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

What pairs well with grilled chicken? ›

26 Side Dishes To Serve With Grilled Chicken
  • 02 of 26. Spicy Pineapple Slaw. ...
  • 05 of 26. Southern Fried Corn. ...
  • 08 of 26. Cucumber-And-Vidalia Onion Salad. ...
  • 11 of 26. Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers With Dijon Dipping Sauce. ...
  • 14 of 26. Roasted Tomato Macaroni And Cheese. ...
  • 17 of 26. Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad.
Jun 2, 2024

How to grill chicken like a pro? ›

To grill: preheat your grill to medium high and lightly oil the grates. Place chicken skin-side down and grill for 5-6 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip your chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes more until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

What is grilled chicken rich in? ›

Aside from protein, grilled chicken is also packed with calcium and phosphorous, two minerals that help the bones stay healthy and strong. Not everyone gives thought to their bones when they're young, but the decisions you make today will influence your bone health later on.

How long to grill chicken breast? ›

Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grate. Place chicken breasts, smooth-side down on preheated grill; cook, covered, until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Is grilled chicken and eggs healthy? ›

Depending on the nutrient composition, the ease of being digestible, the way your body processes it, and the type of recipe that you are cooking it into, one can eat egg and chicken for dinner. For example, a grilled chicken with some seasonal vegetables is a super healthy dinner, while a fried chicken is not.

What is the secret to grilling chicken? ›

Grill over direct heat.

For the best grill marks, don't move the chicken once it has been set down and avoid pressing, prodding, or poking for 3 minutes. Flip the chicken — when ready, the breasts will lift up easily for flipping. Cook the second side until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes more.

Why does chicken taste better on the grill? ›

Grilled chicken typically provides a nice char, which gives the poultry more flavor and texture compared to baking or sauteing. It's especially nice during the warmer months because you get some fresh air — and the technique prevents the house from being overwhelmed with cooking odors.

Can I eat grilled chicken every day? ›

Even if you commit to only consuming chicken cooked in a healthy way and not pairing it with any sauces high in sodium or sugar, both dietitians recommend only having it a few times a week.

What are the disadvantages of grilling chicken? ›

Charring causes the formation of HAAs, which has been linked to cancer in animal studies. Further, cooking meats over open flames where fat can drip and produce smoke — think grilling — can lead to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have also been linked to cancer formation.

What is the healthiest chicken to eat? ›

Darker cuts like the thigh and drumstick contain higher caloric content than lighter cuts like the breast. Keeping the skin or frying chicken will also add saturated fat. If you're switching out red meat for chicken, you'll want to stick with chicken breast, as it's the healthiest cut of the bird.

Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400? ›

The ideal grill temperature range for chicken is between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is narrowed down by whether you're grilling chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

What to serve with grilled chicken breast? ›

Vegetables and Salads

Salads: A fresh salad offers a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of grilled chicken. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon-herb dressing or a more substantial Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese provides a refreshing side.

How do you know when grilled chicken breast is done? ›

Once the internal temp is 165°F, remove your perfectly juicy, tender, and seared chicken breasts from the grill. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to cool slightly and seal in the juices before serving. Grilled chicken is best served with a complimentary side, like a cold pasta or some seasoned grilled veggies.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5794

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.