23+ Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight

Grilled chicken is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re firing up the grill on a warm summer evening or craving a healthy and flavorful dinner any time of year, grilled chicken offers versatility, bold flavors, and quick cooking.

From tangy marinades and spicy rubs to herbaceous blends and sweet glazes, there’s a grilled chicken recipe to satisfy every palate and occasion.

In this article, we’ve gathered over 23 delicious grilled chicken dinner recipes that will inspire your next meal and bring exciting new flavors to your dinner table.

23+ Mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight

Exploring the world of grilled chicken recipes is a fantastic way to keep dinner exciting and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

These 23+ grilled chicken dinner ideas show how easily you can customize your meal — from Mediterranean herbs to smoky barbecue sauces, and from zesty citrus to bold spice blends.

No matter which recipe you choose, grilling chicken is a healthy and delicious option that can be paired with a variety of sides to create the perfect balanced meal.

So, grab your grill, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy the juicy, smoky goodness of grilled chicken at home.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a bright and flavorful dinner option that highlights juicy grilled chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy light yet savory meals that celebrate simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and nicely charred.
5. Let rest before serving.

This grilled chicken is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and tender texture, making it a perfect centerpiece for a healthy dinner.

Pair it with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Spicy BBQ Grilled Chicken

Spicy BBQ Grilled Chicken offers a bold and smoky dinner option with a kick.

Marinated in a tangy barbecue sauce blended with chili powder and cayenne, this recipe is perfect for fans of flavorful, heat-packed grilled dishes.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Barbecue sauce
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix barbecue sauce with chili powder, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken evenly with the spicy BBQ marinade and let it sit for at least an hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade.
5. Remove from grill and allow to rest briefly before serving.

The spicy BBQ marinade caramelizes on the grill, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled corn or coleslaw.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.

This recipe is a crowd-pleasing dinner ideal for outdoor grilling and light, fresh meals.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked and slightly charred.
6. Serve with tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad.

These Mediterranean skewers are light, zesty, and perfect for a healthy dinner.

The marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting classic Mediterranean flavors, making each bite delightful.

Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken

Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken is a perfect dinner choice for those who love a sweet and savory flavor combo.

The chicken is marinated in a sticky, aromatic blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, which caramelizes beautifully over the grill.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Fresh grated ginger
• Olive oil
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, olive oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade occasionally.
5. Remove from grill and let rest before serving.

This dish offers a beautifully balanced mix of sweetness and garlic pungency, with tender grilled chicken that pairs well with steamed rice or grilled veggies.

Cajun Grilled Chicken

Cajun Grilled Chicken brings a spicy, smoky flair to your dinner plate.

This recipe features a bold blend of Cajun spices that coat the chicken, delivering a fiery and flavorful experience with every bite.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper)

Instructions:

1. Coat chicken with olive oil and generously rub Cajun seasoning all over.
2. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the spices.
3. Heat grill to medium-high and cook chicken until nicely charred and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Rest the chicken before slicing.

This recipe is ideal for spice lovers who want an easy, flavorful grilled chicken dinner.

Serve with a cooling side like coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the heat.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken

Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken is a tender and tangy dinner option that uses a creamy yogurt marinade infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh dill or oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Let rest before serving.

The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the lemon and herbs add a fresh brightness, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dinner perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables or a Greek salad.

Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Teriyaki Grilled Chicken is a flavorful dinner option featuring chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.

The marinade caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious glaze.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with marinade.
5. Remove from grill and let rest before slicing.

This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy chicken glazed to perfection.

Serve it alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Greek Lemon Grilled Chicken

Greek Lemon Grilled Chicken is a bright and zesty dinner that combines classic Mediterranean ingredients.

The chicken is marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a fresh, citrusy finish.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high.
4. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Let rest before serving.

This recipe highlights bright Mediterranean flavors that complement the smoky char from the grill.

Pair with a Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a wholesome dinner.

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Chipotle Grilled Chicken offers a smoky, spicy flavor profile thanks to chipotle peppers in adobo sauce blended into the marinade. This dinner is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Blend chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Rest chicken before serving.

The smoky chipotle flavor paired with a touch of citrus makes this grilled chicken a bold and satisfying dinner choice, great with grilled corn or a fresh avocado salad.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad is a light yet satisfying dinner that features tender grilled chicken served over a bed of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.

This recipe blends smoky grilled flavors with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients:

• Grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• Mixed salad greens
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced cucumbers
• Kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Olive oil and lemon juice dressing

Instructions:

1. Grill chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano until cooked through, then slice.
2. Toss salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta in a bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice dressing and toss gently.
4. Top salad with grilled chicken slices and serve immediately.

This dish offers a balanced combination of smoky grilled chicken and crisp vegetables, making it a healthy and flavorful dinner option ideal for warm evenings or light meals.

Jamaican Jerk Grilled Chicken

Jamaican Jerk Grilled Chicken delivers bold and spicy flavors inspired by Caribbean cuisine.

The chicken is marinated with a fragrant blend of allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and garlic, resulting in a smoky, fiery dinner that’s full of character.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Jamaican jerk seasoning (allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers)
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine jerk seasoning with lime juice, olive oil, and brown sugar to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight for intense flavor.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through and nicely charred, about 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Let rest before serving.

This dish is perfect for anyone craving a spicy, aromatic dinner with Caribbean flair.

Serve with rice and peas or grilled pineapple for a complete meal.

Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken

Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken is a rich and indulgent dinner option where chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and then brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe elevates simple grilled chicken with a luscious, savory finish.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper and grill until cooked through.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
4. Brush garlic butter sauce over grilled chicken before serving.

The garlic butter adds a delicious richness and depth to the smoky grilled chicken, making it a comforting dinner perfect with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Italian Herb Grilled Chicken

Italian Herb Grilled Chicken is a classic dinner recipe featuring chicken marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, and rosemary.

This combination infuses the chicken with fragrant Mediterranean flavors that are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary (or dried)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
5. Let rest briefly before serving.

The herbaceous marinade highlights the chicken’s natural flavor while adding a fresh, aromatic note.

Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a light pasta salad for a balanced dinner.

Moroccan Spiced Grilled Chicken

Moroccan Spiced Grilled Chicken brings bold North African flavors to your dinner table with a vibrant mix of spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon.

This recipe delivers a warm, exotic taste that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cinnamon
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil with spices and seasonings to form the marinade.
2. Coat chicken well and marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Allow chicken to rest before serving.

This recipe offers a flavorful, aromatic twist on grilled chicken that’s perfect for anyone looking to add some exotic flair to their dinners.

Pair it with couscous or a fresh cucumber salad to complete the meal.

BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken

BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken combines two popular flavors—barbecue and ranch—to create a deliciously tangy and smoky grilled chicken dinner. The chicken is marinated in a mix of ranch seasoning and barbecue sauce for an easy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, and olive oil to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high.
4. Grill chicken until cooked through and caramelized, about 6-7 minutes per side.
5. Rest chicken before slicing and serving.

This recipe is perfect for casual dinners or weekend cookouts, offering a flavorful punch that pairs well with grilled corn, baked beans, or a crisp salad.

Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Balsamic Grilled Chicken offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill.

The chicken is marinated in a simple blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a rich, well-balanced dinner.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through with a nice glaze.
5. Let rest before serving.

This balsamic marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a subtle sweetness and acidity, making it a delicious option that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cajun Honey Grilled Chicken

Cajun Honey Grilled Chicken combines smoky Cajun spices with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious balance of bold and sweet flavors.

This recipe is great for those who want a little kick with a smooth finish.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Cajun seasoning
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with extra honey marinade occasionally.
5. Rest before serving.

The combination of spicy and sweet in this dish creates a memorable grilled chicken that pairs well with grilled veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crunchy slaw.

Herb Mustard Grilled Chicken

Herb Mustard Grilled Chicken is a flavorful dinner choice where tangy mustard and fresh herbs work together to create a zesty marinade.

The grilled chicken develops a slightly crispy, flavorful crust while remaining juicy inside.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme and rosemary (or dried)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high.
4. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Let rest before serving.

This herb mustard marinade adds a bright and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the smoky grill marks, making it a delightful main dish served alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad.

Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken

Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken is a timeless favorite that combines zesty lemon juice and pungent garlic for a fresh, vibrant flavor.

The marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a bright, citrusy aroma perfect for summer dinners.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Rest chicken before serving.

This recipe’s bright citrus and garlic notes enhance the natural flavor of the chicken, making it perfect for pairing with a side of grilled vegetables or a light quinoa salad.

Spicy Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Spicy Chipotle Grilled Chicken is ideal for those who enjoy a smoky, spicy kick. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give the chicken a deep, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Blend chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth marinade.
2. Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through with a smoky char.
5. Let rest before serving.

The smoky heat from chipotle peppers balanced with lime juice makes this grilled chicken a bold and flavorful dinner choice, great served with corn on the cob or avocado salsa.

Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken

Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken offers a sweet and tangy profile, blending the richness of maple syrup with the sharpness of Dijon mustard.

This combination creates a beautiful glaze and flavorful crust on the grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
5. Rest before slicing and serving.

This dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.

Pair it with roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Mediterranean Yogurt Grilled Chicken

Mediterranean Yogurt Grilled Chicken is a tender and flavorful dish where yogurt acts as a marinade base, keeping the chicken juicy while infusing it with herbs and spices like garlic, lemon, and oregano.

This recipe is perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.
2. Coat the chicken well and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
5. Let rest before serving.

This yogurt marinade creates a moist, tender chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Serve with grilled pita, a cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken delivers a refreshing mix of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an excellent choice for a light but flavorful dinner.

The combination of honey and lime juice creates a glossy glaze on the grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh lime juice and zest
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together lime juice, zest, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat.
4. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and caramelized.
5. Rest before serving.

The bright acidity of lime combined with honey’s sweetness makes this grilled chicken a delicious balance of flavors.

Pair it with a light rice pilaf or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken dinners offer something for everyone—whether you prefer spicy, sweet, tangy, or herbaceous flavors. The beauty of grilling chicken lies in its simplicity and the ability to easily switch up marinades and seasonings to suit your taste or the season. With over 23 recipes to try, you’re sure to find your new go-to grilled chicken dinner that satisfies your cravings while being nutritious and easy to prepare. From quick weeknight meals to weekend gatherings, these recipes provide endless inspiration to enjoy grilled chicken anytime.