40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (2024)

Love a weeknight chicken dinner? Us too, so we're taking them to the grill this summer.

By Camille Lowder
40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (1)

Chicken will forever be our weeknight dinner staple, and we're no strangers to having to get creative with how we cook it to avoid falling into a rut. Couple that with our summertime desire to be cooking outside as much as possible while it’s nice out, and it was a no-brainer to figure out ALL the best ways to grill our favorite lean protein. Check out our list of 40 grilled chicken recipes for ideas—with a few easy marinades, fruit, and spices, you'll happily be eating grilled chicken all summer long too.

Let’s start with our top tips for how best to grill chicken. We bet you’ve got a favorite cut of chicken, like thighs, breasts, or wings, and luckily, you can put them all on the grill. Simple marinades made of ingredients like balsamic vinegar, pineapple, or soy sauce make chicken extra flavorful, and only really need 20 minutes or so to soak in (though overnight is best!). If you do marinate overnight, bring your chicken to room temperature before grilling to avoid the cold meat seizing and becoming tough. Make sure your grill is super hot too, and once your chicken is on there, resist the urge to flip it around a bunch—once midway through should be enough.

While tasty, the simple act of cooking chicken on your grill doesn't necessarily make a full meal, so we’ve also included all our favorite ways to serve them, from summer salads to pizzas to tacos. Check out our grilled chicken Cajun pasta salad, our elote (Mexican street corn) tacos, or our Mediterranean grilled chicken salad for ideas. Not looking for a full sit-down meal? Try one of our skewered chicken recipes, like our chicken souvlaki, our hoisin chicken kebabs, or our chicken satay. They make a great healthy summer appetizer or side, or can be easily turned into something more substantial if served over rice or in a pita.

On the other hand, there is one way to cook chicken on your grill that guarantees a complete meal—foil packs! Toss together our Santa Fe chicken foil packs, our honey mustard chicken foil packs, our Tex-Mex chicken fajita foil packs, and more to see just how versatile they can be. Swap in and out the marinades and veggies, and you'll have enough chicken dinners to last you all season long.

Want even more summertime inspiration? Check out our top 100 grilling recipes, our best summer BBQ salads, and our favorite summer side dishes too.

1

Bruschetta Grilled Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (3)

While we've got plenty of weeknight chicken dinners in our arsenal, this bruschetta grilled chicken is one of our favorite ways to celebrate fresh summer flavors all season long. It turns classic bruschetta into something worthy of a main course, thanks to a little char from the grill and lots of mozzarella cheese.

Get the Bruschetta Grilled Chicken recipe.

2

Harissa Grilled Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (4)

In the world of powerhouse pantry staples, harissa is a flavor bomb. We’re no strangers to its magic here at Delish—we've already stirred it into clams and aioli, and used it to spice up turkey breast and meatballs—and now we’re tapping it again for this easy, throw-together marinade for grilled chicken.

Get the Harissa Grilled Chicken recipe.

3

Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (5)

Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill ASAP; you won’t regret it. They're super-tender thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade. Hot tip: Boil the marinade down into a sauce to drizzle on top for extra flavor.

Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

California Grilled Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (6)

♫ California looove ...♫ Balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, honey, oil, and Italian seasoning come together here for a lovely marinade that goes perfectly with in-season tomatoes and creamy avocado.

Get the California Grilled Chicken recipe.

5

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (7)

Grilling the red onions and buns is totally optional but will take this chicken sandwich over the top. Serve it with some homemade French fries, and you have a restaurant worthy meal right at home.

Get the Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe.

6

Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (8)

In these foil packs, a heap of veggies (there are potatoes, onions, and bell peppers) and tender nuggets of boneless, skinless chicken thighs are all flavored with delicious fajita spices. Though potatoes aren't traditionally served with fajitas, here they're a welcome addition (they help soak up ALL the flavor).

Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (9)

Many cookouts are plagued by folks using breasts and not knowing how to grill them. Chicken thighs like we've used here, however, are a lot more forgiving due to their natural tenderness and flavor. They taste even better when slid on skewers alongside bok choy and scallions, then glazed with a hoisin BBQ sauce.

Get the Grilled Chicken Kebabs recipe.

8

Grilled Chicken Salad

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (10)

This grilled chicken salad—filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado—is the healthy summer dinner we make again and again.

Get the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad recipe.

9

Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (11)

Grilling fruit brings out all its juicy sweetness, and while you can always go the sweet route with your grilled peaches, they're just as good paired with this sweet and tangy balsamic chicken.

Get the Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (12)

Yakitori (Japanese for "grilled chicken") is one of the oldest and most popular traditional Japanese dishes. Though you'll often find it served from flat tops by street vendors, it's easy to make at home on your grill. alt (shio) or yakitori sauce (tare). You can add ginger and other ingredients, but we kept things minimal for authentic flavor.

Get the Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers) recipe.

11

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (13)

Serve this Jamaican jerk chicken with traditional callaloo and , or up the sweet factor with some coconut rice or sweet plantains.

Get the Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe.

12

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (14)

Nothing beats a street taco—super-juicy, tender grilled meat in a quick grab-and-go format, typically made possible by doubling up two smaller corn tortillas. This makes them easier to eat on the side of the street, in the car, anywhere! They're no frills yet tend to be some of the most craveable tacos around.

Get the Grilled Chicken Street Tacos recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Tacos

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (15)

Wondering what you’re going to make tonight? These grilled chicken tacos are the answer. They've got all the deliciousness of elote or esquites in taco form, and you don’t even have to fire up the grill. Oh, and did we mention you can get them on the table in 30 minutes?

Get the Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Tacos recipe.

14

Best Grilled Chicken Breast

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (16)

Grilled chicken breasts can be the epitome of boring—too often they're dried out or rubbery. But when soaked in a super-quick marinade with balsamic, brown sugar, and dried thyme, you're guaranteed deliciousness.

Get the Best Grilled Chicken Breast recipe.

15

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (17)

While we’re all about switching things up, when we want a tried-and-true perfect meal, we always go back to the chicken burrito bowl from Chipotle. It’s classic, reliable, and completely customizable depending on our mood. Best of all? It's SO easy to make at home too, just how you like it.

Get the Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (18)

Move over Hawaiian pizza! This tropical chicken has become our new favorite savory pineapple dish. The acidity from the pineapple marinade will help to tenderize the grilled chicken breast and the sugar works to caramelize the meat while grilling.

Get the Grilled Pineapple Chicken recipe.

17

Caprese Chicken Foil Packs

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (19)

This recipe combines three things we love—Caprese, chicken, and foil packets—for a SUPER-easy and bright chicken dinner that only takes about 30 minutes to make. Whether you're throwing a BBQ or having a chill family meal, everyone will love them!

Get the Caprese Chicken Foil Packs recipe.

18

Chipotle Chicken

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (20)

Juicy, slightly spicy and packed full of flavor, this copycat recipe just might rival the real deal thanks to an extra-flavorful marinade and super-tender chicken. If you've been searching for that perfect Chipotle recipe—this is it.

Get the Chipotle Chicken recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (21)

Warning: If you make this Cajun-seasoned, spicy pasta salad at your next summer cookout, be prepared to have everyone asking for the recipe.

Get the Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad recipe.

20

Chicken Satay

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (22)

Satay, considered to be a national dish of Indonesia, is a popular Southeast Asian street food that usually involves a marinated meat being skewered and grilled, then served with a simple saucy dip. Our peanut sauce is the ultimate wingman to satay, containing all the fragrant notes of lemongrass, coconut, fish sauce, and fresh lime zest.

Get the Chicken Satay recipe.

40 Creative Grilled Chicken Recipes That’ll Shake Up Your Summer Dinners (2024)

FAQs

How to grill chicken like a pro? ›

Place your chicken breasts on your preheated grill, and close the lid. It's important to keep the lid of your grill closed while your chicken is cooking so that no heat escapes. Cook your chicken breast on the grill for 6-8 minutes on one side. After 6-8 minutes flip your chicken breast and cook for 6-8 minutes more.

How healthy is grilled chicken? ›

It's low in calories, low in fat and has a high nutritional value. Grilled chicken is also a great source of protein. People who get enough of this nutrient are more likely to maintain muscle mass and support a healthy metabolism. No wonder why chicken can follow you from infancy to adulthood!

How do you grill chicken properly? ›

Cover with plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet, or even a rolling pin, until the breast is an even 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Grill over direct medium heat (350º to 450º) until the chicken breast reads 165º F with an instant-read thermometer. Flip once. Approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

How to grill different cuts of chicken? ›

Time, Temperature and Technique
  1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side. ...
  2. Chicken Tenders. Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side. ...
  3. Chicken Wings. Time: 15 to 20 minutes. ...
  4. Drumsticks. Time: 30 minutes. ...
  5. Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. ...
  6. Boneless Skinless Thighs. ...
  7. Skip the Guesswork. ...
  8. Use Direct and Indirect Heat.

Should you cover chicken when grilling? ›

Uncovered Grilling

Even removing the lid too often from the grill results in heat escaping and the temperature dropping. This may lead to uneven cooking of the chicken. Keeping the lid closed on the grill to cook the chicken more evenly.

Is it OK to eat grilled chicken everyday? ›

Can I eat chicken everyday? Absolutely. Grilled or baked chicken throughout the week is the suggested way to prepare chicken. You can make simple, healthy chicken dinners, served over a salad of mixed greens, or mixed with peppers and onions for fajitas.

What's healthier grilled chicken or eggs? ›

Both chicken and eggs are a low calorie and high protein option. However, Chicken contains double the amount of protein than eggs per serving, emerging as a clear winner. Not only that, but chicken also contains less cholesterol in comparison to eggs, making it a much healthier food choice.

Is chicken good for high blood pressure? ›

New research suggests that eating lean chicken more frequently might promote reducing blood pressure for people at high-risk of heart disease. Following a Mediterranean (MED) diet is strongly linked with better overall heart health.

How many hours does it take to grill chicken? ›

While all grills are different, most of the time you'll be golden if you grill your chicken breasts for about 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point so you get beautiful, even sear marks on each side of the chicken. Presentation is key!

Do you grill chicken fast or slow? ›

The goal is to maintain a low enough grill temp so that the chicken cooks "low and slow." The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken pieces are 160°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs, when tested with a meat thermometer.

What is the perfect grill time for chicken? ›

Boneless & Skinless: Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Bone-in & Skin-on: Expect to grill for about 10-15 minutes per side on medium heat.

How to grill chicken for beginners? ›

How to Grill Chicken
  1. Step 1: Dry the Chicken. Place the chicken on a paper towel-lined tray and pat it dry. ...
  2. Step 2: Season the Chicken. ...
  3. Step 3: Clean the Grill. ...
  4. Step 4: Preheat the Grill with Two Heat Zones. ...
  5. Step 5: Add the Chicken to the Grill. ...
  6. Step 6: Grill the Chicken, Flipping It. ...
  7. Step 7: Baste the Chicken In Sauce.
Feb 13, 2023

Should I use foil when grilling chicken? ›

Flavor infusion: Foil can help to seal in flavor, allowing any seasonings or marinades to be absorbed more fully into the chicken during cooking. Easy cleanup: Wrappin.

How do you grill chicken without it getting tough? ›

Brine Before Grilling to Prevent Dry, Rubbery Chicken

It's one of the easiest ways to ensure success, but it does require extra time so plan accordingly. As little as 30 minutes of brining helps the chicken breast, but you can brine chicken breasts in a mild brine for eight to 12 hours.

How do you grill chicken without burning the outside? ›

If you set the temperature extremely high, the chicken won't cook properly on the inside but can burn on the outside. It will cook more thoroughly and evenly with lower heat. Fix: Choose medium heat on a gas grill or medium-low on a charcoal grill to cook your chicken.

How do you grill like a professional? ›

7 Tips That Will Help You Grill Like a Pro
  1. Set up a tool mise en place. ...
  2. Set up heat zones. ...
  3. Dark meat fares better. ...
  4. Don't forget the vegetables. ...
  5. Take food off the grill when it's done. ...
  6. Make the center of your burger slightly thinner. ...
  7. For small or chopped veggies, grab a grill pan or basket.

Is it better to grill chicken fast or slow? ›

The goal is to maintain a low enough grill temp so that the chicken cooks "low and slow." The chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken pieces are 160°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs, when tested with a meat thermometer.

Should you grill chicken on low or high heat? ›

If you cook the chicken on too hot a grill, the skin will burn before the flesh cooks. Medium-low is the best temperature on a charcoal grill, and medium on a gas grill. This way, you'll crisp the skin and avoid flareups. Dark meat on the bone is more flavorful and will stay juicier on the grill.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6670

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.