When it comes to grilled chicken, there’s nothing quite like adding an international twist to bring bold, exciting flavors to your table. From the smoky spices of Jamaican jerk to the zesty brightness of Mediterranean lemon-herb blends, these recipes take a simple protein and turn it into a global experience. Many require a little extra time to marinate, but the depth of flavor that develops is so worth it. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just craving something different for dinner, these international grilled chicken recipes are sure to impress.
Pollo a la Brasa
For this Peruvian-inspired grilled chicken, you’ll first soak your chicken in a marinade of soy sauce, oil, cumin, paprika, garlic, thyme, pepper, oregano, granulated onion, coriander, turmeric, mustard powder, and cinnamon. Plan ahead, this chicken marinates for 8 to 24 hours. Recipe: Pollo a la Brasa
Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa
The amount of heat in the grilled chicken’s spicy crust is just enough to make your lips tingle. Add more for a bigger kick. Recipe: Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa
Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are perhaps the most underrated cuts in the poultry world. Not only are they affordable, they also stay tender and juicy when cooked. Recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Peri Peri African Chicken
This peri peri chicken recipe features a wonderful spicy marinade for an African dish that’s great for a barbecue. Nice with salad and fries. Recipe: Peri Peri African Chicken
Cajun Chicken Skewers
These easy and juicy chicken skewers will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue. Recipe: Cajun Chicken Skewers
Thai-Style (Gai Yang) Chicken
Thai cooks are experts at grilling all manner of meats, but nowhere does that proficiency shine more brightly than with chicken. Coated in a marinade flavored with cilantro, white pepper, and fish sauce, this chicken is one of the tastiest things you’ll ever pull off your grill. Recipe: Thai-Style (Gai Yang) Chicken
Tandoori-Style Grilled Chicken
Here are a few tips and tricks for making succulent tandoor-style chicken at home. The key is coating a skinned, scored, and butterflied whole chicken with a five hour marinade of yogurt, lemon, spices mixture, then grilling it directly over the coals for intense charring and flavor. Recipe: Tandoori-Style Grilled Chicken
Sriracha Apricot Chicken
This Asian-inspired mashup borrows ingredients from all over. A basting sauce of Sriracha, apricot preserves, hot chili sauce, rice vinegar and fish sauce give this grilled chicken a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Recipe: Sriracha Apricot Chicken
Cuban Chicken in Adobo
The heart of this dish is a paste made from dried ancho and guajillo chiles. It all comes together with such vibrant flavors. Serve it with saffron rice and some peas and you have a great meal. Recipe: Cuban Chicken in Adobo
Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
A favorite go-to chicken recipe summer cookouts, these Middle-Eastern style grilled chicken kabobs are wonderful over a bed of rice pilaf or served with a Greek salad. Recipe: Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken is a canvas for some of the world’s most vibrant and unforgettable flavors. Each recipe offers a delicious glimpse into a different culinary tradition. Many of these dishes take a little extra time to prepare—especially when it comes to marinating—but the results are always worth the effort. I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite internationally inspired grilled chicken recipe? Share it in the comments below.