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Grilled chicken is one of those summer staples we all come back to again and again because it’s simple, lean, satisfying, and so easy to pair with whatever fresh produce is in season, serve on top of a salad or grain bowl, or eat as a high protein snack between meals
Who doesn’t like grilled chicken?!!
When it’s HOT outside, nobody wants to heat up the kitchen or spend hours making dinner, so grilling keeps things quick, flavorful, and just a little more relaxed.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, meal prep, salads, bowls, wraps, and everything in between.
But because we grill chicken breasts so often, it’s important to keep things fresh with different marinades, spices, sauces, and serving ideas like skewers.
A great marinade can completely change the flavor and make the same basic protein feel brand new. Whether you’re craving something smoky, citrusy, spicy, herby, tangy, or sweet-savory, having a variety of grilled chicken recipes keeps summer meals exciting!
Grilled Chicken Recipes
The summer is upon us and now is the best time to use the grill for easy clean up, delicious grilled recipes, and relaxing outside. Here are some of the best grilled chicken recipes CFC has to offer.
1. Fiesta Lime Grilled Chicken
One of my family’s favorite grilled chicken breast recipes is this Fiesta Lime Grilled Chicken. The chicken turns out nice and crispy on the outside, with a tender, juicy inside. Top it all of with a tangy lime avocado salsa and this hot off the gill recipe is full of protein, healthy fats and in-season veggies! Serve along side a salad, sweet potatoes, or use it on a rice bowl.
2. Grilled Chicken Zoodle Bowls with Tomato-Basil Sauce
These tasty Grilled Chicken and Zoodle Bowls combine fiber rich zucchini noodles, balsamic vinegar marinated grilled chicken, and a quick tomato basil sauce in a bowl for a light, fast, and seasonal dinner idea. For best quality, use a sauce that that has little to no sugar added and let your grilled chicken rest before slicing.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers + Homemade Tzatziki
A great way to change things up in the summer is by making Grilled Chicken Kabobs! This recipe seasons the chicken with spices like oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper for a spicy flavor. Then cools it all down with a homemade tzatziki sauce for dipping. Pair everything with fresh seasonal vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes for a super easy weeknight meal.
4. Grilled Chicken Bruschetta
Put together a little olive oil, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic and what do you get? The perfect chicken marinade for this Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Recipe. the thing that really sets this recipe apart from a basic grilled chicken breast is topping it off with a freshly made chopped tomato basil mix to ultimate flavor. It’s a topping you could also use as a dip with a slice of Ezekiel bread on the side for a complete meal.
5. Avocado Salsa Grilled Chicken
This Cheese and Avocado Salsa Grilled Chicken Recipe adds a whole new dimension to grilled chicken breast. By adding avocado and melty mozzarella, this recipe becomes even more satisfying and nutritious due to the healthy fat content. Then the acid from the tomatoes cut through it and give it a an overall fresh summery taste. I love to serve this chicken over a bed of arugula for a fresh peppery finish.
6. Grilled Juicy Ginger-Lemon Chicken
The lemon juice and ginger in this Grilled Ginger Lemon Chicken marinade not only create a bold summer flavor, but also create a juicy, tender chicken breast that can’t be beat! The Asian inspired flavors of this recipe pair beautifully with a side of rice or quinoa.
7. Grilled Lime Chicken + Fresh Peach Salsa
A brilliant way to really taste the ripe flavors of summer are to combine a delicious Grilled Lime Chicken with Fresh Peach Salsa. The combination of the caramelized grill marks and the sweet juicy peaches will have you putting this recipe on repeat. As a matter of fact, this is a perfect recipe for meal prep lunches! Your tastebuds will thank you!
8. Quick and Easy Grilled Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
This recipe is an oldie, but a goodie! Posted back in 2019, this is still one of the most popular grilled chicken recipes on the CFC website! Tender grilled chicken and summer vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and onions all marinated in a delicious garlic sauce, then basted with even more for ultimate flavor! The reason this is such a popular meal is it is so incredibly easy to make.
9. Melty California Grilled Avocado Chicken
California is known for it’s sun and beautiful summer weather all year round, which may be why this California Grilled Chicken reminds me of all those things! Covered in melted cheese and topped with avocado, tomato, and a sweet balsamic glaze, this is one of my absolute favorite grilled chicken ideas!
10. Grilled Taco + Lime Chicken
Shake things up a bit with this Grilled Taco-Lime Chicken. The chicken is marinated in a homemade taco seasoning and lime mixture for a bold, delicious flavor once grilled. The best part of this recipe…you can make it spicy! I love adding extra cayenne pepper to my seasoning mix to create a spicy marinade that is to die for! Pare this Mexican inspired chicken with grilled corn on the cob for a more complete grilled dinner idea. If you have leftovers, this makes a delicious protein to add to tacos later in the week!
11. Chimichurri Marinated Chicken
Have you ever made a chimichurri sauce? It’s super easy, bold, and delicious. Which is why I chose to marinate my chicken breasts in it to make this Chimichurri Chicken recipe! Shallot, garlic, cilantro, and red chili flakes are just some of the delicious ingredients that go into it. Take my word for it and make extra to as a topping on this grilled chicken or on grilled steaks.
12. Grilled Chicken + Veggie Kabobs
A super easy meal prep idea is Grilled Chicken And Veggie Kabobs. You can make them ahead of time on the grill then adding all the veggies and protein you want. In this recipe, I flavor everything with Italian seasoning before grilling, but they are super versatile as well. Make them Asian by using an Asian Marinade and adding pineapple chunks to the skewers, turn them into a southwest kabab by using taco seasoning, or go for a Thai flare by making them with peanut sauce!
13. Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps
These delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps are great for a light lunch or even a fun low carb appetizer at a picnic. This simple recipe combines Italian seasoned chicken with a homemade Caesar dressing made of Dijon mustard, lemon, coconut aminos, and Greek yogurt instead of a mayonnaise and anchovy based dressing. The result is light, fresh, and perfect for a healthy grilled chicken recipe.
Rachel’s Best Grilled Chicken Tips
- Make Them The Same Size! In order to make sure your chicken breasts all cook at the same time, try to find chicken breasts that are all a similar size and shape. You can pound out any areas of the breast that are slightly thicker.
- Marinating is a game changer! To get the best flavor out of any cut of chicken whether it is a chicken thigh or even a chicken leg, marinading is the way to go. The brine from the marinade helps create a tenderness you would not otherwise get.
- Room Temperature Is Best! When grilling chicken, its a good idea to bring the chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking it.
- Use High Heat! To get that delicious grilled flavor, make sure to preheat you grill before using it!
- Only Flip Once! Ever time you flip the chicken, it loses moisture, so only flip it one time after cooking around 4-7 minutes on the first side, and then finish cooking 3-5 minutes on the second side.
- Let It Rest! Let your grilled chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so all the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
What To Serve With Grilled Chicken
Using the grill to cook chicken, but if you can also add your sides to the grill, that’s even better! Minimal cleanup and everything in one place. Try grilling corn on the cob, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, squash, peppers, or cauliflower for just a few ideas! Just add a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to make them perfect.
You could also add your romaine lettuce to the grill to give your lettuce wraps a grilled flavor, or throw on some par-boiled potatoes and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Did you know you can also grill fruit? It really brings out the sweetness as the sugars caramelize. I like grilled peaches and pineapples the best.
FAQ’s
What meals can I make with leftover grilled chicken?
Honestly, the options are endless. My favorites are to add the grilled chicken to a salad, top a grain bowl, or use in a wrap.
Why is grilled chicken so healthy?
Grilled chicken is healthy because any fat that is in the chicken drips out through the grill grates leaving you with a leaner piece of chicken than when you started.
Will grilled chicken help you lose weight?
Eating grilled chicken can help you work toward your weight loss goals by increasing the amount of lean protein you are eating. This helps you feel full and satisfied longer between meals and helps you develop lean muscle mass.
Why Grilled Chicken Is A Good Idea
Chicken on it’s own is a fantastically versatile lean protein that can help with your weight maintenance goals as well as be changed into just about any flavor you love. Then add in the grill method for cooking and you have easy cleanup and delicious flavor. Put them together and, wow!…Grilled chicken is always a good idea!
