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

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

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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

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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

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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.

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4

California Grilled Chicken

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♫ 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

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

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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.

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7

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

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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

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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

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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.

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10

Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

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

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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

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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.

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13

Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Tacos

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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

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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

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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.

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16

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

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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

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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

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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.

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19

Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad

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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

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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

What sides go well with grilled chicken? ›

Let's take a look at all the options!
  • Sides for Grilled Chicken: Easy Sauteed Zucchini. ...
  • Easy Air Fryer Crispy Roasted Potatoes. ...
  • Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice. ...
  • Sides for Grilled Chicken: Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. ...
  • Old Fashioned Asparagus Casserole. ...
  • Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes.
Oct 23, 2023

What is grid chicken? ›

Grilling or 'griddling' is a popular cooking method when it comes to cooking chicken. It keeps it moist, is often healthier than frying and leaves you with a delicious charred flavour. Grilling chicken requires a cast iron skillet pan.

Is grilled chicken healthy? ›

When creating a healthy diet plan, grilled chicken is almost always a staple. This is because grilled chicken is lean and contains far less fat and calories than other types of meat. Eating it regularly can help you lose weight, especially when you swap it out for fattier meats like beef or pork.

How to grill tough chicken? ›

1) Marinate the chicken in water, wine, or other liquids for up to an hour before cooking. This will tenderize the meat and add flavor. 2) Slowly cook the chicken on low heat with a lid on top for about 15-20 minutes per pound of chicken. The lid prevents the chicken from drying out too much.

Is grilled chicken good for stomach? ›

Chicken also provides a range of minerals and B vitamins. Chicken tends to be easy to digest. It also contains no fiber, making it a good choice for people with digestive issues, such as IBS. Baked or grilled, skinless chicken is a healthful option, as it contains the least fat.

What is the most popular side dish at a BBQ? ›

Most cookouts feature an assortment of a few essential BBQ sides: Corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and pasta salad. We're not about to mess with perfection; because this barbecue side lineup is just that: perfect.

What is a chicken dolly? ›

Chicken Dollies are most often used to transport large stacks of chilled or frozen foods. They are specifically designed to stack iced or frozen food for storage or thawing. These dollies are great for moving food directly from the truck into a walk-in refrigerator or freezer.

What is a street run chicken? ›

Straight run is a random distribution of chicks. They have not been sexed to determine the gender. They are sold 'as hatched'. So if you purchase 6 chicks, you could have 0-6 hens and/or 0-6 roosters. If you get a large number of chicks, they usually even out to approximately 50% hens and 50% roosters.

Should I put olive oil on chicken before grilling? ›

Olive oil helps to brown the outside of the chicken, bringing it to a beautiful golden color, while still maintaining the meat's internal moistness. This is especially important when grilling, as chicken can quickly become dried out when cooked directly over the grill's heat.

Can I eat grilled chicken every day? ›

While chicken can be a versatile and convenient protein to cook, if your diet doesn't have a diverse protein profile, you lose out on some key nutrients—including essential fats, such as omega-3s. "Eating chicken every day as your sole protein source could result in some nutrient gaps," says Burgess.

Can you eat too much grilled chicken? ›

Eating chicken daily can increase cholesterol- A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that chicken raises levels of LDL bad cholesterol in the same way that red meat does. It can also have a direct effect on your risk of heart disease.

Is grilled chicken safe to eat every day? ›

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.

How do chefs get chicken so tender? ›

Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.

Why is my chicken rubbery after grilling? ›

Overcooking might play a role in your chicken's tire-like texture. Leaving chicken in a pan, oven, or grill for just a little too long can suck the moisture right out and leave you with a dry, rubbery bird. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

What causes chewy grilled chicken? ›

In addition, chicken breast has less fat and can become dry (chewy or rubbery) if cooked for too long. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic. Included with each meal is a set of instructions to help you cook the meals.

What do you eat chicken with? ›

  1. Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE. ...
  2. Orzo Al Limone. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLIST: BROOKE CAISON. ...
  3. Air Fryer Green Beans. ...
  4. Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples. ...
  5. Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo. ...
  6. Sweet Potato Salad. ...
  7. Greek Salad. ...
  8. Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots.
Sep 29, 2023

What are examples of side dishes? ›

30 best side dishes
  • Classic potato salad. Elevate your barbecue or picnic with our timeless potato salad recipe. ...
  • Cauliflower cheese. ...
  • Epic summer salad. ...
  • Quick kimchi. ...
  • Roasted carrots. ...
  • Easy pilau rice. ...
  • Ultimate roast potatoes. ...
  • Giant couscous & tomato salad with zhoug-style dressing.

What's a good side to bring to a BBQ? ›

You really can't go wrong with any of these BBQ sides at your next gathering!
  • Classic Southern Style Potato Salad.
  • Baked Beans.
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad.
  • Easy Creamy Coleslaw.
  • Cowboy Caviar.
  • Macaroni Salad.
  • Super Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad.
  • Microwave Corn On The Cob.
Sep 1, 2023

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