Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant herb paste made from equal parts fresh herbs and olive oil, then grilled to juicy perfection. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 32 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, 2 tbsp finely chopped thyme, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then spread 1/2 of the herb paste evenly over both sides of each breast.
  3. Step 3: Let marinate for 15 minutes while preheating grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill chicken for 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast?

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 Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast?

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 Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Herb-Paste Grilled Chicken Breast?

Mediterranean chicken 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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