Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, finished with a tangy smoky BBQ glaze perfect for a Memorial Day cookout. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 85 minutes pairs olive oil, finely chopped fresh rosemary, finely chopped fresh thyme 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare the BBQ glaze by mixing 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing generously with the BBQ glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze caramelizes slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra BBQ glaze on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 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 with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze?

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 with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze?

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 with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze 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 with Memorial Day BBQ Glaze?

American bbq & smoked 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.

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