Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish
Tender chicken skewers marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, grilled to smoky perfection, and served with a tangy Memorial Day-inspired relish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 105 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 skewers wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks and toss them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the relish by mixing 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
- Step 6: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are nicely charred.
- Step 7: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the prepared vibrant relish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (90 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Skewers with Memorial Day Relish?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
