Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken infused with a complex blend of six warm spices and a fresh five-herb marinade. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground paprika, 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt into the herb mixture to form the marinade.
  3. Step 3: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade 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 Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade?

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 Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade?

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 Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade 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 Senary-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Quinary Herb Marinade?

Mediterranean summer cookout 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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