Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken

Featured in: Rustic Summer Plates

This dish features boneless chicken breasts soaked in a fragrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. After marinating, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection. Slices of zucchini are tossed in olive oil, lightly seasoned, and charred until tender alongside the chicken. The result is a bright and healthy main course with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:01:00 GMT
Juicy herb marinated grilled chicken served with charred zucchini strips on a plate.  Save
Juicy herb marinated grilled chicken served with charred zucchini strips on a plate. | dunebasil.com

Juicy grilled chicken breasts infused with fresh herbs, served alongside tender, charred zucchini for a healthy and flavorful main dish.

This recipe has become a family favorite with its simple preparation and vibrant flavors that bring the Mediterranean to our table.

Ingredients

  • For the Herb Marinade: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme), 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • For the Chicken and Zucchini: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each), 2 medium zucchinis sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick strips, 1 tbsp olive oil (for zucchini), salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Prepare Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken turning to coat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat Grill:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Prepare Zucchini:
Toss zucchini slices with 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken:
Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Cook Zucchini:
Grill zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
Serve:
Serve grilled chicken alongside zucchini. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Flavorful grilled chicken breasts paired with vibrant zucchini, garnished with fresh herbs.  Save
Flavorful grilled chicken breasts paired with vibrant zucchini, garnished with fresh herbs. | dunebasil.com

We enjoy this meal together every weekend making memories around fresh food and vibrant tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or serve alongside a fresh quinoa salad for a heartier meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred adjusting cooking time accordingly. Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

Tender grilled chicken infused with herbs, alongside deliciously grilled zucchini slices. Save
Tender grilled chicken infused with herbs, alongside deliciously grilled zucchini slices. | dunebasil.com

This herb marinated grilled chicken is your new go-to for healthy weeknight dinners packed with flavor.

Recipe FAQs

How long should the chicken marinate for optimal flavor?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but allowing it up to 2 hours intensifies the herb flavors.

Can chicken thighs be used instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can replace breasts. Just adjust the grilling time to ensure they cook through properly.

What is the best way to cook the zucchini for this dish?

Sliced zucchini should be tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled for 2-3 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.

Which herbs are used in the marinade?

The marinade includes fresh parsley, thyme, oregano, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

What serving suggestions complement this dish?

This grilled chicken pairs well with quinoa or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a balanced meal.

Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh herb marinade served with tender, charred zucchini for a flavorful dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Information No Dairy, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Herb Marinade

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Chicken and Zucchini

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5.3 ounces each)
02 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick strips
03 1 tablespoon olive oil (for zucchini)
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Marinade: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.

Step 02

Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over them, turning to coat thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 03

Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

Step 04

Prepare Zucchini: Toss zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper evenly.

Step 05

Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off and discard marinade. Grill chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 06

Grill Zucchini: Grill zucchini strips for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until tender with slight char marks.

Step 07

Serve: Plate grilled chicken alongside zucchini. Optionally garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Essential Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify marinade ingredients if using store-bought products for possible allergen traces.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 34 g