When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the smoky, savory aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the backyard. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or just looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, grilled chicken is a staple that never goes out of style. In this post, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite recipes—ranging from classic backyard standbys to a few exotic options that bring bold global flavors to your grill. From simple herb marinades to tropical twists like Hawaiian Huli-Huli chicken, there’s something here to suit every taste and occasion.
The Best Grilled Chicken
Say goodbye to dry, bland grilled chicken breasts. This recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. So is it the best? Jenn Segal from “Once Upon a Chef” thinks it is. Try it for yourself. Recipe: The Best Grilled Chicken
Grilled Moroccan Chicken
The spices in this grilled chicken recipe are reminiscent of ras el hanout, a North African spice blend that usually contains over a dozen spices. Recipe: Grilled Moroccan Chicken
Grilled Chicken Thighs With Sweet and Spicy Marinade
If you were to ask for the best chicken marinade recipe of all time, we’d direct you to this Vietnamese-inspired number. With brown sugar, fish sauce, and chiles, it hits all the sweet-funky-spicy notes we crave. Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs With Sweet and Spicy Marinade
Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken
Marmalade, mustard, soy sauce, and sherry vinegar pull double duty in this quick-cooking chicken recipe: first as a tangy glaze that chars and caramelizes on the grill, and second, simmered into a sauce to serve alongside. Recipe: Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers with Miso Ranch
A delicious recipe for teriyaki chicken skewers. If “teri” means “shine,” and “yaki” refers to grilling, then these chicken skewers are the perfect example of teriyaki. Marinated in soy sauce, sake, and mirin, the chicken is grilled to sweet, smoky perfection and dipped in a refreshing, herby miso “ranch” sauce that’ll send your summer cookout guests into a frenzy. Recipe: Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers with Miso Ranch
Chicken and Chorizo Skewers
Try these chicken and chorizo skewers instead of your typical grilled chicken this summer. Impale a few slices of this famously delicious Spanish sausage in between your chunks of chicken. Recipe: Chicken and Chorizo Skewers
Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts
This grilled chicken breast is marinated in a super simple lemon and oregano marinade. This recipe is so versatile and the chicken is always moist and juicy. Recipe: Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts
Indonesian Grilled Sambal Chicken
Here is a delicious recipe for Indonesian Style, Grilled Sambal Chicken- full of great flavor with a little bit of heat, and so juicy and tender. Fast and simple to make, it comes together in less than 30 minutes. Recipe: Indonesian Grilled Sambal Chicken
Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Yogurt Marinade
Say good-bye to dry, stringy grilled chicken breast. This recipe utilizes a yogurt and lemon marinade for supremely tender, flavor-packed meat that grills in just 10 minutes. Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Yogurt Marinade
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
This Hawaiian-style grilled chicken dish is sweet, savory, and filled with smoky flavors. It’s amazing. The marinade is what gives it so much great flavor. The chicken is marinated for hours and it’s then grilled until charred and beautifully caramelized. Pair with grilled pineapple for the best flavor combination! You’ll also love how easy it is to make and prep ahead. Recipe: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken is endlessly versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you stick with a tried-and-true classic or branch out with bold global flavors, the grill adds a depth and smokiness that’s hard to beat. Experiment with marinades, spice blends, and sides to make each meal your own. In the comments, give us your favorite recipe.