Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad

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

A vibrant grilled chicken dish paired with a fresh salad featuring patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, perfect for summer gatherings. This American-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface has charred grill marks.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 5 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup fresh blueberries in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey until smooth. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts alongside the colorful red, white, and blue salad for a refreshing and patriotic meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad?

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 fresh thyme leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad?

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-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad 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-Thyme Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Salad?

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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