Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh herbs, served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce perfect for a Memorial Day gathering. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh cilantro 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.

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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to prepare the chimichurri sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken topped with 3 tbsp of the chimichurri sauce per breast, garnishing with extra fresh herbs if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Chimichurri?

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 Chimichurri?

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 Chimichurri 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 Chimichurri?

Mediterranean 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.

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