10 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Perfect Summer BBQs

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1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

This zesty and refreshing recipe combines the brightness of lemon with fragrant herbs, making it a perfect dish for sunny BBQ days.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 2 lemons
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
    2. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
    3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
    5. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Spicy BBQ Grilled Chicken

If you love a kick of heat, this spicy grilled chicken recipe is sure to please your taste buds. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge!

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
    • 1/4 cup hot sauce
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix together hot sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    2. Coat chicken thighs in the spicy mixture and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
    3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
    4. Grill chicken, skin side down, for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked.
    5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

This sweet and tangy honey mustard grilled chicken is ideal for those who enjoy a balance of flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
    5. Allow to rest before slicing and serving.

4. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

This recipe brings the savory flavors of garlic and parmesan together for a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish that will impress your guests.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    2. Coat chicken breasts in the mixture and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
    3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
    5. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan before serving if desired.

5. Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

This Asian-inspired grilled chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, making it a fantastic option for a summer BBQ.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken thighs
    • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
    • 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate chicken thighs in teriyaki sauce for at least 1 hour.
    2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
    4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

6. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers

These colorful skewers are packed with Mediterranean flavors and are perfect for serving at your summer BBQ.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion for skewering
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    2. Marinate chicken cubes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
    4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
    5. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce.

7. Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

This refreshing cilantro lime grilled chicken is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it a great choice for summer BBQs.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 2 limes
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper.
    2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
    5. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

8. BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Grill

Combine two summer favorites—BBQ chicken and pizza—in this delicious grilled BBQ chicken pizza recipe.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pre-made pizza crust
    • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
    • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
    2. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
    3. Spread the chicken mixture over the pizza crust, then top with mozzarella cheese and red onion.
    4. Place the pizza on the grill and close the lid, cooking for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    5. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with cilantro before slicing and serving.

9. Pesto Grilled Chicken

This vibrant pesto grilled chicken is packed with flavor and is a great way to utilize fresh basil from your summer garden.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with pesto sauce and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
    4. Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

10. Caribbean Jerk Grilled Chicken

This flavorful Caribbean jerk chicken is spicy, aromatic, and perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking for an exotic twist.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken thighs
    • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Salt to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix jerk seasoning, brown sugar, olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
    2. Coat chicken thighs with the mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side until cooked through.
    5. Serve with a refreshing mango salsa for an extra kick.

Bonus Recipe: Grilled Chicken Skewers

These grilled chicken skewers are perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing for easy serving and delicious flavor combinations.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
    • Bell peppers and onions, cut into chunks (optional)
    • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create a marinade.
    2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
    4. Thread marinated chicken and optional vegetables onto the skewers.
    5. Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This grilled lemon herb chicken is zesty and aromatic, making it a refreshing choice for summer cookouts.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • Juice of 2 lemons
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    5. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with grilled vegetables.

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa

This spicy grilled chicken recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat, complemented by a cool avocado salsa.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken thighs
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1 tomato, diced
    • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
    2. Coat chicken thighs with the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
    3. In another bowl, combine avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix gently.
    4. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
    5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Serve topped with avocado salsa.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser, slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce.

  • Ingredients:
    • 10 chicken drumsticks
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add drumsticks and coat well.
    2. Let marinate for at least 1 hour.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
    4. Grill drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes.
    5. Ensure they are cooked through before serving with extra sauce on the side.

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

This garlic parmesan grilled chicken is simple yet packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for any BBQ.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    2. Coat chicken breasts with the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
    5. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling is a timeless summer tradition, and these 10 grilled chicken recipes offer a delightful variety for any BBQ gathering. From zesty marinades to savory spices, each recipe is designed to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.

So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and make the most of the warm weather with these delicious grilled chicken dishes that are sure to impress everyone at your summer cookouts.