Summer is here, and it is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious and healthy grilled chicken. Not only is this lean protein a great source of nutrition, but it is also quick and easy to prepare. In this article, we will share five mouth-watering grilled chicken recipes that are perfect for a summer dinner. From lemon and herb to honey mustard and balsamic glazed, these recipes are sure to become your new favorites. We will also include some tips for perfectly grilled chicken every time, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 2 lemons

• • 3 tablespoons olive oil

• • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)

• • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

1. 1. Zest lemons and set aside. Juice lemons and combine with olive oil, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

1. 1. Pat chicken dry and season generously with lemon zest and additional salt and pepper. Brush chicken with the lemon and herb marinade.

1. 1. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.

1. 1. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Balsamic-Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• • 1/4 cup honey

• • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 8-10 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

1. 1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread onto skewers.

1. 1. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

1. 1. Brush chicken skewers with balsamic glaze and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with additional glaze, until chicken is cooked through.

1. 1. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Mango and Avocado

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 6 cups mixed greens

• • 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed

• • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed

• • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• • 2 tablespoons lime juice

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 1 teaspoon honey

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

1. 1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, mango, avocado, and cilantro.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

1. 1. Toss salad with dressing and top with sliced grilled chicken.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• • 1/4 cup honey

• • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

1. 1. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Brush chicken with the honey mustard marinade.

1. 1. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.

1. 1. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

rest before cutting.

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 tablespoon chili powder

• • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• • 8 corn tortillas

• • 1 cup diced pineapple

• • 1/4 cup diced red onion

• • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped

• • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions:

1. 1. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.

1. 1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

1. 1. While the chicken is cooking, make the pineapple salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice.

1. 1. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds on each side.

1. 1. Once the chicken is done, slice it into thin strips.

1. 1. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with sliced chicken and pineapple salsa.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• • 1 teaspoon dried basil

• • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• • 1/2 cucumber, seeded and grated

• • 1 clove garlic, minced

• • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

1. 1. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

1. 1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

1. 1. While the chicken is cooking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

1. 1. Once the chicken is done, serve with the tzatziki sauce on the side.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

• • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

1. 1. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

1. 1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

1. 1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad by tossing the chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan.

1. 1. Once the chicken is done, slice it into thin strips and serve over the salad.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time

Marinade for Flavor

To infuse your chicken with flavor, make a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, and spices. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Preheat Your Grill

Before grilling your chicken, make sure your grill is preheated to the proper temperature. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, preheat to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, so use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reads 165°F.

Rest the Chicken before Serving

After grilling your chicken, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender result.

Grilled chicken is a versatile and healthy protein that is perfect for summer dinners. With these five delicious recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and spices that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full. Remember to use our tips for perfectly grilled chicken every time and experiment with your own marinades and seasonings to make these recipes your own. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner party, these recipes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for these recipes?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used for these recipes. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can these recipes be made on a gas grill?

Yes, these recipes can be made on a gas grill. Simply preheat the grill to the recommended temperature and follow the recipe instructions.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The recommended marinating time may vary depending on the recipe, but as a general rule, 30 minutes to 2 hours is usually sufficient. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid can break down the protein and make the chicken tough.

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

While the chicken is best served fresh off the grill, some of the recipes can be made ahead of time. For example, the Mediterranean grilled chicken can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to grill. The salad recipes can also be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving.