10+ Grilled Chicken Recipes for Delicious Summer Meals
Grilled chicken is a favorite for many home cooks. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be flavored in countless ways.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, grilled chicken recipes offer something for everyone.
From classic marinated pieces to creative spice blends, these recipes can elevate your cooking game. You can enjoy juicy, tender chicken that pleases both your family and guests.
Get ready to explore delicious flavors that will make your next meal unforgettable!
1) Classic Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
This classic lemon herb grilled chicken is a delicious option for any meal. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs make it a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and cook.
To start, you’ll need chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a mix of your favorite herbs. Rosemary and thyme work well for this recipe. This combination ensures juicy and flavorful chicken.
When ready, grill your chicken over medium heat, about 375°F (190°C), until it’s cooked through. This usually takes around 6-7 minutes per side.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (375°F or 190°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Remove from grill and let rest before serving.
2) Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken
For a delicious twist on grilled chicken, try making sweet and smoky BBQ chicken. You can enjoy the combination of sweet flavors with a hint of smokiness that makes every bite tempting.
Start by marinating your chicken in a mix of BBQ sauce and spices. This adds depth to the flavor. You can also use ingredients like Dr Pepper or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Once marinated, grill the chicken over medium heat (about 250°F to 325°F or 121°C to 163°C). Cook until it’s juicy and has a nice char. Don’t forget to brush more BBQ sauce on while cooking for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup Dr Pepper or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grill seasoning
- Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce, Dr Pepper, and seasoning for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (250°F to 325°F).
- Oil the grill grates.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with more BBQ sauce.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
3) Spicy Jerk Chicken
Spicy jerk chicken is full of flavor and perfect for grilling. This dish comes from Jamaica and is known for its hot and fragrant marinade. You’ll love the mix of spices and the kick from Scotch bonnet peppers.
To start, marinate your chicken pieces overnight. This helps the flavors really sink in.
When you’re ready to cook, grill the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Serve your spicy jerk chicken with fresh sides like rice and beans or a green salad.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers
- 2 tablespoons allspice
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Blend all ingredients to make a marinade.
- Coat chicken pieces in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 15-20 minutes, until done.
4) Garlic and Herb Marinated Chicken
Garlic and herb marinated chicken is a tasty option for grilling. The marinade adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. You will love how easy it is to prepare.
To make the marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of your favorite herbs. Common choices include thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour, or overnight for even more flavor.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
- Place chicken in the marinade and coat well.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for 1 hour, or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through (165°F/75°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5) Tangy Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Tangy balsamic glazed chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in balsamic vinegar and honey. The glaze adds a rich taste that pairs well with any side.
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps absorb the flavors.
When you’re ready to cook, grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
The result is tender chicken with a tasty glaze. It’s perfect for serving with salads or pasta. You can also bake the chicken if you prefer that method.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for grilling
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and honey.
- Add chicken breasts and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
6) Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Honey mustard grilled chicken is a tasty and easy dish to make. The sweet and tangy sauce works perfectly with juicy chicken. You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
To make the marinade, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings.
Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Then, grill the chicken over medium heat, around 350°F (175°C), for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
This dish pairs nicely with fresh vegetables or a side salad. You’ll enjoy the balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
7) Mediterranean-Style Chicken with Olives
Mediterranean-style chicken with olives is a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy olives, and fresh herbs makes each bite delicious. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
You will need to marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This helps to enhance the taste. Don’t forget to add green olives for a burst of flavor, which is typical in Mediterranean cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
- Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve with green olives on top. Enjoy!
8) Asian Soy-Ginger Chicken
This Asian Soy-Ginger Chicken is both tasty and simple to make. The marinade combines soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for an explosive flavor. You will love how juicy and tender the chicken turns out.
For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can grill it on a barbecue or cook it in a skillet.
This dish pairs nicely with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Your family will enjoy the delightful, sweet, and savory taste.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Serve with rice and vegetables. Enjoy!
9) Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken
This Zesty Lime and Chili Chicken is sure to become a favorite at your grill. The tangy lime and spicy chili flavors create a delicious combination that makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Start with fresh chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and cumin.
Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Serve it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a perfect meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish any time!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Make sure to cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and enjoy!
10) Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
Maple Dijon chicken thighs offer a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to please. The combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates a tasty marinade that makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
You can easily prepare this dish on a grill or in an oven. The cooking process is quick and takes about 20-30 minutes. Pair these delicious thighs with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Enjoy!