3 Simple Techniques to Make Your Grilled Chicken Irresistibly Tasty

Finger-licking good grilled chicken!

Grilled chicken is a classic summer favorite, but it's easy to fall into a repetitive routine with the same old recipe. Spice things up with a variety of marinades, sauces, and brines that will transform your chicken into a juicy, tender masterpiece. Here are 3 ways to elevate your grilling game, with 10 mouth-watering recipes that will reignite your passion for grilled chicken.

1. Flavorful Marinades

Always marinate your chicken in the fridge for best results. For expert tips on marinating, be sure to check out How to Marinate Chicken Like a Pro, featuring a collection of highly-rated recipes.

Marinated Grilled Chicken – Version II

For irresistibly tender and flavorful chicken, the secret is a bottle of Italian-style salad dressing. Recipe creator Denise Boyd recommends using this marinade for everything from affordable chicken cuts to whole chickens, adding a zesty twist to your grilled meal.

Mexican-Style Chicken Kabobs

These grilled chicken kabobs will transport you straight to Mexico with their vibrant flavors. The quick marinade of olive oil, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and cumin brings a zesty kick to the chicken. Pair them with guacamole, warm tortillas, and salsa for a complete meal. Community member Naples34102 tried the recipe and shared, "Beautiful, delicious, and bursting with fresh, simple Mexican flavors."

Grilled Lemon Yogurt Chicken

Chef John’s recipe uses a marinade of yogurt and lemon juice to both flavor and tenderize the chicken. He explains, "Yogurt adds a unique tang and helps the chicken cook perfectly on the grill—crisping up to a golden-brown without burning, while staying juicy and tender. The slight tang from the yogurt elevates the flavors without overpowering them."

Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Marinade

Spice up your grilled chicken with this flavorful recipe. Creator David Huntzinger explains, "This chicken is marinated in a bold, spicy chipotle marinade that imparts a smoky kick. Adjust the heat to your preference with your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch."

2. Flavorful Sauces

The toppings you choose for your grilled chicken can be just as crucial as the marinade itself. These recipes provide a double burst of flavor from both the marinade and the finishing sauce.

Grilled Chicken with Sweet Peach Glaze

Ideal for summer grilling, this chicken is coated in a luscious glaze made from peach preserves, Dijon mustard, and garlic. To enhance the fruitiness, fresh peaches are grilled and served alongside the chicken.

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Fresh Strawberry Salsa

Chicken and strawberries may sound unconventional, but they’re a perfect match! While the chicken marinates in a blend of olive oil, serrano chile, garlic, chili powder, and raspberry vinegar, you can whip up a fresh, spicy strawberry salsa with strawberries, mint, serrano chile, and red onion. Taste the salsa before adding sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Chimichurri Sauce

This Argentinian herb sauce, typically served with grilled meats, is also a fantastic complement to grilled chicken. It’s incredibly easy to make and only takes a minute in your blender. Try it as is or follow the suggestions from our community by adding fresh cilantro and extra garlic for an extra punch of flavor.

Pineapple Chicken Tenders

Did you know that pineapple juice works as a natural tenderizer? It’s the key ingredient in the marinade for these chicken tenders, along with soy sauce and brown sugar. For even more flavor, double the marinade, reduce half of it on the stove to create a glaze, and serve the grilled tenders with the glaze on the side. Add some grilled pineapple to the mix for an extra tropical touch while you’re grilling.

3. Brines

Brining is often associated with Thanksgiving turkey, but it's just as beneficial for smaller cuts of poultry, like chicken. Taking the time to brine chicken results in incredibly juicy, flavorful meat.

Basic Chicken Brine Recipe

Community member Jay shared this recipe, noting, "This simple chicken brine makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy." VictoriaJ agrees, saying, "This brine worked wonders. My grilled chicken turned out moist and juicy without being too salty." The recipe is straightforward, combining water, salt, sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Be sure to use Kosher or sea salt (avoid table salt). For more control over the saltiness, rinse the chicken after brining, then pat it dry, brush with oil, and grill.

Pickle Brine Chicken

Here's a unique twist on chicken brining, using pickle juice. Created by Chef John, he explains, "Like most brines, the real benefit is in the texture and moisture it imparts, not necessarily the flavor. That said, this brine gives the chicken a nice little tang. So next time you're left with nothing but pickle juice, you’ll know exactly what to do with it."

Looking for more grilling ideas?

• Top Tips For Grilling Successfully
• Grilling Times For Chicken And Poultry
• Top Tips For Safe Summer Grilling