Warm weather means it’s time to fire up the grill! I love how easy it is to make delicious meals outdoors. Today, I’m sharing some of my go-to easy grilled chicken recipes that are perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
You’ll find fantastic flavors and simple steps here, so get ready to make some really tasty grilled chicken. These ideas will help you put together a wonderful meal without much fuss.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
- 2. Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken With Sweet Glaze
- 3. Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken With Pepper Jack
- 4. Easy Italian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
This grilled chicken recipe brings classic Margherita pizza flavors to your plate. It’s a fresh and bright dish that cooks quickly on the grill.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella balls, sliced, for the best melty texture and mild taste.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose vine-ripened tomatoes or cherry tomatoes sliced in half for a burst of juicy flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil right at the end for its wonderful aroma and taste.
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them with olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Add Toppings
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella and tomato. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt. Once melted, remove from heat, top with fresh basil, and serve right away.
📝 Final Note
Don’t overcook the chicken; it will dry out. You can also use cherry tomatoes cut in half for a prettier presentation.
Easy Grilled Citrus Chicken With Sweet Glaze
This grilled chicken recipe is bright and sweet, perfect for a sunny day. The citrus glaze makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Citrus Juice: Use fresh oranges and lemons for the best, most vibrant juice in your glaze.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners create a lovely, sticky glaze that caramelizes on the grill.
- Brush Often: Baste the chicken with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to build up that sweet, caramelized crust.
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate and Grill
Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the glaze over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you preheat your grill to medium heat.
Step 3: Cook and Brush
Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with the remaining glaze during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
Don’t use the marinade that touched raw chicken as a finishing glaze. Always set some aside before marinating, or boil it first.
Easy Grilled Salsa Verde Chicken With Pepper Jack
This grilled chicken is packed with zesty salsa verde flavor and topped with melty pepper jack cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying meal with a little bit of a kick.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Salsa Verde: Use your favorite jarred or homemade salsa verde. A good quality one makes all the difference.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a nice spicy element and melts beautifully over the chicken.
- Indirect Heat: When melting the cheese, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning the bottom while the top melts.
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken breasts with salsa verde, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Grill Until Cooked
Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Melt Cheese
During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve.
📝 Final Note
This chicken is great served with warm tortillas, rice, or a simple side salad to complete your meal.
Easy Italian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Enjoy classic Italian flavors with this simple grilled chicken. It’s seasoned with herbs and garlic for a familiar and delicious taste everyone will appreciate.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Italian Seasoning: A good quality Italian seasoning blend is key for authentic flavor. Don’t be shy with it!
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Thin Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly to an even thickness for faster and more even cooking.
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a shallow dish, drizzle the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub to coat evenly.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes while you preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill and let rest briefly before slicing and serving.
📝 Final Note
This Italian grilled chicken is wonderful with a side of pasta salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
