When it comes to grilling chicken, you want recipes that not only impress but also satisfy. You might start with a Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken that brings an invigorating zest, or perhaps you prefer the bold flavors of Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs. Each option offers a unique twist, making your outdoor meals memorable. But there are more flavors to investigate beyond these initial ideas that can transform your usual grill session into something extraordinary. Curious about what makes these recipes stand out? Let's uncover the top five that you won't want to miss.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, as the marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors while keeping it juicy and tender.
Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it's well coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
If you prefer a bit of char, you can sear the chicken over high heat for the first couple of minutes before moving it to indirect heat to finish cooking.
Additionally, adding a few lemon slices on the grill alongside the chicken can amplify the citrus flavor even more.
Don't forget to let the chicken rest after grilling to guarantee it remains juicy!
Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Spicy BBQ chicken thighs are a flavorful and succulent dish that combines the rich taste of marinated chicken with a delightful kick of spice. Ideal for summer barbecues or a cozy weeknight dinner, these chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender meat that boasts a robust flavor profile.
The spicy BBQ marinade not only improves the taste but also helps to keep the chicken juicy and moist. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they're well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is nicely charred.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley to the marinade.
If you're short on time, you can marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes, but longer marination will yield better results.
Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling, as cooking times may vary based on your grill and the size of the thighs. For a smoky flavor, try adding a few wood chips to the grill.
Finally, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving, as this will help retain its juices. Enjoy your spicy BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides!
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements grilled chicken.
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. The marinade not only improves the chicken's flavor but also helps keep it juicy and tender while grilling.
Follow this simple recipe to impress your family and friends with a delightful meal that's both satisfying and full of taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the honey mustard marinade over them, making sure they're well coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight will result in an even more pronounced flavor.
Also, feel free to experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain or spicy brown, to customize the taste to your liking.
Always make sure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer, and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Mediterranean Marinated Chicken
Mediterranean Marinated Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. This recipe features chicken marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and an assortment of herbs and spices that improve the natural flavors of the meat.
Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky char, making it a perfect option for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, some grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they're well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, marinate the chicken for a longer period, ideally overnight, as this allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
If you're short on time, on the other hand, a minimum of 30 minutes still helps to improve the flavor.
When grilling, make sure your grill is hot enough before placing the chicken on it; this helps to create beautiful grill marks and prevents the chicken from sticking.
You can also use this marinade for other proteins like shrimp or pork, so feel free to experiment!
Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki grilled chicken skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that infuses succulent chicken with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, providing a delightful taste of the Far East.
The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection on skewers, making it a fun and interactive meal for family and friends. Serve these skewers with steamed rice and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Cooking Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning if using.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Extra Tips:
For even more flavor, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Marinate the vegetables in the same teriyaki sauce for added depth.
Be mindful not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you prefer a slightly charred flavor, increase the grill heat towards the end of the cooking time, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Finally, serve the skewers with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added presentation and taste!