10+ Easy Grilling Recipes Chicken for Delicious Summer Feasts
Grilling chicken is a favorite pastime for many, especially during warm weather. Easy grilling recipes allow you to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can create tasty dishes that impress friends and family.
From marinated options to quick seasoning ideas, there’s a recipe suitable for everyone. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced griller, these recipes will help you make the most of your time outdoors while savoring perfectly grilled chicken.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is simple and tasty. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs make the chicken juicy and delicious. You can use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
First, you’ll want to marinate the chicken. Mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. Place the chicken in a bag with the marinade and let it sit for at least one hour, or up to 12 hours for more flavor.
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 190°C. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Enjoy this tasty dish with a side of salad or grilled vegetables!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a bag with marinade; seal and refrigerate.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers
Honey garlic grilled chicken skewers are a delicious and easy dish to make. They combine sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. This recipe is great for summer barbecues or family dinners.
To start, you will need to prepare a simple marinade. Mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F or 190°C to 200°C). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, and then place the skewers on the grill.
Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Enjoy your honey garlic chicken skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F or 190°C to 200°C).
- Thread the chicken onto skewers.
- Oil the grill grates lightly.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F (75°C).
3) Spicy Grilled Chicken Tacos
Spicy grilled chicken tacos are a tasty choice for your next meal. They are easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.
To start, marinate your chicken in a blend of spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, and oregano. This mix adds a nice kick. Let the chicken sit for a while to soak up those flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Grill the marinated chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it in warm tortillas with toppings like pico de gallo or avocado crema for a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas
- Optional toppings: pico de gallo, avocado crema
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with spices for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest before slicing and serve in tortillas.
4) BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
BBQ grilled chicken thighs are a tasty choice for any gathering. They are juicy and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them with your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with spices or a marinade. This helps to keep the meat tender and adds a delicious taste. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 190°C. Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Cook for about 6-7 minutes before flipping them.
Once you flip, brush on some BBQ sauce and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional spices (garlic powder, paprika)
Cooking Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and spices.
- Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes.
- Flip and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Grill for another 6-7 minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
5) Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Cilantro lime grilled chicken is a tasty and easy dish to make. The marinade’s bright flavors will make your chicken juicy and delicious. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference.
To make the marinade, you’ll mix lime juice, cilantro, garlic salt, and black pepper. This adds a fresh taste to the meat. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Grill the chicken on medium heat, about 350°F (175°C), for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Enjoy your cilantro lime grilled chicken with rice, salad, or your favorite sides!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken to the marinade and coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F or 175°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
6) Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Buffalo chicken sandwiches are a tasty choice for your next meal. You can enjoy them on a warm day when you want something easy and delicious. The grilled chicken is flavorful and pairs well with tangy sauce.
Start by marinating your chicken in buffalo sauce. Then, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve your grilled chicken on a bun. Top it with blue cheese dressing and your favorite toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. This sandwich is sure to please anyone who loves buffalo flavor!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Buffalo sauce
- Burger buns
- Blue cheese dressing
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Assemble the sandwich with chicken, dressing, and toppings.
7) Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Breasts
Teriyaki grilled chicken breasts are a tasty and easy meal to prepare. The sweet and savory marinade makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. To get started, you’ll want to marinate your chicken.
Use a mixture of teriyaki sauce, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
This dish pairs well with rice or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
- Mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly oil the grill grates.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8) Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is a tasty and simple recipe that’s perfect for any cookout. The marinade combines garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious flavor.
Start by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. Make sure it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Baste the chicken with the garlic Parmesan mix during the last few minutes of grilling. This will keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Serve it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Baste the chicken with the marinade in the last few minutes of cooking.
9) Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Mediterranean grilled chicken kabobs are a tasty and easy option for your next barbecue. The chicken is marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, which adds incredible flavor.
To start, you should use chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Skewers make it easy to grill and serve. You can also add colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
Grill the kabobs at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
These kabobs pair well with warm pita, tahini sauce, or fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bell peppers and onions (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the chicken and veggies.
- Preheat the grill to 425°F (220°C).
- Grill for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
10) Jerk Spice Grilled Chicken
Jerk spice grilled chicken offers a delicious burst of flavor. The blend of spices in jerk seasoning makes this dish special. You can easily make it at home or find pre-made seasoning.
Start by marinating your chicken with jerk seasoning, lime juice, and a touch of soy sauce. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. For the best taste, marinate it overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Then, place the chicken on the grill and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
For a smokier flavor, you can add wood chips to your grill. Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, like rice or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 lime (juiced)
Cooking Instructions:
- Marinate chicken with jerk seasoning, soy sauce, and lime juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
- Clean and oil grill grates.
- Place chicken on the grill.
- Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 30 minutes.