10+ Easy Grilling Recipes Chicken for Effortless Summer Cookouts

10+ Easy Grilling Recipes Chicken for Effortless Summer Cookouts

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Grilling chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious meals with family and friends. Easy grilling recipes let you create flavorful dishes that are perfect for any occasion. They bring a mouth-watering aroma to your backyard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you can impress everyone with these simple methods and ideas.

A sizzling chicken breast cooks on a grill, with grill marks forming as it browns. A light seasoning and a few herbs sit nearby

These recipes focus on fresh ingredients and quick preparation. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy your outdoor gatherings. You’ll find that grilling chicken not only enhances its taste but also makes for a healthier option. Get ready to fire up the grill and discover how easy it is to make tasty chicken dishes!

1) Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

Fresh lemon halves, garlic cloves, and skewered chicken pieces arranged on a clean grill grate over glowing charcoal

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers are a tasty and simple choice for grilling. The marinade combines bright lemon juice and minced garlic, giving the chicken a fresh and zesty flavor. It’s perfect for summer gatherings.

To prepare, cut your chicken into cubes and soak them in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Then, thread the chicken onto skewers for easy handling on the grill.

Grill your skewers at a medium-high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • â…“ cup oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
  4. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

2) Sweet Tea Brined Chicken

A platter of marinated chicken next to a grill with a pitcher of sweet tea

Sweet tea brined chicken is a delightful way to add flavor and moisture to your grilling. The brine combines tea, sugar, and spices, giving the chicken a hint of sweetness.

To get started, you will need to boil water and steep tea bags. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved. Then, add onion, lemon, garlic, and rosemary for extra taste. After cooling the mixture, soak your chicken in it for a few hours or overnight.

Now, heat your grill to medium-low (about 350°F or 175°C). Grill the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Enjoy the juicy, flavorful results!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tea bags
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Fresh rosemary (optional)
  • Chicken pieces

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water and steep tea bags for 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved.
  3. Add onion, lemon, garlic, and rosemary.
  4. Cool completely and brine chicken for several hours.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-low (350°F or 175°C).
  6. Grill chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

3) Honey Orange BBQ Chicken

A juicy chicken breast sizzling on the grill, brushed with a glossy honey orange BBQ glaze, surrounded by colorful slices of citrus and fresh herbs

Honey Orange BBQ Chicken is a delicious recipe that’s easy to make. The sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly, giving your chicken a tasty twist. It’s great for grilling on a sunny day or cooking indoors.

To start, you’ll mix orange juice, honey, and your favorite BBQ sauce. This mixture will coat the chicken and infuse it with flavor. You can marinate the chicken for a while to enhance the taste even more.

Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Make sure it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Your Honey Orange BBQ Chicken will be juicy and flavorful!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 4 chicken breasts

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix orange juice, honey, and BBQ sauce.
  2. Coat the chicken with the mixture.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
  6. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

4) Yakitori Chicken

A sizzling yakitori chicken skewer grilling over hot coals

Yakitori Chicken is a delicious Japanese dish perfect for grilling. These skewers are made from tender pieces of chicken, often paired with scallions. You can customize the flavors to suit your taste.

For this recipe, you’ll skewer the chicken and scallions and then marinate them. A simple mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin adds a nice glaze.

Grill the skewers over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for a few minutes on each side until they’re cooked through. This adds a beautiful char and enhances the flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup sake
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup mirin
  • 10 wooden skewers

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix sake, soy sauce, and mirin.
  3. Marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes.
  4. Thread chicken and scallions onto the skewers.
  5. Grill skewers over medium heat, turning until fully cooked.

5) Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

A sizzling chili lime grilled chicken on a smoky grill, surrounded by vibrant green herbs and colorful slices of citrus

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a tasty and simple recipe for summer grilling. The zesty marinade combines chili powder, lime, and garlic to give the chicken lots of flavor. You will enjoy this dish with your family and friends.

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Once marinated, grill the chicken on medium heat, around 375°F (190°C), until fully cooked.

Serve this chicken with fresh salads or rice. It also works well in tacos or burritos for a fun meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix chili powder, lime juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well.
  3. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

6) Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

A sizzling grill with juicy Mediterranean chicken thighs cooking, surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs

Mediterranean chicken thighs are full of flavor and easy to prepare. The marinade usually includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. This combination gives the chicken a delicious taste that everyone will love.

To grill, start by marinating the thighs for at least 30 minutes. Heat your grill to medium-high, around 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken skin side down for about 10 minutes, then flip and grill for another 8-10 minutes.

Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy Mediterranean chicken thighs with your favorite sides.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high (375°F or 190°C).
  4. Grill chicken skin side down for 10 minutes.
  5. Flip and grill for an additional 8-10 minutes.
  6. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let rest before serving.

7) Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken

A juicy pineapple chicken breast sizzling on the grill, coated in sticky teriyaki sauce and topped with grilled pineapple slices

Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe for your grill. The sweet teriyaki sauce combines nicely with grilled pineapple, making it a tasty treat for everyone.

To start, marinate your chicken in a mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Let it soak for about 30 minutes for the best flavor.

While the chicken marinates, prepare your grill. Heat it to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C). Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks, usually about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add pineapple slices to the grill in the last few minutes. Once everything is cooked, serve it hot for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pineapple slices

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in a bowl.
  2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
  5. Add pineapple slices to the grill for the last few minutes.
  6. Serve hot.

8) Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

A sizzling grill with marinated chicken cooking, surrounded by fresh cilantro and limes

Cilantro lime grilled chicken is a simple and delicious meal. The marinade of lime juice, cilantro, and spices gives the chicken a fresh taste. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner.

Marinating the chicken for just a short time makes it tender and juicy. You only need a few ingredients to create this tasty dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Chicken pieces marinating in Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices, ready for grilling

Greek yogurt marinated chicken is a tasty choice for grilling. The yogurt helps keep the chicken juicy and tender while adding flavor. You will love how easy it is to make!

To prepare, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Coat the chicken pieces with this mixture in a large bowl. Let it marinate for at least one hour in the fridge.

When you’re ready, heat your grill to 375°F (190°C). Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chicken pieces (breasts or thighs)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for at least one hour.
  3. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
  5. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

10) Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast

A sizzling chicken breast on a grill, smothered in spicy buffalo sauce, with flames licking the edges

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Breast is a tasty and quick meal. You only need a few simple ingredients to get started.

For the marinade, combine olive oil, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Rub this mixture all over your chicken breasts. Let it sit for a bit so the flavors soak in.

Next, heat your grill to medium-high, around 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and grill for another 6 minutes or until fully cooked.

Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve it hot and enjoy the spicy flavors!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • ½ cup of hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine olive oil, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
  2. Rub the mixture over chicken breasts.
  3. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Grill chicken for 6 minutes on each side.
  5. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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