Warmer and longer days mean backyard grilling season has officially begun. Whether you’re firing up a big spread for a crowd or just an easy weeknight meal for the family, in the summer, nothing beats the flavor and fun of food cooked on the grill. And nothing says weeknight dinner quite like chicken. Blend the two, and it’s clear that easy grilled chicken recipes are on the menu all season long.
When choosing the main course for a backyard barbecue, chicken is a no-brainer. Versatile, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser, chicken is a protein source that can be dressed up and flavored countless different ways. These 14 fast, easy grilled chicken recipes are inspired by international flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients. They promise perfect poultry every time, even if you’re new to the joys of grilling. Keep them in your back pocket for easy meals and outdoor entertaining without breaking a sweat, even during the dog days of summer.
Sweet-and-Spicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
These outstanding chicken drummers are loaded with so much flavor, no one will believe they require just five minutes of prep. A spicy-sweet marinade made with gochujang (Korean red pepper paste), scallions, and sesame seeds adds Korean-inspired flavor to value pack chicken drumsticks that are as easy on the wallet as they are to make.
Get the recipe: Sweet-and-Spicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Turmeric Rice
This any-night-of-the-week shawarma recipe mimics the aromatic chicken and rice sold from halal food carts. A warmly spiced, garlicky marinade imparts rich flavor to boneless chicken thighs that cook on the barbecue in less than 10 minutes, while a side of turmeric-scented rice cooks alongside directly on the grill. It’s a dinner in one that couldn’t be easier.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Turmeric Rice
Grilled Cobb Salad Board
This recipe turns a classic, crowd-pleasing salad into a fun party spread by ditching the bowl. Guests will love assembling their own version of a restaurant-style Cobb, complete with chicken breast, avocados, tomatoes, onions, and corn, all cooked on the grill, over crisp lettuce, accompanied by bacon and hard-boiled eggs.
Get the recipe: Grilled Cobb Salad Board
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Chimichurri Sauce
One simple condiment adds layers of complex flavor to this 20-minute chicken dinner. A vibrant combination of cilantro, parsley, garlic, and jalapeno makes up an Argentinian-style chimichurri sauce that brings the zing to buttermilk-brined grilled chicken breast.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Breasts with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilled Chicken with Strawberries and Balsamic
Sweet summer berries take a walk on the savory side in this unexpected recipe that preps in six minutes. Fresh strawberries and another seasonal produce pick, fresh basil, combine with balsamic vinegar into an intriguing, colorful condiment over grilled chicken breasts flavored with Italian seasoning.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken with Strawberries and Balsamic
Grilled Chicken Caprese
Summer’s favorite salad gets the main course treatment in this version of Caprese served hot off the grill. Five ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep are all you need for a family-friendly meal of grilled chicken breasts topped with peak-season tomatoes, basil, and melty mozzarella.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Awesome Sauce
Believe the hype: this chunky, vibrant sauce is AWESOME. An unlikely roster of ingredients – dried apricots, almonds, fresh herbs, pickle brine, and a dash of hot sauce – blend into a savory, tangy condiment that levels up all kinds of grilled proteins. Spoon it over grilled chicken breasts for an unforgettable summer meal that hits the table in 16 minutes.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Breasts with Awesome Sauce
Grilled Chicken Tacos
A little smoke and spice can turn ordinary Taco Tuesday into a summertime fiesta. A homemade six-spice blend cranks up the flavor of boneless chicken breast cooked on the grill. Serve with gently grilled flour tortillas and your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, like shredded cheese, lettuce, guacamole, and salsa, for a make-your-own taco party that serves 10.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Tacos
Chicken Skewers with Broccoli and Yogurt Sauce
A flavorful homemade yogurt sauce adds Mediterranean vibes to this complete, well-balanced chicken dinner. Quick-cooking chicken skewers with microwave-ready broccoli and white rice get a cool, creamy finish from a tzatziki-inspired dip made with cucumber and fresh mint.
Get the recipe: Chicken Skewers with Broccoli and Yogurt Sauce
Grilled Pickle-Brined Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
The secret to tangy, tender, one-of-a-kind grilled chicken is probably in your fridge right now. A cup of dill pickle juice works as a stand-alone marinade that flavors and locks in the moisture of boneless chicken thighs cooked on the grill. Pair with a simple side of grilled, peak-season zucchini and peppers for a light and refreshing summer meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Pickle Brined Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
Grilled Ginger Chicken with Smashed Cucumbers
Cool, crunchy cucumbers and warm chicken fresh from the grill are a dynamic duo for summer meals. This recipe ups the flavor ante by smashing the cukes and tossing them in a soy and sesame dressing that doubles as a marinade for boneless chicken thighs.
Get the recipe: Grilled Ginger Chicken with Smashed Cucumbers
Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers
This summery riff on chicken tikka hits the table in less time than takeout. Tender pieces of skewered chicken breast marinated with yogurt, ginger, and spices taste as if they came from your favorite Indian restaurant. For the complete experience, pair with naan and Basmati rice.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers
Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Peaches
If you wait all year for peach season, you’ll love this six-ingredient recipe that moves them from the fruit bowl to the grill. A quick stint on the barbecue adds a touch of smokiness and caramelization to halved peaches, which pair perfectly with grilled chicken breasts marinated in balsamic and Dijon.
Get the recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Peaches
Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Drumsticks
Kick things up a notch with this Nashville favorite. Grilled drumsticks are tossed with a finger-licking good vinegary hot sauce. Amp up the flavor with a touch of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper with a little sugar for sweetness.
Get the recipe: Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken Drumsticks
