8 Savory Grilled Chicken to Enjoy Year-Round

Grilled chicken is a classic meal enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a casual weeknight dinner, or hosting a backyard barbecue, a perfectly grilled chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it with different marinades, seasonings, and sides. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making the juiciest grilled chicken, share essential tips, and provide some delicious variations.

Why Grilled Chicken is a Favorite Choice

Grilled chicken stands out as one of the healthiest, most versatile, and flavorful options for any meal. Here’s why it’s so popular:

• Quick and Easy: Grilled chicken is a simple, no-fuss meal that’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Packed with Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
• Flavorful and Customizable: With the right marinade, seasoning, or sauce, grilled chicken can take on any flavor profile, from smoky and savory to zesty and tangy.
• Low in Fat: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are low in fat, making them an excellent option for those watching their fat intake.

Let’s dive into the steps and secrets of grilling the perfect chicken, along with tips on getting it just right every time!

What You Need for Grilled Chicken

Essential Ingredients

Before you fire up the grill, let’s gather the ingredients. For a basic grilled chicken recipe, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier result)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Optional Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon mustard (for a slight tang)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for a smoky flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Grilling:

• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the grill grates

The Equipment You’ll Need

While grilling chicken is straightforward, having the right equipment can make all the difference in ensuring your chicken turns out perfectly:

• Gas or Charcoal Grill: Both methods are excellent for grilling chicken. Charcoal will give the chicken a smoky flavor, while a gas grill provides more control over temperature.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F), a meat thermometer is essential.
• Tongs or Grill Spatula: For flipping the chicken and moving it around the grill without losing moisture.
• Basting Brush: If you plan to baste your chicken with sauce during grilling, a basting brush will make it easier.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Grilled Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling

Start by preparing your chicken for grilling to ensure it cooks evenly. Whether you choose chicken breasts, thighs, or any other cut, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly:

Option 1: Pound the Chicken Breasts
To achieve even cooking, especially for thicker chicken breasts, you might want to pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing the thinner parts from drying out.

Option 2: Leave the Skin On (Optional)
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the healthiest option, you can opt for skin-on chicken pieces for extra juiciness and flavor. Skin also helps protect the meat from drying out on the grill.

2. Create the Marinade

A good marinade makes all the difference when grilling chicken. It infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

Here’s a simple marinade recipe:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until everything is combined. This marinade is a great balance of zesty, savory, and smoky flavors, perfect for chicken.

If you’re looking for a little more complexity, you can add mustard, honey, soy sauce, or ground cumin, depending on your flavor preferences.

Marinating Tips:

• Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Don’t marinate too long as the acid in the marinade (like lemon juice) can begin to break down the meat.
• Always refrigerate the chicken while marinating to keep it safe from bacteria.

3. Preheat the Grill

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the grill.

• For Gas Grills: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Once it reaches temperature, oil the grates with a brush or a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
• For Charcoal Grills: Light the charcoal and let it burn down to an even layer of glowing embers. When the coals are covered with white ash, it’s time to grill.

4. Grill the Chicken

Once the grill is ready, it’s time to cook your chicken! Here’s how:

For Boneless, Skinless Breasts:

• Place the chicken on the grill over direct heat. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes, flipping only once to ensure even cooking.
• Tip: Press down gently on the chicken with tongs to get grill marks, but don’t press too hard. You want to keep the juices locked inside the meat.

For Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:

• If you’re using bone-in, skin-on pieces (such as thighs or drumsticks), cook them over indirect heat. Start by placing them on the cooler part of the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Check the Internal Temperature

To make sure your chicken is cooked through but not dry, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone). The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C).

This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is both safe to eat and juicy.

6. Let the Chicken Rest

After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making the chicken more flavorful and tender.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the chicken against the grain, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with your favorite sides. You can enjoy your grilled chicken with:

• A fresh garden salad
• Grilled vegetables
• Rice, couscous, or quinoa
• A side of mashed potatoes
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Or a refreshing coleslaw

Grilled Chicken Variations

One of the best things about grilled chicken is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

For a light, refreshing twist, you can add more herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil to the marinade, along with extra lemon zest for a citrusy kick. This works great for serving with fresh salads or a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

2. BBQ Grilled Chicken

To create a smoky BBQ flavor, use a homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce as a marinade or a glaze. You can baste the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to get that perfect caramelized finish.

3. Spicy Grilled Chicken

If you love heat, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a spicy hot sauce to your marinade for a fiery kick. You can balance the heat with a dollop of cool, creamy ranch or sour cream when serving.

4. Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

For a sweet and tangy flavor, mix honey and mustard with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice. This marinade gives the chicken a rich, glossy coating and is perfect for pairing with roasted veggies.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

1. Keep it Juicy:

To prevent your chicken from drying out, don’t overcook it. Chicken breast cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. You can also brine the chicken before marinating it to add extra moisture.

2. Use Direct and Indirect Heat:

For perfect grilling, use both direct heat for browning and searing, and indirect heat to finish cooking the chicken without burning it.

3. Marinate for Flavor:

If you have the time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

4. Clean and Oil Your Grill:

Before grilling, always clean the grill grates to prevent sticking. Oiling the grates also helps with this, ensuring a nice sear.

Conclusion: The Perfect Grilled Chicken Every Time

Grilled chicken is the perfect meal for almost any occasion—easy to make, flavorful, and adaptable to any taste. With the right marinade and grilling techniques, you can turn simple chicken into a delicious masterpiece. Whether you enjoy it as a simple dish with a few sides or as part of a more elaborate meal, grilled chicken will always impress.

Now that you have the steps, tips, and variations, it’s time to fire up your grill and enjoy a juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that will have everyone coming back for more.

Call to Action: Now that you know how to make perfect grilled chicken, it’s time to get creative! Experiment with different marinades, spices, and sides to create your ultimate grilled chicken feast. Don’t forget to share your grilled chicken creations on social media and tag us—let us know how your grill session goes!