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As the warmer months approach, there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than with a sizzling grill and a delectable selection of grilled chicken recipes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or planning a cozy family gathering, these mouth-watering grilled chicken dishes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy their cravings for bold, flavor-packed summer meals.
Our collection of grilled chicken recipes covers a wide range of cuts, from juicy thighs and tender drumsticks to butterflied whole chickens. Dive into flavors that transport you to far-flung corners of the world, with Vietnamese-inspired marinades, coconut-milk-based glazes, and tangy Nicaraguan-style preparations. From quick and convenient cooking methods to longer marinating periods for maximum flavor infusion, we’ve got you covered for every summer grilling occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse range of grilled chicken recipes, featuring different cuts and global flavor profiles
- Cooking techniques include butterflying, indirect heat grilling, and final charring for crisp skin
- Ingredients span from traditional to exotic, showcasing a variety of cultural influences
- Preparation times vary, with some recipes requiring longer marinating for maximum flavor
- Nutritional information provided for a balanced and healthful grilling experience
Sizzling Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sweet-and-Spicy Marinade
Get ready to fire up the grill and savor some mouthwatering grilled chicken thighs with a delectable Vietnamese-inspired marinade. This recipe features a perfect balance of sweet, funky, and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
A Flavor-Packed Marinade
The secret to this dish lies in the marinade, which combines the robust flavors of brown sugar, fish sauce, and chiles. These ingredients work together to create a complex and irresistible taste that will elevate your outdoor grilling experience.
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Ready in: 2 hours
- Serves: 6 portions
- Chicken thighs weight: 2 pounds
The marinade is made with a blend of soy sauce, agave nectar, chipotles in adobo, garlic, lime, salt, and pepper. Aarón Sánchez, a renowned chef, raves about this marinade, saying, “I love this marinade because it has the smokiness from the chipotle, sharp acidic bite from the lime juice and the delicious buttery taste from the Country Crock® Drizzle & Sizzle.”
After marinating the grilled chicken thighs for about an hour, the real magic happens on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until a thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part of each thigh. The result is a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired chicken that’s sure to be the star of your next backyard BBQ.
Juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Savory Caramel Glaze
Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your guests with our mouthwatering grilled chicken drumsticks! This recipe combines the juicy, tender goodness of chicken with a savory caramel glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The secret to these drumsticks lies in the cooking method. We grill them over indirect heat, allowing the fat to render and the skin to get deliciously crispy, while the meat remains succulent and flavorful. The real star, however, is the caramel glaze.
Our savory caramel glaze is made with just a few simple ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar. The result is a sticky, sweet-and-savory coating that perfectly complements the grilled chicken drumsticks. This easy grilled chicken recipe is perfect for your next backyard BBQ or summer gathering.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 174kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 489mg |
| Potassium | 261mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 150IU |
| Vitamin C | 21mg |
| Calcium | 23mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
To make the savory caramel glaze, we combine 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 minced garlic cloves. The total time to prepare this easy grilled chicken recipe is just 1 day and 20 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and cooking each.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a delicious grilled chicken dish, our Juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Savory Caramel Glaze are sure to be a hit. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a flavor-packed summer feast.
Grilled Butterflied Chicken with Lemongrass Sauce
Introducing a delightful grilled butterflied chicken dish that’s perfect for your summer backyard barbecues! By learning the technique of butterflying (or spatchcocking) a whole chicken, you’ll enjoy faster and more even cooking, resulting in juicy and flavorful grilled chicken. Pair it with a vibrant lemongrass sauce for a truly mouthwatering experience.
Butterflying the Chicken
To butterfly the chicken, start by placing it breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. This simple technique allows the chicken to cook more quickly and evenly on the grill.
The Lemongrass Sauce
The star of this dish is the flavorful lemongrass sauce. A blend of scallions, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic creates a bright and aromatic accompaniment to the grilled spatchcock chicken. The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | 1 hour 15 minutes | 4 people |
For best results, chill the grilled butterflied chicken uncovered for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days, before grilling. This allows the skin to dry out, resulting in a crispy and golden finish. When ready to serve, let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and enjoying with the flavorful lemongrass sauce.
“The combination of the juicy, grilled whole chicken and the bright, aromatic lemongrass sauce is a true culinary delight.”
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or simply looking for a delicious summer meal, this grilled butterflied chicken with lemongrass sauce is sure to impress. Dive in and savor the flavors of this exceptional dish!
Pollo Asado: Nicaraguan-Style Grilled Chicken
Experience the tantalizing flavors of Nicaraguan-style grilled chicken, known as Pollo Asado, at your next summer barbecue. This Latin American-inspired dish gets its signature tang from the use of naranja agria, or sour oranges, in the marinade. If you can’t find sour oranges, we’ve got you covered – simply substitute an equal mix of fresh orange and lime juice for a citrusy twist that’s equally delicious.
Marinating the chicken for 4 hours maximum ensures the white meat retains its perfect texture, while the achiote oil, Sazon seasoning, and aromatic herbs and spices infuse each bite with a robust, flavor-packed punch. The optional Sofrito Butter step adds an extra layer of richness and moisture, resulting in a truly mouthwatering Nicaraguan grilled chicken experience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces | 5 lb |
| Achiote paste | 2 oz |
| Olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Ground cumin | 2 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 2 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 2 tsp |
| Mexican oregano | 2 tsp |
| Fresh orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh lime juice | 1/2 cup |
With a prep time of 4 hours and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Nicaraguan grilled chicken recipe serves 6 people and packs a flavorful punch. Whether you’re grilling up a whole chicken, legs, thighs, breasts, or wings, the citrus-marinated chicken is sure to be the star of your Latin American-inspired backyard bash.
“The aroma of this pollo asado is unbelievable. It’s like a vacation in your own backyard!”
Healthyish Barbecued Chicken with Homemade Sauce
Craving the classic flavors of barbecued chicken but want to avoid the heavy, store-bought sauces? Our recipe for Healthyish Barbecued Chicken with Homemade Sauce is the perfect solution. By making a quick and easy homemade barbecue sauce, you can baste the chicken as it grills, resulting in a sticky, glossy sheen and a flavorful, healthier coating.
The key to this recipe is the homemade barbecue sauce, which features a blend of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients. We’ve used organic, non-GMO chicken from Smart Chicken, ensuring the highest quality and a delicious, juicy base for the barbecue flavors. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of barbecued chicken without the extra calories and additives found in many store-bought sauces.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this healthier barbecue chicken, you’ll need:
- 3 1/2 to 4 pounds (about 12 to 14 pieces) of Smart Chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup of our homemade barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon of blackening spice mix (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- Olive oil for the grill
Begin by marinating the chicken in the homemade barbecue sauce and blackening spice mix for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This will infuse the grilled chicken with sauce and give it a delicious, savory-sweet flavor.
Preheat your grill to 450-475°F for searing, then reduce the heat to 400°F for cooking. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, and grill the chicken for 30-35 minutes, flipping occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160-165°F for breasts and 175°F for thighs and drumsticks.
The result is a healthier barbecue chicken with a sticky, glossy sheen and bold, flavorful notes. Serve this easy grilled chicken with your favorite summer sides for a delicious and satisfying backyard barbecue.
Grilled Chicken Recipes for a Flavor-Packed Backyard Bash
As the summer heat sizzles, it’s time to fire up the grill and serve up some delectable grilled chicken recipes that will have your backyard guests raving. From spicy coconut-marinated thighs to sticky honey-glazed drumsticks, we’ve compiled a selection of bold, flavorful options to elevate your grilled chicken game and make your next outdoor gathering a true flavor fiesta.
Treat your taste buds to the vibrant notes of our Yakitori Negima, a popular Japanese-inspired grilled chicken skewer brushed with a sweet soy glaze. Or indulge in the juicy, tender perfection of our Sweet Tea Brined Chicken with Peaches, where the magic of brining keeps the meat moist and bursting with flavor.
For a backyard BBQ showstopper, look no further than our Honey Orange BBQ Chicken. Marinated overnight in a mouthwatering blend, this recipe delivers a sticky, glossy sheen that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
| Grilled Chicken Recipe | Marinade/Sauce Ingredients | Cooking Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Yakitori Negima | Soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger | Grilled on skewers, brushed with sweet soy glaze |
| Sweet Tea Brined Chicken with Peaches | Sweet tea, brown sugar, salt, pepper | Brined overnight, then grilled |
| Honey Orange BBQ Chicken | Honey, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, spices | Marinated overnight, then grilled |
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or planning an outdoor gathering, these grilled chicken recipes are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Get ready to sizzle up some serious flavor this summer!
Green Goddess Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
Elevate your grilling game this summer with our delectable green goddess chicken thighs. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant, herbal green goddess dressing – the perfect blend of fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, and more. The creamy, flavorful marinade infuses the grilled chicken thighs with bright, summery notes, creating a truly mouthwatering dish for your next backyard bash.
The key to this herb-marinated chicken lies in the quick and easy green goddess sauce. Taking just 5 minutes to prepare, this versatile marinade packs a flavor punch that will have your guests raving. We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to fully permeate the meat. Even a 30-minute marinade can work wonders, however, so don’t be afraid to get grilling on short notice.
Once marinated, the healthy grilled chicken cooks up in a flash – about 8 to 10 minutes in a skillet or on the grill. The recipe yields around 1 1/2 cups of the green goddess sauce, so you’ll have extra to drizzle over the top or serve on the side for dipping. Store any leftover sauce in a Mason jar for up to 5 days, and use it to marinate or dress up other proteins and veggies throughout the week.
For best results, we suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and slicing them to allow maximum flavor absorption. Once cooked, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe and delicious. Serve these green goddess chicken thighs alongside your favorite summer sides for a flavor-packed, healthy grilling experience that’s sure to impress.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts or Tenders | 2 lbs |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Prep Time | 1 hour |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories per Serving | 172 kcal |
| Carbohydrates per Serving | 1.3g |
| Protein per Serving | 30.7g |
| Fat per Serving | 4.4g |
For maximum flavor, we recommend marinating the chicken for 2 hours up to overnight. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can work wonders. When grilling, aim for about 3-4 minutes per side over high heat, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Pair these green goddess chicken thighs with your favorite summer sides for a truly delicious and healthy grilled feast.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, this collection of grilled chicken recipes offers a diverse range of flavor profiles and cooking techniques to elevate your summer BBQ game. From classic sauces and marinades to unique global influences, these recipes will help you create mouthwatering grilled chicken dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends all season long.
Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight meals or show-stopping centerpieces for your backyard entertaining, these grilled chicken recipes have you covered. With options that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, you’ll be able to craft the perfect outdoor cooking experience for your summer BBQ or backyard bash.
So fire up the grill, marinate your chicken, and get ready to savor the flavors of summer. These grilled chicken recipes are sure to become your new go-to for unforgettable outdoor cooking and backyard entertaining all season long.
FAQ
What types of grilled chicken recipes are featured in this article?
The article provides a variety of delicious grilled chicken recipes perfect for summer barbecues and backyard gatherings, including recipes for sizzling thighs, juicy drumsticks, butterflied whole chicken, and more.
What flavors are featured in the Vietnamese-inspired grilled chicken thigh recipe?
The Vietnamese-inspired grilled chicken thigh recipe features a marinade with a balance of sweet, funky, and spicy flavors from brown sugar, fish sauce, and chiles.
How are the grilled chicken drumsticks prepared in the savory caramel glaze recipe?
The grilled chicken drumsticks are cooked over indirect heat, allowing them to render and become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside, and are then basted with a savory caramel glaze.
What technique is used for the grilled butterflied chicken recipe?
The grilled butterflied chicken recipe teaches how to butterfly or spatchcock a whole chicken for grilling, which allows for faster and more even cooking. The chicken is then served with a flavorful scallion-lemongrass-ginger-garlic sauce.
What makes the Nicaraguan-style grilled chicken, or Pollo Asado, unique?
The Nicaraguan-style grilled chicken, or Pollo Asado, gets its signature tang from the use of naranja agria or sour oranges in the marinade. If sour oranges are not available, the recipe suggests substituting an equal mix of fresh orange and lime juice.
How is the homemade barbecue sauce used in the healthier barbecued chicken recipe?
The homemade barbecue sauce in the healthier barbecued chicken recipe is used to baste the chicken as it grills, resulting in a sticky, glossy chicken with a flavorful, healthier barbecue coating.
What additional grilled chicken recipes are featured in the final section?
The final section features a selection of additional grilled chicken recipes, including spicy coconut-marinated thighs, sticky honey-glazed drumsticks, and green goddess-marinated chicken thighs with fresh herbs.
What are some of the key SEO-relevant keywords used in this article?
Some of the key SEO-relevant keywords used in this article include grilled chicken, summer BBQ recipes, outdoor cooking, backyard cooking, easy grill recipes, sweet and spicy marinade, Vietnamese-inspired chicken, savory caramel glaze, spatchcock chicken, Latin American grilling, healthier barbecue chicken, and herb-marinated chicken.