Grilled Chicken Recipes: From Simple To Spectacular

Grilled chicken is a summertime staple for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, can be cooked on almost any grill, and is a healthy and delicious option for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this guide will help you master the art of grilling juicy, flavorful chicken.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Bone-in, Skin-on: This is the most flavorful option as the bone and skin help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor.

Boneless, Skinless: A convenient choice for quick grilling and easier portioning. Marinate well to ensure it stays juicy.

Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, perfect for grilling and slicing for salads or sandwiches.

Chicken Thighs: More flavorful than breasts, with a higher fat content that keeps them moist.

Preparing Your Chicken

Marinades: Marinades are key to adding flavor and keeping the chicken moist.

Simple Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), salt, and pepper.

Spicy Marinade: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the simple marinade.

Sweet and Savory: Combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.

Brining: Soaking chicken in a salt water solution can help to improve tenderness and flavor.

Grilling Techniques

Direct Heat: Ideal for smaller cuts like chicken breasts or skewers. Place the chicken directly over the heat source.

Indirect Heat: Best for larger pieces like whole chickens or bone-in thighs. Place the chicken away from the direct heat, allowing it to cook slowly and evenly.

Two-Zone Method: Create two zones on your grill: one with high heat and one with indirect heat. Sear the chicken over high heat and then move it to the indirect zone to finish cooking.

Grilling Tips

Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give the chicken space to cook evenly.

Use a meat thermometer: The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Flip the chicken occasionally: This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Rest the chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Grilled Chicken Recipes

Here are a few delicious grilled chicken recipes to get you started:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

2 lemons, juiced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Grilled Spicy Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon minced ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, ginger, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add chicken to the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortillas, for serving

Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, and bell pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour marinade over chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill chicken and vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Side Dish Pairings

Grilled Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish.

Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and onions all grill beautifully.

Potato Salad: A refreshing and easy-to-make side.

Coleslaw: A light and crunchy accompaniment.

Rice Pilaf: A simple and versatile side dish.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken is a delicious and rewarding experience. With a little practice and these tips, you’ll be creating flavorful and juicy grilled chicken in no time. So fire up the grill and enjoy the summer!