Introduction

Grilled chicken is a delicious choice for family dinners, weekend BBQs, summer cookouts, and outdoor parties. With the right seasoning, marinade, and grilling technique, chicken can become juicy, tender, flavorful, and beautifully charred.

From classic BBQ chicken and chicken wings to kebabs, burgers, salads, and stuffed peppers, there are countless ways to prepare chicken on the grill. The best part is that many grilled chicken recipes require simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

In this guide, you’ll discover 20 grilled chicken and BBQ recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

1. Classic BBQ Chicken

Classic BBQ chicken is a must-have for any outdoor cookout.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks
• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Method

Pat the chicken dry.

Brush lightly with olive oil.

Season with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.

Preheat the grill.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook while turning as needed.

Brush with BBQ sauce during the final stage.

Continue cooking until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Rest briefly before serving.

2. Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is ideal for a quick and versatile meal.

Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and herbs.

Place them on a preheated grill.

Cook until safely done, turning when appropriate.

Allow the chicken to rest before slicing.

Serve with grilled vegetables, salad, rice, or potatoes.

3. BBQ Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Season wings with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.

Grill over medium heat.

Turn the wings regularly for even cooking.

Brush with BBQ sauce during the final minutes.

Cook until fully done.

Serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

4. Grilled Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers are colorful and easy to serve at parties.

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Marinate with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and herbs.

Thread chicken onto skewers.

Preheat the grill.

Cook while turning regularly.

Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

5. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are naturally flavorful and work well on the grill.

Season thighs with paprika, garlic, pepper, salt, and herbs.

Place them on a preheated grill.

Cook over suitable heat, turning regularly.

Brush with BBQ sauce near the end.

Continue cooking until safely done.

6. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon and herbs create a fresh flavor combination.

Prepare a marinade using:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Black pepper
• Salt

Coat the chicken.

Allow it to marinate according to food-safety guidelines.

Grill until fully cooked.

Serve with salad or grilled vegetables.

7. Spicy Grilled Chicken

For a flavorful spicy chicken dish, combine paprika, chili powder, garlic, black pepper, and suitable herbs.

Coat the chicken evenly.

Preheat the grill.

Cook while turning as needed.

Serve with a cooling yogurt-based sauce or fresh salad if desired.

8. Honey BBQ Chicken

Honey and BBQ sauce create a sweet and smoky flavor.

Season the chicken with garlic, paprika, pepper, and salt.

Grill until nearly cooked.

Brush with a mixture of BBQ sauce and a suitable amount of honey during the final cooking stage.

Continue grilling until caramelized and safely cooked.

Watch carefully because sweet sauces can brown quickly.

9. Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken

Garlic and butter provide rich flavor.

Prepare a mixture of softened butter, garlic, herbs, pepper, and a small amount of lemon juice.

Season the chicken.

Grill until safely cooked.

Brush with the garlic butter near the end.

Serve immediately.

10. BBQ Chicken Burgers

Chicken burgers are a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers.

Use ground chicken and combine it with breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and seasoning.

Shape into patties.

Preheat the grill.

Cook the patties thoroughly.

Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and BBQ sauce.

11. Grilled Chicken Fajita Skewers

Chicken fajita skewers combine chicken and colorful vegetables.

Cut chicken, bell peppers, and onions into similar-sized pieces.

Season with paprika, chili powder, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil.

Thread onto skewers.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook until the chicken is safely done.

Serve with tortillas or rice.

12. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Drumsticks are affordable and easy to prepare.

Season with garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt, and herbs.

Place on a preheated grill.

Cook over moderate heat and turn regularly.

Brush with BBQ sauce toward the end.

Continue cooking until fully done.

13. Grilled Chicken Salad

A grilled chicken salad makes a fresh and satisfying meal.

Grill seasoned chicken breast.

Slice after resting.

Combine with:

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Avocado

Add your favorite dressing.

Top with sliced grilled chicken.

14. Grilled Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos are ideal for casual dinners.

Season chicken with chili powder, paprika, garlic, lime, and pepper.

Grill until fully cooked.

Slice or shred the chicken.

Serve in warm tortillas.

Add cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, onions, and a suitable sauce.

15. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Grilled chicken can also become a delicious pizza topping.

Cook chicken on the grill.

Slice it into small pieces.

Spread suitable pizza sauce over prepared dough.

Add mozzarella or another suitable cheese.

Top with BBQ chicken and sliced onions.

Bake until the crust is cooked and the cheese melts.

16. Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Platter

This recipe is perfect for family dinners.

Grill seasoned chicken alongside:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Corn

Arrange the cooked food on a large platter.

Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Serve immediately.

17. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A grilled chicken Caesar salad is a classic meal.

Grill seasoned chicken breast.

Prepare lettuce and suitable Caesar dressing.

Add croutons and cheese.

Slice the chicken.

Place it over the salad.

Serve immediately.

18. BBQ Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts can make an impressive dinner.

Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.

Fill with suitable ingredients such as spinach, cheese, or herbs.

Secure if necessary.

Grill carefully over appropriate heat.

Turn gently.

Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

19. Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Pineapple adds a sweet contrast to savory chicken.

Cut chicken and fresh pineapple into similar-sized pieces.

Add bell peppers or onions if desired.

Season the chicken with garlic, paprika, pepper, and a suitable marinade.

Thread onto skewers.

Grill while turning regularly.

Cook until the chicken is safely done and the pineapple is lightly caramelized.

20. BBQ Chicken Wraps

BBQ chicken wraps are an easy way to use grilled leftovers.

Grill seasoned chicken.

Slice into thin pieces.

Place the chicken inside a tortilla.

Add lettuce, tomato, cucumber, cheese, and BBQ sauce.

Wrap tightly and serve.

Best Marinades for Grilled Chicken

A good marinade can add flavor and moisture.

Lemon Garlic Marinade

Combine:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Herbs

This works well for chicken breasts and thighs.

Yogurt Marinade

Combine plain yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and herbs.

This is especially useful for chicken skewers.

Spicy BBQ Marinade

Combine suitable oil with paprika, chili powder, garlic, pepper, and lime juice.

Adjust the spice level according to preference.

Best Seasonings for BBQ Chicken

A simple dry rub can include:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Chili powder
• Dried oregano

Mix thoroughly and apply evenly to the chicken.

Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken

Don’t Overcook

Chicken can become dry when cooked for too long.

Use a Food Thermometer

Check the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Allow Chicken to Rest

Resting after cooking can help the meat retain moisture.

Use Marinades

Marinades can add flavor and may improve texture depending on the ingredients and recipe.

Control Grill Temperature

Avoid excessively high heat when cooking thick chicken pieces, especially when BBQ sauce is involved.

How to Prevent BBQ Sauce From Burning

BBQ sauce often contains sugar, which can brown quickly.

Cook the chicken mostly without sauce.

Brush BBQ sauce on during the final stage.

Turn the chicken regularly.

Avoid leaving sweet sauce over very high direct heat for too long.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken

Serve grilled chicken with:

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Grilled corn
• Green salad
• Rice
• Grilled vegetables
• Baked potatoes
• Garlic bread
• Fresh fruit

Grilled Chicken Meal Ideas

Quick Family Dinner

Serve grilled chicken breast with roasted or grilled vegetables and a fresh salad.

Summer BBQ

Prepare BBQ chicken thighs, wings, corn, coleslaw, and grilled vegetables.

Healthy Meal

Choose grilled chicken breast, salad, vegetables, and a suitable whole-grain side.

Party Food

Serve chicken wings, skewers, wraps, and chicken burgers.

BBQ Chicken Food Safety

Food safety is essential when cooking chicken.

Keep raw chicken separate from other ingredients.

Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked chicken.

Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.

Use a food thermometer to verify that chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.

Don’t reuse raw chicken marinades as a sauce unless they are properly cooked first.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking, use appropriate marinades, control the grill temperature, and allow the chicken to rest after cooking.

Should I put BBQ sauce on chicken before grilling?

You can season chicken before grilling, but sugary BBQ sauce is usually best added toward the end to reduce the risk of burning.

What chicken cut is best for grilling?

Chicken thighs, drumsticks, breasts, and wings can all work well. Thighs often remain especially juicy because they contain more fat than breast meat.

How long should chicken be marinated?

Marinating time depends on the recipe and marinade. Follow a tested recipe and keep chicken refrigerated while marinating.

What vegetables go well with grilled chicken?

Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, corn, asparagus, and tomatoes are excellent choices.

Conclusion

These 20 grilled chicken and BBQ recipes provide plenty of delicious ideas for family dinners, summer cookouts, parties, and weekend grilling. From classic BBQ chicken and juicy breasts to spicy wings, chicken skewers, fajita kebabs, tacos, salads, burgers, wraps, and pineapple skewers, there is a recipe for every occasion.

For the best results, use flavorful marinades and seasonings, control your grill temperature, add BBQ sauce toward the end, and always check chicken with a food thermometer.

With these simple techniques, you can prepare juicy, flavorful grilled chicken meals that are perfect for outdoor cooking and everyday family dinners.