Are you tired of the same old grilled chicken every summer? With so many cultures around the world putting their own spin on this classic dish, it’s time to shake things up and explore new flavors.

From spicy kebabs to juicy burgers, and from sticky wings to smoky whole birds, the versatility of chicken is undeniable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, we’ve gathered 30 of our favorite grilled chicken recipes to inspire your next summer cookout.

Discover a world of flavor with our collection of mouthwatering recipes that will transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary meals. With simple marinades to complex international flavors, you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Explore 30 mouth-watering grilled chicken recipes perfect for summer.
• Learn essential grilling techniques for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
• Discover new flavor combinations and cooking methods.
• Find inspiration for quick weeknight dinners and impressive weekend feasts.
• Transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary meals with simple to complex recipes.

The Art of Grilled Chicken

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Grilled chicken represents a culinary canvas where various marinades and techniques come into play. Understanding the fundamentals of grilling transforms ordinary meals into memorable dining experiences.

The key to perfect grilled chicken lies in balancing heat, timing, and flavor development through marinades or dry rubs. Different cuts of chicken require different approaches – breasts need protection from drying out, while thighs are more forgiving.

To elevate your grilled chicken, learn to harness smoke, caramelization, and the Maillard reaction. Mastering grilling temperature control is crucial for achieving that perfect sear without burning the outside or undercooking the inside.

Essential Grilling Tools for Perfect Chicken

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Mastering the art of grilling chicken starts with the right equipment. Having the right tools makes grilling chicken easier and more successful, saving you time in the process.

To achieve perfect grilled chicken, consider the following essential grilling tools: – A reliable grill is the foundation of any grilling recipe. – A meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. – Long-handled tongs provide precise control when flipping chicken. – Silicone brushes allow for even application of marinades and sauces.

Additionally, a two-zone fire setup gives you versatility when cooking different chicken cuts. Investing in a good drip pan helps collect excess fat, reducing flare-ups and making cleanup easier.

Mouthwatering Chicken Thigh Recipes

The richness of chicken thighs makes them ideal for grilling, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Here are a few mouth-watering recipes to try.

1. Halfsies Chicken with Simple Spice Rub

This recipe involves a straightforward spice rub that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken thighs. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy grilled chicken.

2. Aromatic Grilled Chicken Thighs

By incorporating aromatic ingredients into the marinade, you can elevate the taste of your grilled chicken thighs. This method ensures a complex and engaging flavor profile.

3. Lemongrass Glazed Thighs

Inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, these lemongrass-glazed chicken thighs benefit from a marinade that includes sugar, creating a caramelized exterior when grilled. The result is a dish that’s both aromatic and visually appealing, with chicken thighs that are tender and juicy.

Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes

To make your grilled chicken breasts truly special, try these recipes that focus on tenderizing and flavor enhancement.

Finger Lickin’ Finger Lakes Chicken

This recipe is a classic, using a simple yet effective spice rub that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken breasts.

Italian-Marinated Chicken Breasts

Marinating chicken in Italian seasonings and herbs adds a Mediterranean twist, making it perfect for summer grilling.

Yogurt-Brined Chicken Breasts

Using yogurt as a marinade tenderizes the meat and seals in moisture, resulting in exceptionally juicy grilled breasts.

Recipe	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Finger Lickin’ Finger Lakes Chicken	Simple spice rub, chicken breasts	Classic, savory
Italian-Marinated Chicken Breasts	Italian seasonings, herbs, chicken	Mediterranean, herby
Yogurt-Brined Chicken Breasts	Yogurt, lemon juice, herbes de Provence	Tangy, complex

The yogurt brine recipe stands out for its use of yogurt’s mild acidity and proteins to tenderize and protect the meat, creating a succulent grilled masterpiece.

Flavorful Chicken Wing Recipes

Chicken wings, when grilled to perfection, become an irresistible treat. You can elevate your grilling game with unique and delicious recipes that are sure to impress your guests.

7. Party Wings with Cholula Butter

These wings are a perfect blend of spice and butter, making them a hit at any party. The Cholula butter adds a rich, spicy flavor that complements the grilled chicken.

8. Za’atar Grilled Chicken Wings

Za’atar, a Middle Eastern herb mix, brings a fascinating flavor profile to these grilled wings. It’s a simple yet exotic recipe to spice up your grilling routine.

9. Tangy Lime-Glazed Wings

Using lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice, these wings get a uniquely sticky, sweet-tart glaze. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior that’s finger-licking good.

• The lime cordial creates a lacquered finish that’s hard to achieve with just lime juice.
• The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the chicken skin.
• This innovative recipe is a game-changer for grilled chicken wings.

Whole Bird Grilling Techniques

Grilling a whole chicken to perfection is easier than you think, thanks to several proven techniques. Mastering these methods can elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with a deliciously juicy grilled chicken.

Here are three standout techniques to try:

Classic Beer Can Chicken

This popular method involves grilling a chicken with a beer can inserted into its cavity, which helps to keep the meat moist and infuse it with flavor.

Chicken al Mattone (Brick Chicken)

This technique involves flattening the chicken and grilling it under a brick, ensuring crispy skin and evenly cooked meat.

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

Rubbed down with garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and mayo, this chicken is juicy and flavorful down to the last bite. Spatchcocking creates a chicken that cooks more quickly and evenly than a traditional whole bird.

Technique	Description	Benefits
Classic Beer Can Chicken	Grilling with a beer can in the cavity	Moist meat, flavorful
Chicken al Mattone	Flattening and grilling under a brick	Crispy skin, even cooking
Grilled Spatchcock Chicken	Removing backbone, flattening, and grilling	Quick, even cooking, juicy

By incorporating these whole bird grilling techniques into your recipe repertoire, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Skewer and Kebab Recipes

Elevate your grilling game with these mouth-watering skewer and kebab recipes. Skewers offer a versatile and flavorful way to enjoy grilled chicken, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste.

Persian Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Marinated in a mix of saffron, lemon juice, and spices, these kabobs are a true delight. The saffron adds a unique flavor that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.

Alabama-Style Chicken Kebabs

These kebabs are marinated in a zesty Alabama-style white sauce, providing a tangy twist to traditional grilled chicken.

Chicken and Chorizo Skewers

Pairing chicken with Spanish chorizo on skewers creates a bold and savory dish. The chorizo infuses the chicken with its rich, smoky flavor.

• Combines chicken with Spanish chorizo for a unique flavor experience.
• The dry-cured chorizo is perfect for grilling, releasing flavorful oils as it heats.
• Customize with seasonal vegetables or fruits for added variety.

International Flavors: Asian-Inspired Recipes

Explore the vibrant flavors of Asia with these grilled chicken recipes. Asian cuisine offers a diverse range of marinades and seasonings that can elevate your grilling game.

Thai Grilled Chicken with Dipping Sauce

This Thai-inspired dish is flavored with a mix of spices and herbs, served with a tangy dipping sauce. The combination of flavors will transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok.

Japanese Chicken Tsukune

Japanese-style tsukune involves grilling chicken skewers, often flavored with a savory sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.

Miso-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Using a miso marinade can transform your grilled chicken into a dish with deep, complex flavors. This recipe requires chicken pieces to marinate for 2 to 12 hours, making it adaptable to various planning schedules. The umami-rich profile of miso tenderizes the meat and adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with steamed rice and quick-pickled vegetables.

International Flavors: Mediterranean Recipes

From Greece to Lebanon, the Mediterranean offers a diverse range of grilled chicken recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. You can explore various flavors and ingredients that characterize this region’s cuisine.

Greek Chicken with Tzatziki

A classic Greek recipe featuring marinated chicken served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and dill. For a similar Greek-inspired dish, you can try Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Dill Greek Yogurt.

Turkish Yogurt-Marinated Chicken

This Turkish-style chicken recipe involves marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices before grilling to perfection.

Lebanese Shish Taouk

Lebanese Shish Taouk is a popular dish featuring chicken skewers marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and distinctive spices like sumac and za’atar. The skewers are often served with halloumi cheese and vegetable skewers, making it a complete and flavorful meal. This recipe showcases traditional Middle Eastern grilling techniques.

30 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summer Cookouts

As summer approaches, your grill becomes the centerpiece of outdoor gatherings, and grilled chicken is often the star of the show. With the right recipes, you can elevate your grilling game and impress your friends and family.

Barbecue Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

This classic Southern recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The Alabama white sauce adds a tangy, creamy element to the smoky grilled chicken. It’s a simple yet flavorful marinade that makes all the difference.

Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Flavors

Inspired by the islands, this jerk chicken recipe brings a taste of the Caribbean to your summer cookout. The bold, aromatic spices create a chicken dish that’s both spicy and savory.

Tamarind Chicken

This Southeast Asian-inspired recipe showcases tamarind, a fruit with a uniquely sweet-sour profile that creates exceptionally flavorful chicken. The balance of hot, sour, salty, and sweet elements is a hallmark of Southeast Asian cuisine’s approach to marinade and flavor.

Recipe	Key Flavor	Cuisine
Barbecue Chicken with Alabama White Sauce	Tangy, Smoky	Southern
Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Flavors	Spicy, Aromatic	Caribbean
Tamarind Chicken	Sweet-Sour	Southeast Asian

Quick and Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes

When you’re short on time, these quick grilled chicken recipes come to the rescue. You can achieve delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Back-Pocket Marinade Chicken

This versatile recipe is a staple for any grill master. By using a simple marinade, you can elevate your chicken dishes in just a few minutes. The key is to keep the marinade ingredients handy.

Rusty Chicken Thighs

For a flavorful twist, try Rusty Chicken Thighs. This recipe uses mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and sambal oelek to create a distinctive “rusty” color. Simply marinate thighs for 30 minutes while you heat up the grill.

Recipe	Marinating Time	Key Ingredients
Back-Pocket Marinade Chicken	Variable	Marinade ingredients
Rusty Chicken Thighs	30 minutes	Mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sambal oelek

Family-Friendly Grilled Chicken Dishes

Grilled chicken is a crowd-pleaser, and there are many ways to prepare it that are sure to delight family members of all ages. You can easily customize grilled chicken dishes to suit different tastes, making it a great option for families.

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Transform your weeknight dinner into a fiesta with grilled chicken fajitas. This easy and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite. Simply grill chicken breast with your favorite vegetables, serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, and enjoy!

Melty, Cheesy Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

These grilled chicken breasts topped with melty cheese and served on a toasted brioche bun make for a satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for a family meal. The combination of juicy chicken, melted cheese, and buttery buns creates a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

With these ideas, you can create delicious and family-friendly meals that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or want to try something new, grilled chicken is a great place to start.

Unique Grilled Chicken Creations

Explore the world of grilled chicken with these creative and delicious ideas that will take your outdoor cooking to new heights. You can recreate restaurant favorites and innovate with new flavors and techniques.

Grilled Foil-Pack Chicken Nachos

Transform your grilled chicken into a fun and flavorful dish with grilled foil-pack chicken nachos. This recipe combines the ease of foil-pack cooking with the bold flavors of nachos, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

CPK-Style BBQ Chicken Pizza

Recreate the iconic California Pizza Kitchen favorite with this BBQ chicken pizza recipe. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro on a crisp pizza crust is a match made in heaven, especially when grilled to add a smoky dimension.

Marinades That Make the Difference

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A well-crafted marinade is the key to unlocking the full flavor potential of grilled chicken. Key ingredients like acids (lemon juice, vinegar), oils, herbs, and spices create depth of flavor and help tenderize the meat.

To get the best results, it’s essential to understand how to let marinate your chicken effectively. Here are some key points to consider:

• Marinades represent the single most important factor in transforming ordinary grilled chicken into memorable meals worth sharing.
• Understanding the science behind marinades empowers you to create your own signature combinations.
• The balance of acid, oil, aromatics, salt, and sometimes sweetness creates the foundation for marinades across culinary traditions.
• Unexpected marinade ingredients like yogurt, buttermilk, and mayonnaise often yield superior results.
• Learning to match marinade flavors to your intended side dishes creates cohesive meals.
• The timing of marinades matters significantly – some work their magic in 30 minutes while others benefit from overnight development.

Perfect Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken

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The perfect accompaniments can make your grilled chicken meals truly unforgettable. The right side dishes complement chicken perfectly, balancing its protein-rich nature while complementing or contrasting its flavor profile.

Consider grilled vegetables, grain salads, potato salads, slaws, or simple green salads. Fresh corn, tomato salads, and rice dishes also pair beautifully with grilled chicken.

• The perfect side dishes balance the richness of chicken.
• Seasonal produce transformed into simple salads provides the ideal accompaniment.
• Acidic side dishes cut through the richness, creating balanced bites.
• Starchy side dishes provide satisfying foundations.
• Considering texture ensures a satisfying meal.
• The best side dishes can be prepared in advance.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Grilled Chicken Every Time

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The secret to consistently juicy grilled chicken lies in understanding the science behind heat and cooking techniques. To keep chicken juicy on the grill, consider these key strategies:

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Create a two-zone fire for temperature control.
• Let chicken rest before cutting to retain juices.
• Choose the right cut for your cooking method.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve juicy grilled chicken every time.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Grilling Game

Elevate your grilling game with the versatility of chicken and the joy of outdoor cooking. With these 30 grilled chicken recipes, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends all summer long. Mastering grilled chicken techniques opens doors to endless variations, making it perfect for any summer gathering at any time.