Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, perfect for a Memorial Day gathering. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped, fresh thyme, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a large resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside has a nice char with grill marks.
- Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken?
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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken 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 Memorial Day Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken?
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.
