Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Relish

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh rosemary and thyme, served with a tangy cucumber and red onion relish perfect for Memorial Day gatherings. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic cloves 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 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours, to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the relish by mixing 1 diced medium cucumber, 1/2 finely diced small red onion, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a bowl. Chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F with nicely charred grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with the chilled cucumber and red onion relish for a fresh contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Relish 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 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 chopped fresh rosemary from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken 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 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 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.

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