Easy Recipes for Grilled Chicken, Simple and Delicious

Grilled chicken is a classic favorite for many households, offering a balance of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, grilled chicken is the perfect choice. The following recipes are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them a must-try for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

From zesty marinades to savory seasonings, these recipes will take your grilled chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s dive into these easy grilled chicken recipes that you can whip up in no time!

Why Grilled Chicken?

Grilled chicken is a lean protein that fits perfectly into a variety of diets, from keto and paleo to gluten-free and low-carb. It’s also:

• Quick to Cook: Grilling ensures that your chicken is cooked in minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable: With endless marinade and seasoning options, grilled chicken can suit any flavor profile.
• Healthy and Delicious: Low in fat and high in protein, grilled chicken is a guilt-free indulgence.

Now, let’s explore some easy and delicious recipes to make grilled chicken the star of your meal.

Recipe 1: Classic Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Recipe 2: Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice, coleslaw, or cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.

Recipe 3: Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over them, seal the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat. Oil the grill grates lightly.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove drumsticks from the marinade and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve: Drizzle with extra honey mustard sauce (optional) and serve with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

Recipe 4: Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
2. Marinate: Let the chicken rest for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Brush the grates with oil.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 8–10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve: Pair with grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Recipe 5: Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Marinate for 1–2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with the leftover marinade. Discard any unused marinade after grilling.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Grilling Tips for Success

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature (165°F or 75°C).
• Preheat Your Grill: Always preheat to medium-high heat for even cooking.
• Oil the Grates: Prevent sticking by brushing the grill grates with oil before cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Final Thoughts

Grilled chicken is an easy and versatile protein that pairs wonderfully with countless flavors. These recipes are simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. By mastering these basic techniques and experimenting with different marinades and spices, you can create grilled chicken dishes that are both delicious and memorable.