37 Grilled Chicken Recipes for the Best Barbecued Birds on the Block
We’re kicking off grilling season with this list of our favorite grilled chicken recipes because you deserve a summer full of the best, juiciest grilled chicken, whether you’re firing up the charcoal (or gas grill) to cook smoky wings, yogurt-marinated kebabs, super-flavorful chicken thighs, or the whole smoked chicken. Below you’ll find our go-to marinades and the most delightfully sticky brush-on sauces, plus all the classic grilling methods, including chicken under a brick, spatchcocked chicken, beer can chicken, and easy boneless chicken breasts. Pair these recipes for grilled chicken with slaw or salad, grilled vegetables—or any of our best grilling ideas—or simply sliced tomatoes—whatever you add to the menu, these chicken dishes may hog the spotlight. Just don’t forget to grill some brownies for dessert.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich1/37Garlicky Instant Ramen Noodle Salad With Grilled Chicken Thighs
Looking for summery grilled chicken recipes that give you a whole meal—a whole party, really—in one? Put this grilled chicken noodle salad from Epi contributor Leela Punyaratabandhu on your must-make list. Juicy and quick-cooking skinless, boneless chicken thighs marinate with garlic, cilantro roots or stems, oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, pepper, and salt, then head to the grill over high heat before they're piled on a bouncy noodle salad that's sprinkled with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, crispy garlic, and a tangy dressing that has a little chile heat.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova2/37Grilled Chicken With Mustard Barbecue Sauce and Tomato Salad
Bone-in chicken breasts and whole chicken legs start over direct heat, then move to the cooler side of the grill to cook through before they're basted in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce that's pepped up with Worcestershire, honey, mustard, paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Serve with a corn salad and/or creamy slaw, and dish up an ice cream icebox cake for dessert.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim3/37Buldak-Style Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
If you make only one grilled drumstick recipe this summer, it should be this easy, flavor-packed meal. The chicken marinates in a mix of gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and toasted sesame oil, then cooks low and slow over indirect heat. Serve with banchan and scallion salad.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Liza Jernow5/37Spicy Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken Wings
When grilled wings meet tangy tamarind purée, brown sugar, cumin, red pepper flakes, and fish sauce, good things are in store. Don't skip the crunchy onion and fresh cilantro on top. Unfortunately, these are so good you might not want to share. Looking for another easy dish to serve with these wings? How about a big platter of this low-cook chaat?
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce6/37Juiciest Grilled Chicken Breast With Citrus Marinade
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich7/37Double-Stack Mushroom and Chicken Cheeseburgers
Don't forget about chicken burgers—and don't discount how great they can be. These have a bit of mushroom in the mix for deeply savory flavor and tons of moisture. Double stack 'em and top with curry mustard, melty cheese, and crunchy lettuce. Chips or salad on the side? Why not both? Total time on this recipe is just half an hour.
Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou8/37Grilled Chicken With Lemon and Thyme
These grilled chicken breasts are marinated after—not before—cooking on the cooler side of the grill. You can let them sit for just a few minutes or up to an hour before serving, so it's the perfect main dish for a low-key summer dinner party or a delicious weeknight meal. Any leftovers from this chicken breast recipe make terrific chicken sandwiches (perhaps with feta, cucumber, and tomato) later in the week—and that's the kind of meal prep we can get behind.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton9/37Thai Muslim–Style Grilled Chicken
This recipe is inspired by the grilled chicken served at Jeerapan, a 77-year-old restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand. Their version is baked in a tandoor-like oven, but this recipe will walk you through the process for your standard backyard grill. The fresh pineapple-chile dipping sauce is tangy and sweet—it would be the star of the show if the chicken itself wasn't so very awesome.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone10/373-Ingredient Buffalo Grilled Chicken Wings
This might be the easiest chicken wing recipe you've ever tried—and it might be the one you stick with forever. A simple Buffalo-style hot sauce delivers a big punch of flavor to these grilled wings. You'll brush a little of the sauce on the wings at the end of grilling so that it caramelizes, then toss the cooked wings in more sauce before serving. Bring napkins—this easy grilled chicken is saucy.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Andy Baraghani11/37Grilled Chicken Skewers With Toum
These grilled chicken thighs are all about the sauce: garlicky, lemony, delicious. Serve with fresh pita and pickles, too.
Photo by Peden + Munk, Prop Styling by Rebecca Bartoshesky, Food Styling by Sue Li12/37Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova13/37Maple Barbecue Grilled Chicken
The best barbecue sauce doesn't come from a bottle, and this recipe proves it. Just cook a little garlic and tomato paste in a small saucepan, add maple syrup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and Sriracha, and simmer until all the flavors come together. Use your homemade sauce on a whole chicken that's cut into pieces, or whatever mix of legs, thighs, breasts, and wings you prefer.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell14/37Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Leeks and Potatoes
