35 Best BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipes for Quick Summer Dinners (Easy Summer Grilling Food!)
Introduction
Nothing says summer quite like the irresistible aroma and flavor of BBQ grilled chicken fresh off the grill. These 35 best BBQ grilled chicken recipes take the work out of summer cooking and offer easy, fuss-free dishes bursting with smoky, charred perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or firing up the grill for a picnic, these recipes guarantee juicy results and bold, mouthwatering flavors that are always a hit.
Why BBQ Grilled Chicken Is the Ultimate Summer Dinner
BBQ grilled chicken stands out as the go-to summer dinner because it’s quick to prepare, versatile with endless marinade options, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. From classic sticky-sweet BBQ sauces to zesty marinades with citrus or spice, grilled chicken is healthy, easy to batch cook, and perfect for meal planners who want more flavor with less effort.
Flavorful Marinades and Sauces for Show-Stopping Chicken
The secret to unforgettable BBQ chicken is in the marinade or sauce. Citrus juices, Greek yogurt, spicy sriracha, or classic honey barbecue marinades all work wonders in elevating humble chicken cuts. For best results, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight!) to let the flavors soak in before grilling to juicy, golden perfection.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Chicken Every Time
Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill chicken on medium heat, turning only once or twice to create gorgeous grill marks without drying out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F for breasts or thighs—and let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing.
Recipe Roundup: 35 Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipes
Here are some of the best and simplest grilled chicken recipes you can add to your summer meal planning rotation:
- Classic Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
- Honey Mustard Drumsticks
- Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Tandoori-Style Yogurt Chicken
- Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Legs
- Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Chicken Skewers
- Buffalo BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Pineapple Teriyaki Grilled Chicken*
- Rosemary Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Jamaican Jerk Grilled Wings
- Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Greek-Inspired Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
- Sticky Orange Glazed Grilled Chicken
- Barbecue Ranch Chicken
- Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Feta
- Balsamic Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Mango Chili Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Herbed Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Peach Chipotle BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Pesto Ranch Grilled Chicken
- Thai-Style Coconut Lime Grilled Drumsticks
- Sweet and Spicy Sriracha BBQ Wings
- Avocado Cilantro Marinated Chicken
- Caribbean Pineapple Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Cuban Mojo Grilled Chicken
- Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken
- Apple Cider Glazed Grilled Chicken
- Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Chicken
- White BBQ Alabama Chicken Thighs
- Brown Sugar Bourbon Chicken Drumsticks
- Summer Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save your favorite grilled chicken recipes in CookifyAI to generate an organized, grocery store–friendly shopping list for all 35 variations or just the ones you want to make this week. It’s perfect for busy families and summer get-togethers!
Instructions
- Choose your chicken cuts and trim excess fat as needed. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine olive oil, BBQ sauce or marinade, lemon juice/vinegar (if using), minced garlic, and desired herbs in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional flavorings.
- Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best results).
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (time may vary by cut and thickness), flipping once, until grill marks develop and chicken is cooked through (165°F for breasts/thighs).
- Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then serve with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite side dishes!
- To try other variations, simply swap out the marinade or sauce ingredients as listed above and repeat the process.
Weekly Meal Planning
Recipes like these are ideal for meal preppers and anyone looking to save time and stress. With 35 delicious options, you can rotate flavors all summer long without repeating a meal.
Save and schedule your BBQ grilled chicken recipes in CookifyAI to:
- Effortlessly slot chicken dishes into your weeknight dinner plans
- Automatically consolidate all chicken, sauces, and sides into a single shopping list
- Organize your groceries by supermarket section for faster, more efficient trips
- See ingredient overlap when planning several recipes, which cuts food waste and expense
Pro tip: You can mix and match sauces—prep a batch of grilled chicken plain, then divide and toss in different BBQ glazes throughout the week!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30+ minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 12–18 minutes (depending on cuts)
Total Time: 25–30 minutes active, plus marinating
With these 35 best BBQ grilled chicken recipes, easy summer grilling is just a plan (and a click) away!