Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Picnic Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh herbs and lemon, paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw perfect for a Memorial Day celebration. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, and 1 medium julienned carrot.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 tsp celery seed until smooth. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate slaw until serving.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear.
  6. Step 6: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve alongside the chilled cabbage slaw for a fresh and satisfying Memorial Day meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Picnic Slaw 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 Picnic Slaw?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Picnic Slaw?

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 Picnic Slaw 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 Picnic Slaw?

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.

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