What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken recipes are the star of any summer cookout, but the right sides make the meal complete. You can pair juicy grilled chicken with almost anything from your garden or pantry. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside your grilled chicken:
- A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and herbs
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- Fresh coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
Leftover grilled chicken is just as versatile. Use it the next day in salads, wraps, tacos, or sandwiches for a quick lunch.
Jump to:
- What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
- Should You Season Chicken Before Grilling?
- Best Grilled Chicken Dinner Ideas
- 70 Summer Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
- Thin Grilled Garlic Chicken
- Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken and Peaches with Chipotle Peach Dressing
- Daddy’s Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla
- Grilled Chicken Panini
- Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Easy Grilled Chicken Pita
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Flatbreads
- 30 Minute Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
- Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers (Yakitori)
- Grilled Sweet Cajun Chicken
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas
- Thai Coconut Grilled Chicken
- Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
- Vietnamese Grilled Chicken
- Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Grilled Thai Chicken Satay Skewers
- Grilled Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Pesto Lemon Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
- Grilled Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
- Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
- Ginger Soy Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken Shawarma
- Caprese Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Grilled California Avocado Chicken
- Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs
- Thai Grilled Chicken Gai Yang
- Easy Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- The Best Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
- Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce
- Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Skewers
- Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken and Olive Tapenade
- Grilled Sticky Sweet Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Melted Mozzarella
- Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
- Jalapeno Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken
- Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
- Kickin’ Grilled Chicken Legs
- Grilled Chicken and Avocado Street Tacos
- Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Grilled Moroccan Chicken and Garlic Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich
- Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Mango Lime Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken in Foil
- Grilled Chicken Souvlaki and Gyros
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad
- Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice
- Grilled Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze
- Grilled Sweet Chili Lime Chicken
- Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
- The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade
- FAQs
- What is the best marinade for grilled chicken?
- How long should you grill chicken breasts?
- How can you keep grilled chicken moist and prevent it from drying out?
- What are some easy grilled chicken recipes for summer?
- Can you grill frozen chicken?
- What sides go well with grilled chicken?
Should You Season Chicken Before Grilling?
Yes, you should always season your chicken before it hits the grill. Even a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper adds flavor and helps create that beautiful charred exterior. If you have a little more time, a marinade takes things to the next level. You can whisk together mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, or onion powder for a quick marinade. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor. The table below gives you two easy options:
| Method | Ingredients | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Dry Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder | 5 minutes |
| Simple Marinade | Mustard, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, spices | 30 minutes to overnight |
Either way, your chicken will be more flavorful and tender.
Best Grilled Chicken Dinner Ideas
When I fire up the grill for dinner, I love having a variety of flavors to choose from. Honey mustard glazed chicken, sweet chili lime chicken, and Hawaiian BBQ chicken are all family favorites. Sticky sweet chicken skewers, chicken souvlaki with gyros, and tender chicken shawarma bring international flair to your backyard. For finger food, try grilled chicken and avocado street tacos or tandoori chicken skewers. Browse through the collection below and pick your favorites for your next cookout.
70 Summer Grilled Chicken Recipes
This summer, I have gathered a huge collection of grilled chicken recipes perfect for gatherings, quick weeknights, and everything in between. From salads and skewers to sandwiches and main dishes, there is something here for every taste. Many of these recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, making them ideal for warm weather cooking.
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
Grilled chicken tossed with fresh peaches, lettuce, and tomatoes creates a refreshing summer salad that comes together quickly.
Thin Grilled Garlic Chicken
Boneless chicken breasts are pounded thin for fast grilling.
A simple marinade keeps the meat juicy. Serve with a green salad.
Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts
This foolproof recipe requires only five ingredients and about 20 minutes.
The bright lemon flavor makes it a dependable go to meal.
Grilled Chicken Salad
A welcome to spring grilled chicken salad that celebrates the start of grilling season with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Grilled Chicken and Peaches with Chipotle Peach Dressing
Grilled fresh peaches and chicken topped with a sweet and spicy chipotle peach dressing for a unique summer dish.
Daddy’s Grilled Chicken
A super easy, lemony chicken recipe that is sure to become a favorite with its bright citrus flavor and simple preparation.
Grilled Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla
Barbecue chicken tucked into a tortilla with cheese, grilled for an outdoor appetizer that is kid friendly and full of smoky flavor.
Grilled Chicken Panini
Grilled panini chicken sandwiches cut diagonally for a beautiful presentation.
Serve with pasta salad for a complete meal.
Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
Simple spiced chicken becomes tender and tangy thanks to an easy yogurt based marinade.
Quick and full of flavor.
Easy Grilled Chicken Pita
Grilled chicken pita made with Greek yogurt, pita bread, vegetables, and grilled chicken.
Perfect for a lunch sandwich.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Flatbreads
Savory grilled chicken and Caesar salad served in warm flatbread for a light and easy dinner that feels special.
30 Minute Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
This easy grilled chicken and vegetables recipe takes only 30 minutes, making it a healthy family dinner option and great for meal prep.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
A weeknight grilled chicken pasta salad with balsamic vinaigrette that is healthy, hearty, and full of classic flavors.
Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers (Yakitori)
Japanese style grilled skewered chicken in a sweet and salty sauce.
Simple and full of umami flavor.
Grilled Sweet Cajun Chicken
Tender, juicy grilled sweet Cajun chicken packed with bold flavor.
Perfect for grilling season and spice lovers.
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Cheesy balsamic grilled chicken topped with basil pesto, tomato, avocado, and balsamic glaze.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Grilled chicken fajitas perfect for a Fajita Friday dinner.
Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor.
Thai Coconut Grilled Chicken
Thai chicken made with creamy coconut milk, fresh lime, spices, and Sambal Oeleck for a spicy kick.
Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers
Sweet, spicy, salty, and sour honey chipotle chicken marinated in a simple sauce with apple cider vinegar and soy sauce, then skewered and grilled.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Moist, flavorful, and grilled to perfection, these sweet and spicy chicken thighs are a crowd pleaser.
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Easy, ready in 10 minutes, with juicy chicken that tastes like a tropical island.
Grilled peppers on the side make a healthy summer meal.
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Juicy, tender chicken with a simple marinade of Dijon, honey, olive oil, rosemary, and lemon.
Vietnamese Grilled Chicken
This Vietnamese grilled chicken is succulent and delicious, perfect straight off the grill, in Pho, rice bowls, or salads.
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Breasts
Learn to make juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breasts in the air fryer in just 20 minutes.
Great on rice, salads, or sandwiches.
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Quick and easy grilled cilantro lime chicken with perfectly seared outside and a burst of juices and flavor from the marinade.
Grilled Thai Chicken Satay Skewers
Marinated chicken thighs seasoned with lemongrass, shallot, and chili, threaded onto skewers and grilled to juicy perfection.
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Glaze
Juicy, savory sweet brown sugar glazed chicken thighs grilled to tender perfection.
Pesto Lemon Grilled Chicken Marinade
A bright and fresh marinade with lemon, garlic, and red pepper flake, creating a zesty chimichurri like combination perfect for chicken.
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
Grilled chicken Cobb salad with crispy bacon, sliced eggs, avocado, and a honey dijon dressing ready in under a minute.
Grilled Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Chicken marinated in whiskey, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, and pepper for a bold flavor.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Delicious Huli Huli chicken that is a must make recipe to try when dusting off the grill this summer.
Ginger Soy Grilled Chicken
An Asian inspired 6 ingredient chicken marinade with soy sauce and fresh ginger.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
A healthy grilled buffalo chicken salad that satisfies wing cravings without the guilt.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Smoky grilled chicken skewers marinated in ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce, finished with a sweet coconut cream glaze and served with peanut sauce.
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Tender chicken marinated in sweet balsamic sauce, skewered with fresh vegetables and grilled to perfection.
A healthy summer grilling must.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma
Tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful marinade, grilled or roasted to golden brown.
Serve with flatbread for a hearty meal.
Caprese Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Fresh and tasty balsamic marinated grilled chicken topped with melted fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, and basil.
Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Grilled chicken marinated in honey garlic balsamic sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, avocados, tomatoes, and basil.
Incredible flavor.
Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs
Grilled chicken kabobs marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices.
A huge crowd pleaser at any cookout.
Thai Grilled Chicken Gai Yang
Authentic Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang) with a traditional marinade that packs bold, aromatic flavor.
Easy Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Bursting with tangy, savory, and sweet flavor.
Can be made on the grill or baked in the oven. Juicy and delicious.
The Best Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Best grilled tandoori chicken skewers with a super flavorful long marinade and homemade tzatziki sauce.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Drumsticks
Crispy and flavorful skin on the outside with perfectly tender meat inside.
An easy summer grilling staple.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma with Golden Butter Fries and Garlic Sauce
Middle Eastern inspired chicken skewers with spicy marinade, served with homemade golden fries, creamy garlic white sauce, and cherry tomatoes.
Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad
Quick and easy main dish salad with grilled balsamic marinated chicken and creamy pesto dressing.
Perfect for summer.
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken served with a tangy Argentinian herb based sauce made with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and spices.
Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken and Olive Tapenade
Simple marinade with two kinds of balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and grainy mustard.
Topped with olive and sun dried tomato tapenade for a Mediterranean zing.
Grilled Sticky Sweet Chicken Skewers
Sticky and sweet chicken skewers made with cubed chicken breast tossed in a ginger garlic sauce and grilled.
Grilled Chicken Margherita
Super easy grilled chicken margherita ready in less than 30 minutes.
Savory herb chicken topped with mozzarella, pesto, and tomato basil garnish.
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl
Loaded with juicy grilled chicken, corn, beans, and fun toppings.
Healthy, easy, and filling, better than takeout.
Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Melted Mozzarella
Grilled chicken topped with spinach, melted mozzarella, and roasted peppers.
A quick and easy chicken dish the family will love.
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
A scrumptious creamy lemon pasta flavored with basil and served with grilled chicken.
Delicious and satisfying.
Jalapeno Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
The perfect summer dinner with a little sweet, a hint of sour, and the right amount of heat from jalapeno.
Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken
Perfectly grilled tender and juicy chicken marinated in a honey lime cilantro marinade.
Incredible flavor.
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Family BBQ favorite with a super easy 3 ingredient marinade that tastes amazing.
Kickin’ Grilled Chicken Legs
Super easy and quick, only 5 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. Lipsmackingly delicious.
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Street Tacos
Corn tortillas layered with charred, cilantro lime marinated grilled chicken thighs and finished with creamy avocados.
Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Thighs
Juicy smoky chicken thighs slathered in an easy honey Sriracha glaze that will make you swoon.
Grilled Moroccan Chicken and Garlic Sauce
Best and easiest marinade for grilled Moroccan chicken.
Do not forget the garlic sauce which makes the meal spectacular.
Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich
Layers of grilled chicken, creamy Swiss, honey ham, and buttered bread.
Easy and full of flavor for an upgraded sandwich.
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Quick and easy with amazing flavor.
Serving over grilled pineapple makes a colorful and impressive presentation.
Mango Lime Grilled Chicken
Sweet and spicy mango lime marinade that caramelizes perfectly on a hot grill.
Perfect for summer BBQ.
Grilled Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken in Foil
Sweet and tangy pineapple barbecue sauce with grilled chicken, pineapple, and summer veggies cooked in foil for easy cleanup.
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki and Gyros
Tasty Mediterranean lemon, garlic, and oregano skewered grilled chicken, perfect in pitas, salads, or right off the stick.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad
Grilled pineapple, avocados, cilantro, and a teriyaki vinaigrette turn this grilled chicken salad into a hearty, tasty meal.
Cajun Chicken with Coriander and Lime Rice
Juicy griddled Cajun chicken with veggies and rice, ready in 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Grilled Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze
About as easy as dinner gets with minimal ingredients and super easy cleanup since it is cooked on the grill.
Grilled Sweet Chili Lime Chicken
Delicious and easy grilled chicken with a sweet chili lime glaze.
One of the best things you will grill this summer.
Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple chicken that is wonderfully juicy and bursting with flavor from a marinade that doubles as a glaze.
The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade
The best grilled chicken tacos marinade makes these ultimate, healthy grilled tacos you will ever make.
