Grilled Chicken Recipes Simple: 10 Juicy, Foolproof Methods for Beginners

Dry, flavorless grilled chicken is so common it's practically a cliché. But it doesn't have to be this way. The difference between hockey-puck chicken and juicy, flavorful results often comes down to just a few simple techniques.

You don't need elaborate marinades, expensive equipment, or years of grilling experience. These 10 simple grilled chicken recipes prove that basic seasonings, proper temperature control, and a meat thermometer can transform boring chicken into something you'll actually look forward to eating.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding a backyard full of people, these recipes deliver consistent results without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

The Science of Juicy Grilled Chicken

Why Chicken Gets Dry:

Chicken breast is lean meat with little fat to keep it moist. Overcook it by even a few degrees and it turns into sawdust. The solution isn't complicated:

1. Don't Overcook It Remove chicken from heat at 160°F internal temperature. Carryover cooking will bring it to the safe 165°F while it rests.

2. Use Even Thickness Pound chicken breasts to uniform 3/4-inch thickness. Thick parts overcook thin parts before they're done.

3. Let It Rest Give chicken 5 minutes off the heat before cutting. This lets juices redistribute instead of running all over your cutting board.

4. Two-Zone Fire Start over high heat for browning, finish over indirect heat to cook through without burning.

For more beginner grilling tips, see our easy grilling recipes guide.

Essential Tools for Simple Grilled Chicken

Must-Haves:

• Instant-read meat thermometer (non-negotiable)
• Long-handled tongs
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Gallon zipper bags (for marinades)
• Basting brush

Nice-to-Haves:

• Grill basket (for smaller pieces)
• Basting mop for thick sauces

You Don't Need:

• Expensive marinades
• Special wood chips
• Complicated equipment

Recipe 1: Basic Grilled Chicken Breast

The Foundation Recipe

Master this and you'll never fear plain chicken again.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Prep: Pound chicken to even 3/4-inch thickness.
2. Season: Rub with oil, then season both sides.
3. Rest: Let sit 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
4. Grill: Cook over medium-high direct heat 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Check: Pull at 160°F internal temp.
6. Rest: Let sit 5 minutes before slicing.

Time: 30 minutes total Cost per serving: $2

Why This Works: Simple seasonings let the chicken flavor shine. Even thickness ensures even cooking.

Recipe 2: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano mix)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice, oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Pound chicken to even thickness.
3. Marinate in zipper bag for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
4. Remove from marinade and pat dry slightly.
5. Grill over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes per side.
6. Pull at 160°F and rest 5 minutes.

Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken the night before for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestion: Slice and serve over salad or with grilled vegetables.

Check out our grilled vegetables recipes for pairing ideas.

Recipe 3: Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together mustard, honey, oil, vinegar, and garlic.
2. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting; use rest for marinade.
3. Marinate chicken 1-4 hours.
4. Grill over medium heat, basting with reserved sauce.
5. Cook 6-8 minutes per side until 160°F.
6. Rest 5 minutes.

Sweet & Tangy Balance: The honey caramelizes slightly on the grill while mustard adds tang.

Kid-Friendly: Most kids love this sweet-savory combo.

Recipe 4: BBQ Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill over medium heat for 5 minutes per side.
3. Brush both sides with BBQ sauce.
4. Continue grilling 2-3 minutes per side, basting frequently.
5. Pull at 160°F internal temp.
6. Rest 5 minutes.

Sauce Tip: Don't add BBQ sauce too early—the sugar burns. Add in the last 5-7 minutes only.

Variation: Use different BBQ sauce styles (Kansas City sweet, Carolina vinegar, Memphis dry rub).

Recipe 5: Italian Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk together vinegar, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken 1-6 hours (overnight is fine).
3. Remove from marinade, letting excess drip off.
4. Grill over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes per side.
5. Pull at 160°F and rest.

Meal Prep: This chicken is amazing cold in salads or reheated for pasta dishes.

For meal prep ideas, see our chicken meal prep guide.

Recipe 6: Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken

Cajun Seasoning Mix:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all spices together.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil.
3. Coat generously with spice mix.
4. Let sit 15 minutes.
5. Grill over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes per side.
6. Pull at 160°F and rest.

Heat Level: Adjust cayenne up or down based on preference.

Batch the Seasoning: Make a big batch and store in a jar for future use.

Recipe 7: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except chicken; whisk until sugar dissolves.
2. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting.
3. Marinate chicken in remaining sauce 2-6 hours.
4. Grill over medium heat, basting with reserved sauce.
5. Cook 6-8 minutes per side until 160°F.
6. Rest 5 minutes.

Serving: Slice and serve over rice with steamed vegetables.

Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Recipe 8: Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken in marinade.
3. Marinate 2-8 hours (yogurt tenderizes as it marinates).
4. Remove excess marinade (don't rinse).
5. Grill over medium heat 6-8 minutes per side.
6. Pull at 160°F and rest.

Science: Yogurt's acidity tenderizes while keeping chicken incredibly moist.

Budget-Friendly: Yogurt is cheaper than many commercial marinades.

Recipe 9: Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Grill over medium-high heat 5 minutes per side.
3. Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley.
4. Baste chicken with garlic butter.
5. Continue grilling 2-3 minutes per side, basting frequently.
6. Pull at 160°F and rest.

Restaurant Quality: The garlic butter takes basic chicken to special-occasion status.

Leftover Butter: Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over rested chicken before serving.

Recipe 10: Lime Cilantro Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• Juice and zest of 3 limes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine lime juice, zest, oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate chicken 2-6 hours.
3. Remove from marinade and grill over medium-high heat.
4. Cook 6-8 minutes per side until 160°F.
5. Rest 5 minutes.

Perfect For: Tacos, burrito bowls, or sliced over salad.

Fresh Flavor: The citrus and cilantro taste like summer.

Grilling Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts

Chicken Breasts:

• Leaner
• Cooks faster
• Requires more attention to avoid drying out
• Lower cost per pound

Chicken Thighs:

• More forgiving (higher fat content)
• Harder to overcook
• Richer flavor
• Often cheaper

Same Recipes, Different Times: All these recipes work for thighs; just adjust cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side and pull at 170°F.

Common Grilling Mistakes

1. Starting with Cold Chicken Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly. Take it out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before grilling.

2. Not Using a Thermometer Visual cues lie. Temperature doesn't. Invest in an instant-read thermometer.

3. Constant Flipping Flip once, maybe twice. Constant flipping prevents browning and extends cook time.

4. Pressing Down with Spatula You're squeezing out all the juice that makes chicken moist. Don't do it.

5. Cutting Immediately Rest that chicken for 5 minutes. The juices need time to redistribute.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Strategies

Marinate in Advance: Most marinades can sit overnight. Prep Sunday night, grill Monday, and you're set.

Batch Grilling: Grill extra chicken while you're at it. Cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

Freeze for Later: Cooked, cooled grilled chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Slice first for easier thawing.

Meal Prep Portions:

• Over salads
• In wraps or sandwiches
• Diced for pasta dishes
• Sliced for grain bowls

For complete meal prep guidance, see our meal prep for beginners guide.

Temperature Guide

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature: 165°F

Pull Temperature: 160°F (carryover cooking will bring to 165°F)

Thighs: Can go to 170-175°F for better texture

Check Multiple Spots: Thickest part of breast should hit temp, but check multiple pieces if grilling several.

Budget Breakdown

Cost Comparison:

• Store-bought rotisserie chicken: $7-10
• Restaurant grilled chicken: $12-18
• Homemade grilled chicken: $6-8 for 4 breasts

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy family packs of chicken when on sale
• Freeze in individual portions
• Make your own marinades (fraction of store-bought cost)
• Skip pre-marinated chicken (paying for water weight)

For more budget tips, see our cheap protein sources guide.

Serving Suggestions

Complete Meals:

With Grilled Vegetables: Grill zucchini, peppers, and onions alongside chicken for a complete meal.

Over Salad: Slice grilled chicken over mixed greens with your favorite toppings.

In Wraps: Use tortillas, lettuce, and your favorite toppings for easy chicken wraps.

With Rice and Beans: Serve with cilantro lime rice and black beans for a burrito bowl effect.

Pasta Dishes: Dice and toss with pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan for a quick dinner.

Leftover Grilled Chicken Ideas

Day 2:

• Chicken Caesar salad
• BBQ chicken pizza
• Chicken quesadillas
• Asian chicken lettuce wraps

Day 3:

• Chicken fried rice
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Chicken soup or chili
• Chicken pasta salad

Freeze It: If you won't eat it within 3-4 days, slice and freeze in portions.

Conclusion

Simple grilled chicken doesn't mean boring grilled chicken. These 10 recipes prove that straightforward ingredients, basic techniques, and a meat thermometer are all you need to create juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

The key is choosing one or two methods that appeal to you and mastering them before moving on to others. Start with the basic grilled chicken recipe to nail the technique, then experiment with different marinades and seasonings to find your favorites.

Once you've got these down, you'll have an arsenal of simple chicken recipes that work for meal prep, family dinners, or backyard BBQs. No more dry, disappointing chicken—just consistently good results that make you look like a grilling pro.

Fire up that grill, grab your thermometer, and get ready to transform boring chicken into something actually worth looking forward to. Your taste buds (and your meal prep routine) will thank you.