Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection and served with smoky charred tomatoes for a bright, balanced meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a bowl. Coat chicken evenly and marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Brush grill grates with oil. Grill chicken for 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, toss 1 cup cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar on a small sheet pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until slightly charred and blistered.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and arrange over bed of charred tomatoes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes?

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 lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Cherry Tomatoes?

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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