Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a fresh herb blend and served with a vibrant Memorial Day-inspired tomato and corn salsa. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 90 minutes blends olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup (from about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 finely chopped jalapeño
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt for salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by mixing 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes, 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve topped with the fresh Memorial Day salsa for a bright and herbaceous finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (75 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Memorial Day Salsa?
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 Salsa 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 Salsa?
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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