

It adds:

• Texture

• Brightness

• Volume (without calories)

Why This Meal Works

• High protein keeps you full and preserves lean mass

• Citrus + herbs enhance flavor without adding calories

• Fresh topping prevents “diet fatigue”

You’re not just eating clean—you’re eating strategically clean.

Family-Friendly Version

Make this easy on everyone:

• Keep chicken the same (it’s already mild and kid-friendly)

• Add:

  • Rice or quinoa (I recommend quinoa - something different and fun to talk about)

  • Warm tortillas (chicken wraps)

  • Cheese or light sauce if needed

This becomes a completely different meal for them—without extra work for you. And discuss the quinoa. Tell the kids where it comes from.

Let's talk about quinoa. Click the image and learn about it yourself. It's like rice, but a little crunchier and with protein. It's a great filler for kids!

Final Thought

This is where habits are built. Not in the big, dramatic meals…but in the consistent, repeatable ones that you can execute without thinking.

Chicken breast, done right, is one of those meals.

Simple. Clean. Effective.

Eat with a purpose.