Healthy cooking in the summer doesn’t get any easier than grilled chicken. Marinate chicken breasts or thighs with simple seasonings, then top with salsas, tomatoes, fresh herbs and more for a quick meal with big flavor. Explore our favorite healthy grilled chicken recipes below!
How Long to Grill Chicken Breasts?
Grill boneless skinless chicken breasts over high heat (about 450°F) for 6-7 minutes per side, or until an instant read thermometer reads 165°F. For best results, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1″) – this will both tenderize the chicken, and ensure it cooks evenly throughout.
How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are thinner than chicken thighs and will cook just a bit more quickly. Grill chicken thighs over high heat (about 450°F) for 4-5 minutes per side, or until an instant read thermometer reads 165°F.
Creating a Non-Stick Surface
I saw this tip on TikTok and I was as shocked as anyone when it worked perfectly! Slice a waxy potato (like a yukon gold) in half. Heat your grill, then use tongs to rub the cut side of the potato onto the grill grates. This will effectively create a “non-stick” surface on the grill grates. If you try this trick, let me know!
Tips for Great Grilled Chicken
MARINATE! Marinating for 2 hours is the sweet spot for a flavorful crust and juicy chicken, but as little as 30 minutes will still create a flavorful crust on chicken thighs. Chicken breasts need the full 2 hours for best results, since they tend to dry out on the grill. Do not marinate longer than 12 hours. Marinating chicken in an acid for too long can cause the meat to become more tough.
BASTE! Feel free to use the residual marinade to baste the raw side while grilling, but do NOT baste the cooked side with the marinade – because the marinade was exposed to raw chicken, this is an unsafe food practice.
TEMPERATURE! Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness – the meat is ready when the thermometer reads 165°F inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Transform boring chicken thighs into a magical meal with a simple balsamic marinade. Healthy grilled Balsamic Chicken Things are incredibly simple, but the flavor can’t be beat. Chicken thighs stay juicy, while the outside forms a delicious crust.
Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese
Simple grilled Chicken Caprese is a recipe I look forward to as soon as tomatoes come into season. The classic caprese combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe juicy tomatoes and peppery fresh basil is irresistible over tender grilled chicken breasts, especially after being drizzled with a splash of aged balsamic.
Chili Lime Chicken
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken is made for summer. Quick and easy to prep, and even easier to eat, this perfectly tender chicken is a real taste explosion with just the right combination of sweet and spice.
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Avocado Salsa
Avocado Salsa over Grilled Chicken is a perfect warm weather recipe. It’s ready to serve in around 20 minutes and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Naturally Whole30, keto, and low carb, this is the perfect healthy-but-delicious meal you’ll crave all summer.
Lemon Thyme Chicken Skewers
These lemon thyme chicken skewers will quickly become a seasonal favorite! They’re easy and flavor-packed, totally kid friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners, picnics, summer parties, and so much more. Serve them with lemony yogurt dip for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Grilled Apple Cider Chicken
This apple cider chicken will have you at the grill straight through the fall season. It grills up with a crispy charred, smokey exterior and juicy tender interior infused with all of the sweet and savory goodness you’d expect from a spiced, herby infused apple cider brine.
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