The Best Grilled Chicken Recipes for Every Summer Craving

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just trying to get dinner on the table on a busy Tuesday, grilled chicken is one of those reliable go-tos that never lets you down. And we’re here to tell you how to make it right! 

The secret is all in the marinade. A great homemade marinade does two jobs at once: it locks in moisture so your chicken stays juicy from grate to plate, and it layers in bold flavor before it ever hits the grill. From light with fresh herbs to sweet and smoky, these tried-and-true grilled chicken recipes cover every craving. Skip the store-bought bottles and try something new.

1

BBQ Chicken Skewers

Boneless chicken breast is seasoned with a bold, slightly spicy dry rub, then threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions. Fair warning: this rub has some heat, so dial back the pepper if you're feeding little ones.

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2

Garlic Mustard Chicken

Three ingredients are all it takes to make one of the most flavor-packed grilled chicken marinades you'll ever try. It’s low-carb friendly and pairs beautifully with a side of grilled corn or a crisp broccoli slaw.

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3

Key West Chicken Marinade

This one is a copycat of a beloved restaurant classic, even better than the original. Pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating so it cooks up perfectly tender on the grill.

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4

Greek Chicken Marinade

Greek yogurt is what makes this marinade work. It tenderizes the chicken and gives it a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Grill at 400°F for about five minutes per side, and you've got a dinner that pairs well with a big Greek salad.

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5

Lemon Lime Chicken

Sometimes simple is everything. This marinade is just olive oil, fresh lemon and lime juice, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 8 to 12 hours if you can.

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6

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken

Chicken breasts marinate overnight in your favorite BBQ sauce, then get wrapped in thick-cut bacon before hitting the grill. Use the leftovers in a salad topped with ranch to make the most of this recipe!

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7

Mexican Chicken Marinade

Taco seasoning, fresh lime juice and zest, garlic, brown sugar, green onions, and cilantro come together in this zesty marinade. Serve it in tacos, over rice, or sliced on a southwest-style salad.

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8

Coconut Lime Chicken

Creamy coconut milk, fresh lime zest and juice, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of olive oil make this marinade taste like a tropical vacation. Can't grill? This one works just as well in a skillet on the stovetop.

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9

Simple Chicken Marinade

Built on the three pillars of a great marinade (acid, fat, and bold seasonings), it delivers seriously flavorful, juicy chicken with almost no effort.

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10

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

This is the recipe to make when you want to impress at your next backyard cookout. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully on the grill, giving you gorgeous color and a sticky-sweet glaze.

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11

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders cook in under 10 minutes with a savory, smoky marinade balanced by a hit of fresh lemon juice. Serve them straight off the grill with a dipping sauce, or batch cook them for wraps, tacos or protein bowls.

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12

Grilled Chicken Thighs with White BBQ Sauce

Don't sleep on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The extra fat content means they're almost impossible to dry out on the grill, and they come out fork-tender with the most flavorful, juicy dark meat every time. Serve with our Alabama-style white BBQ sauce.

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