Adopting the classic summer staple of grilled chicken is a great way to elevate your barbecue game. After all, there’s something about the combination of tender and juicy flesh with those delightful char marks that makes it worth firing up the grill! While traditional grilled chicken and BBQ sauce are always a winner, there are many innovative ways to marinate and baste that bird. Among the various options available, these grilled chicken recipes stand out for their unique twists.
From Alabama white sauce to fragrant chimichurri sauce, each one offers a distinct flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. These mouth-watering recipes include anything from spicy harissa marinades to refreshing cilantro-lime sauces. Toss aside the bottled BBQ sauce and get ready to experiment with new flavors. Give these amazing grilled chicken recipes a try at your next BBQ.
Grilled Chicken Wings
While it’s common to associate chicken wings with being deep-fried, this isn’t the only way to achieve perfection. In fact, you can create mouth-watering chicken wings without needing a deep fryer or any oil at all. Grilled chicken wing recipes have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason – they offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that even the most avid deep-fried fans might appreciate.
Grilled Butterflied Whole Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with a simple yet effective technique: butterflying a whole chicken! Not only does this method yield a more flavorful bird, but it also significantly reduces cooking time. By creating more contact points between the chicken and the grill, the Maillard reaction is accelerated, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor profile.
In fact, cooking a butterflied whole chicken using this technique can cut the cooking time in half, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked results in as little as 35 minutes. The end result is a tender, juicy bird packed with buttery, garlicky goodness that will leave you wondering how you ever settled for traditional grilling methods.
Alabama White Sauce Grilled Chicken
Understanding what makes a dish truly exceptional is crucial in cooking, especially when it comes to summertime BBQs. His grilled chicken is anything but ordinary, thanks to the bold combination of a potent dry rub and an irresistibly tangy Alabama white sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next outdoor gathering. To streamline the process and save valuable time, consider using a high-quality pre-made chicken dry rub that you can easily coat onto your protein before it hits the grill.
Taking this main course to new heights is as simple as serving it with a rich and creamy white sauce, carefully crafted with buttermilk, garlic, mayo, and mustard for an invigorating balance of flavors.
Easy Grilled Chicken Salad
Just when you think summer couldn’t get any more enjoyable, a simple yet mouth-watering grilled chicken salad comes along. This effortless recipe perfectly captures the essence of warm weather cuisine by combining the natural sweetness of fresh veggies with the rich flavor of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. While store-bought alternatives are convenient, there’s something truly special about creating your own sauce from scratch, elevating this dish to a new level.
The tender and juicy chicken, paired with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, is the epitome of summer perfection.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken
Make a change of pace in your cooking routine with this sweet and spicy chicken recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! The combination of chili powder, crushed red peppers, and honey creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Serve it alongside a variety of options such as roasted vegetables, potato salad, or grilled garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that breaks away from the monotony of BBQ sauce.
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Highlighting one of the most popular grilled meats, chicken thighs are a favorite among many due to their rich flavor and juicy texture. However, they can be even more tantalizing when infused with an array of flavors from a quick and simple marinade. This unique blend combines the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of brown sugar, the pungency of mustard, and the aromatic notes of fragrant spices to create a truly mouth-watering experience.
Furthermore, this marinade serves as more than just a flavor enhancer – it also helps to lock in moisture, making your grilled chicken thighs even more succulent.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Often the highlight of outdoor gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, kabobs bring people together with their vibrant colors and effortless preparation. Typically made up of tender chunks of white chicken paired with bell peppers, zucchini, and onion, this simple yet flavorful combination is elevated by a sweet and savory garlicky honey marinade that infuses every bite with an explosion of flavors.
Healthy Grilled Pineapple Chicken
When it comes to healthy dinner options that are also deliciously flavorful, grilled chicken is often at the top of the list. One popular variation that stands out from the crowd is this mouth-watering grilled pineapple chicken dish, which has earned its place as one of the healthiest choices available. This main course is incredibly rich and satisfying, making it likely that you won’t need to add any extra side dishes to round out your meal.
The key to its flavor lies in the marinade, a carefully crafted blend of tomatoes, spices, and pineapple juice that infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. When paired with the sweet, tangy taste of fresh pineapple chunks, it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken
Elevating grilled chicken to new heights is a breeze with chimichurri sauce – a flavorful condiment that can rescue even the most lackluster dishes. Even if you’re not a seasoned grill master and your chicken turns out slightly dry, a drizzle of this vibrant Argentinean sauce can work wonders. Essentially, chimichurri’s signature green color is owed to an abundance of fresh herbs like parsley, garlic, basil, and oregano, which not only add depth but also provide a refreshing twist to the dish.
Experience the magic for yourself by following our easy-to-make recipe and turning a simple grilled chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Naturally, this delectable bruschetta chicken recipe doesn’t require you to be a grill master. Grilled chicken tends to get overshadowed by the enticing combination of fresh tomatoes, pungent garlic, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, heap a generous helping of the bruschetta mixture on top – it’s that easy! In fact, this dish is so satisfyingly rich and flavorful that it can stand alone as a complete meal, no additional sides needed.
Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
Packed with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this chili cilantro lime sauce is a game-changer. Its complex taste profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to various dishes, from grilled meats to fresh salads. For optimal results, allow your chicken cutlets to marinate in this mouthwatering sauce for up to 24 hours, ensuring that the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.
If you’re planning a summer gathering or a quick weeknight meal, consider reserving some marinade as a killer salad dressing, perfect for drizzling over a bed of mixed greens, juicy vegetables, and crispy textures.
Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers
Zest up your grill game with chicken satay skewers, a classic southeast Asian dish that’s ridiculously easy to prepare and packed with aromatic flavors. At the heart of this recipe are rich Asian seasonings like ginger, curry powder, and garlic powder, which combine to create an unmistakable taste experience. Of course, no satay is complete without its iconic accompaniment: a savory and salty peanut dipping sauce that adds another layer of depth to each bite.
Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next potluck or a main course with a side of steaming white rice, chicken satay skewers are sure to impress!
Sticky Grilled Chicken
Forget about those store-bought BBQ sauces, as they simply can’t compare to the homemade version! If you’re on a mission to become the MVP of your family’s next BBQ gathering, look no further than this mouthwatering recipe. This innovative BBQ chicken dish stands out from the rest due to its expertly balanced blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The addition of brown sugar takes it to the next level by creating an incredibly sticky and sweet texture that will leave everyone wanting more.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to bottled sauces again.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma
Packed with authentic middle eastern flavors, this grilled chicken shawarma recipe is sure to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the East. To truly bring out the depth and richness of these flavors, it’s essential to allow the chicken to soak in a vibrant marinade overnight. This allows each bite to be infused with every nuance of the complex blend, resulting in a dish that’s both aromatic and bold.
Grilled Jerk Chicken
Simply thinking about Jamaica conjures up images of jerk chicken, a dish that embodies the island’s bold and vibrant flavors. Spicy, tangy, and incredibly savory, this classic Caribbean dish is a staple in many Jamaican households. Interestingly, whipping up a batch of jerk chicken on your own backyard grill is surprisingly easy to do. The secret lies in the spicy marinade, which combines hot chili peppers, Chinese 5-spice, garlic, and onions for a truly unforgettable flavor experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider opting for even spicier chili peppers like habaneros or Scotch bonnets – but be warned, these aren’t for the faint of heart!
Grilled Chicken Breast
Zestful chicken is the perfect addition to any meal, making it an excellent choice for families with picky eaters! This versatile recipe involves marinating juicy chicken breasts in a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, and spices, creating a flavor profile that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Serve it alongside crumbled feta cheese, roasted veggies, or pile it high on a crisp summer salad for a refreshing twist.
Thai Coconut Chicken
Need something to spice up your meal routine? Look no further than this Thai-inspired coconut chicken dish. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. The key ingredient here is the creamy coconut milk, which pairs perfectly with a blend of bright spices like garlic, sambal oelek, cinnamon, brown sugar, and ginger. This unique combination creates a taste experience that’s both sweet and spicy, with just the right balance of salty flavors.
When served over a bed of fluffy white rice, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family – and it’s ready in no time!
Easy Cajun Grilled Chicken
Here’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household – cajun grilled chicken. With just a few basic ingredients on hand, you can create this mouth-watering meal in no time. You’ll need chicken breasts and a jar of Cajun seasoning, both of which are likely staples in your pantry. The secret to perfectly grilled Cajun chicken lies in pounding your cutlets super thin, allowing for maximum surface area to absorb those delicious spices.
A key benefit of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list – just three items are required: chicken, cajun seasoning, and oil. This makes it an ideal option for those looking for a quick and easy meal solution.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Elevating your summer cooking game is easier than you think, especially when it comes to lemon pepper chicken, a staple dish that’s simplicity is one of its greatest charms. Essential to this recipe’s success is using fresh lemons to extract the ultimate flavors. The marinade is where the magic happens, combining the brightness of lemon juice with the depth of its zest for an unparalleled flavor experience.
Enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing potato salad, and don’t be surprised when leftovers become tomorrow’s best lunch.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Generally speaking, a classic chicken sandwich is a staple in many cuisines around the world. Its simplicity is what makes it so appealing – the combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, pickles, and perfectly tender chicken is hard to beat. But what truly elevates this humble dish is the secret ingredient: a well-crafted marinade that infuses every bite with flavors.
In this case, the chicken marinade is made with rich mustard, garlic, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, which all come together in perfect harmony to create a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Just like traditional Mexican cuisine, street tacos have become an absolute favorite at dinnertime for many food enthusiasts. They’re incredibly light, packed with flavors that explode in every bite, and can be prepared effortlessly in no time. To elevate the humble street taco experience, consider marinating your chicken in a bold, spicy sauce infused with tangy notes before grilling it to perfection.
Afterward, chop the chicken into small pieces and complement its rich flavor with the crunch of crispy red onions and the creaminess of avocado slices.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Often, the key to a successful summer gathering lies in the details, and one crucial element that sets apart a great event from an ordinary one is the food. Out of all the options available, drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser due to their irresistible flavor and fun-to-eat texture. To elevate your next summer potluck with the most delicious drumsticks yet, consider giving these sticky BBQ drumsticks a try.
The secret to their mouth-watering taste lies in the homemade BBQ spice blend, which masterfully combines bright flavors of brown sugar, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and other bold seasonings. By skipping store-bought BBQ sauce in favor of your own creation, you’ll not only impress your guests but also add a personal touch to your culinary presentation.
Chicken Inasal
Taking center stage in Filipino cuisine is Chicken Inasal, a dish that boasts a unique and tantalizing flavor profile. The combination of lemongrass stalks and calamansi juice gives the chicken its signature tangy and slightly acidic taste, which is truly out of this world. It’s no wonder that food enthusiasts rave about this classic Filipino dish, deeming it a must-try experience.
25 Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes to Put on Repeat
You’ll notice that the title ‘5.0 from 1 vote’ is a humble indication of the recipe’s popularity. No one can possibly resist these mouth-watering grilled chicken recipes! From wings to thighs to kabobs and skewers, grilled chicken never goes out of style, and for good reason – the combination of smoky flavors and tender texture is simply irresistible.
Instructions
Carefully selecting the right recipe is just the beginning. Not only do you need to gather all the necessary ingredients, but also ensure that you have enough time to prepare and cook your dish. With our quick and easy recipes, you can enjoy a delicious grilled chicken meal in under 30 minutes.
