When the days grow long and the air hangs warm and heavy, the kitchen can feel like the last place you want to be. The call of the outdoors is strong, beckoning you to the patio, the deck, or the backyard. This is the season of the grill.
There is a unique magic to cooking over an open flame. It is a primal, sensory experience that transforms simple ingredients into something special. The smoky aroma, the satisfying sizzle, and the beautifully charred results are the hallmarks of a perfect summer evening.
At the heart of this summer tradition lies the versatile and beloved chicken. It is a blank canvas, ready to absorb the bold flavors of marinades, rubs, and glazes. When treated with care, grilled chicken is not just food; it is an experience, a juicy, tender, and flavorful celebration of the season.
This collection of 35 recipes is your guide to mastering the art of the grilled chicken dinner. Forget dry, bland poultry. We are diving into a world of flavor that will make every meal a memorable one.
The Secrets to Unfailingly Juicy Grilled Chicken
Before we fire up the grill, let’s unlock the secrets to ensuring your chicken is perfectly juicy every single time. A few simple techniques can make all the difference between a culinary triumph and a dry disappointment.
Start with the Right Cut
Your choice of chicken cut plays a significant role in the final texture. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the undisputed champions of the grill. Their higher fat content acts as built in insurance against drying out, keeping them tender and flavorful.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean, popular option but require a bit more attention. To ensure even cooking, it is essential to pound them to a uniform thickness, about three quarters of an inch. This prevents the thinner parts from overcooking while the thicker part comes to temperature.
The Power of a Good Marinade
A marinade is your best friend for juicy grilled chicken. A well crafted marinade typically contains an acid like citrus juice or vinegar, an oil, and seasonings. The acid helps to tenderize the meat, allowing it to retain more moisture during cooking.
For an extra level of tenderness, consider using a dairy based marinade. The enzymes in yogurt and buttermilk are incredibly effective at gently breaking down the muscle fibers, resulting in exceptionally tender chicken.
Master Your Grill’s Heat
Understanding how to control heat is crucial. The best method for most chicken cuts is the two zone fire. This means arranging your coals or adjusting your gas burners so one side of the grill is very hot (direct heat) and the other side is much cooler (indirect heat).
Start by searing the chicken over the direct heat for a few minutes per side to develop color and those classic grill marks. Then, move the chicken to the indirect heat side to finish cooking through gently. This prevents the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.
Use a Meat Thermometer
This is the single most important tool for any grill master. The only way to know for sure if your chicken is perfectly cooked is to check its internal temperature. Cooking by time alone is a recipe for disaster.
Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones. Chicken is safe and ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pulling it off the grill at this exact temperature guarantees it will be juicy, not overcooked.
Let It Rest
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to grilled meat. Once your chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you slice into it.
This resting period allows the juices, which have migrated to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute evenly. If you cut into it too soon, all that flavorful moisture will spill out, leaving you with dry chicken.
Timeless Summer Classics
These are the foundational recipes of backyard grilling. They are simple, packed with familiar flavors, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
1. Classic Lemon Herb Chicken
A bright and zesty marinade of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. This combination is the pure taste of sunshine.
2. Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs
Smoky, sweet, and tangy. Use your favorite BBQ sauce, but remember to brush it on only during the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling to prevent the sugars from burning.
3. Simple Italian Dressed Chicken
The ultimate shortcut to flavor. Marinating chicken breasts in a good quality bottled Italian dressing infuses them with herbs, vinegar, and oil for a foolproof result.
4. Garlic Parmesan Skewers
Cubes of chicken breast marinated in garlic and olive oil are threaded onto skewers for quick cooking. Once grilled, toss them in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a savory finish.
5. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken
An irresistible blend of sweet and tangy. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of paprika for a glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
6. Rosemary Ranch Chicken Cutlets
A family favorite. Combine a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix with olive oil and finely chopped fresh rosemary for an herby, savory marinade that is simply delicious.
7. Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Sophisticated yet simple. A glaze made from reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of brown sugar and garlic creates a deep, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables.
Global Flavors on the Grill
Take your taste buds on a journey with these internationally inspired chicken recipes that bring a world of flavor to your backyard.
8. Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Cubes of chicken marinated in lemon, oregano, and garlic. Grill on skewers and serve in a warm pita with a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce.
9. Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
A classic savory and sweet glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Threading the chicken onto skewers makes it perfect for appetizers or a main course. Garnish with sesame seeds.
10. Thai Coconut Curry Chicken
Rich and aromatic. Marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of red curry paste, coconut milk, and lime juice results in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
11. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Fragrant and savory. A marinade of finely minced lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic gives this chicken a unique and unforgettable Southeast Asian flavor profile.
12. Mexican Cilantro Lime Chicken
The taste of a fiesta. A vibrant, fresh marinade of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of cumin makes for a zesty and bright chicken dish, perfect for tacos or salads.
13. Argentinian Chimichurri Chicken
It is all about the sauce. Grill chicken seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then serve it smothered in a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
14. Cuban Mojo Marinated Chicken
A burst of citrus and garlic. This powerful marinade uses sour orange juice (or a mix of orange and lime), heaps of garlic, and oregano for a tangy, pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of grilled chicken thighs.
15. Lebanese Shish Tawook
This Middle Eastern favorite uses a yogurt based marinade with lemon and garlic to create exceptionally tender and moist chicken kebabs with a delightful tang.
Sweet, Spicy & Smoky Sensations
For those who crave bold flavors and exciting contrasts, these recipes deliver a thrilling combination of heat, sweetness, and smoke.
16. Sriracha Honey Lime Chicken
The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and sour. This popular combination creates a sticky, addictive glaze that hits all the right notes.
17. Chipotle in Adobo Glazed Chicken
Smoky, earthy, and with a lingering heat. Pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce mixed with a little honey or brown sugar create a deep, complex glaze.
18. Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken
Spicy, savory, and slightly funky. Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, forms the base of a marinade that provides an incredible depth of flavor.
19. Smoky Paprika and Brown Sugar Rub
A simple dry rub that works magic. The combination of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt creates a beautiful crust and a sweet, smoky flavor profile.
20. Nashville Style Hot Grilled Chicken
Get the flavor of the famous fried chicken without the fryer. Create a spicy oil by whisking cayenne pepper into hot oil, then brush it over the chicken right as it comes off the grill.
21. Cajun Blackened Chicken Breast
A bold and spicy rub of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and onion powder creates a dark, flavorful crust that seals in the juices.
22. Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
A flavor explosion. Butterfly chicken breasts, then stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños before grilling over indirect heat.
Fresh & Fruity Pairings
Celebrate the bounty of the season by incorporating fresh fruit into your grilling. The natural sweetness is a perfect complement to smoky char.
23. Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
A taste of the tropics. Top simply grilled chicken with a vibrant salsa made from fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
24. Mango Glazed Chicken
Sweet and tangy. A glaze made from fresh mango puree, lime juice, and a hint of ginger brings a bright, fruity flavor to your grilled chicken.
25. Peach and Basil Grilled Chicken
A uniquely summer combination. A simple glaze made from peach preserves is elevated by the addition of fresh, chopped basil right before serving.
26. Strawberry Balsamic Chicken
Sweet, tangy, and gorgeous. A sauce made from simmering fresh strawberries with balsamic vinegar creates a stunning and delicious glaze for grilled chicken breasts.
27. Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Feta Salad
The ultimate refreshment. Serve lightly seasoned grilled chicken alongside or topped with a salad of cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a light vinaigrette.
28. Orange Ginger Chicken
Bright and zesty. A marinade of fresh orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger gives the chicken a clean, vibrant flavor that is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Creamy & Herbaceous Creations
These recipes use dairy and fresh herbs to create exceptionally tender chicken with rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying flavors.
29. Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken
An old fashioned secret for incredible results. Soaking chicken in seasoned buttermilk overnight tenderizes it like nothing else, guaranteeing a juicy outcome.
30. Pesto Covered Grilled Chicken
Effortlessly delicious. Simply coat chicken breasts or thighs in a generous amount of basil pesto before grilling. The oil in the pesto keeps the chicken moist and packs it with flavor.
31. Creamy Dill and Lemon Chicken
A cool and refreshing flavor. A marinade of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken incredibly tender.
32. Tuscan Inspired Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Marinate chicken in garlic and Italian herbs. After grilling, top it with a creamy sauce or relish made with chopped sun dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan.
33. Feta and Oregano Stuffed Chicken
A taste of the Mediterranean. Stuff chicken breasts with a savory mixture of crumbled feta cheese, fresh oregano, and lemon zest for a briny, herbaceous surprise inside.
34. Tandoori Style Yogurt Spiced Chicken
Get the flavor of the Indian classic on your grill. A marinade of yogurt and a blend of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin creates a tangy crust.
35. Avocado Cilantro Cream Chicken
Blend a ripe avocado with cilantro, lime juice, a little Greek yogurt, and garlic to make a creamy, vibrant marinade that also doubles as a delicious sauce.
Conclusion
With this diverse collection of recipes, you are well equipped for a season of spectacular outdoor cooking. Grilling chicken is more than just making a meal; it is about embracing the relaxed, joyful spirit of summer.
These ideas serve as a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventures. Do not hesitate to experiment with different herbs, try a new spice blend, or add your favorite fruit to a classic glaze. The grill is your canvas, and the possibilities are endless.
So, gather your friends and family, head outside into the warm evening air, and create some delicious memories. The perfect juicy grilled chicken dinner is just a few sizzles away.