Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
When summer rolls in, it’s time to fire up the grill and let bold, smoky flavors take center stage — and there’s no better star than chicken.
From sticky-sweet glazes to zesty citrus marinades and fiery spice rubs, these 26+ summer chicken BBQ recipes are perfect for backyard cookouts, weeknight dinners, or weekend gatherings with friends.
Whether you’re after something tropical and fruity, herbaceous and fresh, or richly spiced with smoky heat, this collection covers every craving and occasion.
Grilled chicken is incredibly versatile — it soaks up flavor, cooks quickly, and pairs beautifully with everything from fresh salads to hearty sides.
These recipes are designed for sunny days, sizzling grills, and unforgettable meals under the open sky.
Get ready to discover your new favorite summer BBQ staple.
26+ Flavor-Packed Summer Chicken BBQ Recipes to Try Today
With these 26+ summer chicken BBQ recipes, you’ve got everything you need to transform your next cookout into a flavorful feast.
Each recipe brings something unique — from fiery spice blends to tropical sweetness — ensuring that your grill stays exciting all season long.
Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or grilling for two, these dishes will keep the heat, the flavor, and the good times coming.
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken is the ultimate combination of sticky sweetness and savory depth, made for warm summer nights.
As the chicken grills, the honey caramelizes into a golden glaze while the garlic infuses each bite with bold flavor.
You’ll notice a smoky aroma wafting from the barbecue, making it nearly impossible to wait for the first juicy bite.
It pairs effortlessly with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or can shine solo as the centerpiece of your meal.
This crowd-pleaser brings comfort, flavor, and a hint of indulgence to every plate.
Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken
Spicy Peach BBQ Chicken brings a fruity kick to your grill, balancing heat with luscious, summery sweetness.
Fresh peach purée blends with tangy barbecue sauce and a touch of chili, coating the chicken in a thick, glossy layer.
As it sears over the flame, the sugars from the peach caramelize, creating a smoky-sweet crust with a gentle kick.
It’s perfect served with slaw, grilled flatbread, or a fresh salad bursting with herbs.
This recipe captures summer in every sticky, sweet-and-spicy bite.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a light, zesty option for those craving freshness without sacrificing flavor.
Marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of herbs, the chicken becomes tender, juicy, and deeply aromatic.
On the grill, the citrusy marinade sizzles, releasing waves of herby, mouthwatering fragrance.
Serve it with couscous, roasted vegetables, or even atop a leafy salad for a clean, satisfying dish.
It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with bright summer energy.
Maple Dijon BBQ Chicken
Maple Dijon BBQ Chicken offers a savory-sweet twist with just the right touch of tang.
A blend of pure maple syrup, grainy mustard, and smoky spices coats each piece of chicken in a golden glaze.
The result is a sticky, charred crust that locks in juices and delivers complex flavor in every bite.
Pair it with grilled potatoes, asparagus, or enjoy it between buns for a bold BBQ sandwich.
This recipe transforms everyday chicken into a gourmet summer experience.
Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Caribbean Jerk Chicken delivers bold island flavor with a blend of allspice, thyme, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers.
Each bite bursts with smokiness, heat, and the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and citrus.
As it grills, the marinade forms a crust that crackles slightly, offering spice-kissed aroma and charred perfection.
Enjoy it with coconut rice, mango salsa, or tucked into warm flatbreads.
It’s a fiery, flavorful escape to the tropics, perfect for summer grilling.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Balsamic Glazed Chicken is a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ option that elevates your grilling game.
A reduction of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a hint of honey creates a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to charred chicken.
As it sizzles, the aroma is rich and savory, with a whisper of caramelized sweetness.
Serve it with grilled peaches, arugula, or even pasta salad for a sophisticated twist.
It’s a bold yet balanced recipe that fits anywhere from casual cookouts to elegant al fresco dinners.
BBQ Pineapple Chicken
BBQ Pineapple Chicken brings tropical sweetness and smoky flavor together in one juicy, flame-kissed dish.
Chunks of pineapple are grilled alongside marinated chicken, infusing the meat with fruit-forward notes and natural caramelization.
The barbecue sauce picks up a tangy edge from the pineapple juice, making every bite burst with sweet-savory balance.
It’s an ideal match for coconut rice, grilled peppers, or even served in tacos for a playful twist.
This recipe tastes like a summer vacation, straight from your backyard grill.
Chipotle Lime Chicken
Chipotle Lime Chicken is a smoky, zesty masterpiece that brings bold heat and citrusy freshness to the table.
Marinated in chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, and spices, the chicken becomes deeply flavorful and irresistibly juicy.
The scent of smoky spice fills the air as it grills, building anticipation for the first fiery forkful.
Pair it with corn salad, avocado, or grilled tortillas for a satisfying summer feast.
It’s spicy, tangy, and perfect for fans of bold, punchy flavors.
Teriyaki BBQ Chicken
Teriyaki BBQ Chicken blends the umami richness of soy sauce with sweet mirin and grilled goodness.
The glossy teriyaki glaze thickens over the flames, wrapping each piece of chicken in a sticky, flavor-loaded crust.
Hints of ginger and garlic rise in the air as it cooks, tempting your senses and whetting your appetite.
Serve it with rice, sesame slaw, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
This dish is a sweet-savory fusion that turns heads at any cookout.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, savory twist on BBQ that skips the sweetness for bold umami delight.
Coated in a mixture of melted butter, roasted garlic, and grated parmesan, the chicken gets crisp, golden, and deeply aromatic.
As it sizzles, the cheesy garlic scent is completely irresistible and signals big flavor in every bite.
Best served with Caesar salad, grilled corn, or even on a toasted bun with greens.
It’s comfort food meets summer grilling — rich, hearty, and unforgettable.
Cajun Grilled Chicken
Cajun Grilled Chicken brings smoky heat and Southern soul to your summer spread.
Rubbed with a spicy Cajun blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and thyme, the chicken sears to a charred, flavorful crust.
The aroma is bold and spicy, promising a flavorful bite with every forkful.
Perfect with cornbread, coleslaw, or buttered corn on the cob.
This recipe is fiery, fast, and full of down-home flavor.
Sweet Chili Chicken
Sweet Chili Chicken offers a sticky, spicy glaze that strikes the perfect balance between heat and honeyed goodness.
A mix of sweet chili sauce, soy, and garlic creates a fiery glaze that clings and caramelizes as it grills.
Each bite delivers a crisp outer layer with juicy tenderness inside, layered with heat and sweetness.
Serve it with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or enjoy as skewers for easy summer snacking.
It’s bold, beautiful, and made for warm nights around the grill.
Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Bourbon BBQ Chicken brings deep, smoky flavor with a hint of southern charm.
The rich bourbon-spiked sauce blends brown sugar, tomato, and spices into a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
As it sizzles, the sweet and boozy aroma fills the air, making mouths water with anticipation.
Pair it with grilled sweet potatoes, baked beans, or coleslaw for a complete summer feast.
It’s bold, comforting, and packed with slow-cooked flavor in every bite.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Cilantro Lime Chicken is a bright, herbaceous recipe that’s both refreshing and zesty.
Marinated in fresh lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro, the chicken becomes juicy, vibrant, and flavorful.
As it grills, the citrus lifts and intensifies, creating an irresistible aroma with a crisp, smoky finish.
Serve it with avocado salad, rice bowls, or tucked into tacos for a fresh twist.
It’s light, clean, and made for summer days under the sun.
BBQ Ranch Chicken
BBQ Ranch Chicken fuses two beloved flavors into one creamy, smoky delight.
A marinade of barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning infuses the chicken with tangy, herb-loaded richness.
Grilling enhances its texture, giving the outside a crispy crust while the inside stays juicy and tender.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies, pasta salad, or even in wraps.
It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that brings comfort and flavor to any summer gathering.
Mustard Grilled Chicken
Mustard Grilled Chicken delivers tangy depth with just the right kick of spice.
A marinade of Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and herbs transforms basic chicken into something bold and aromatic.
On the grill, it forms a savory crust with a golden finish and a satisfying sizzle.
Great with potato salad, roasted vegetables, or tucked into pitas with greens.
This recipe is punchy, elegant, and effortlessly delicious.
Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ Chicken brings sweet heat and savory depth with every bite.
Marinated in gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, the chicken absorbs layers of bold, umami-packed flavor.
The caramelized edges develop a subtle crunch as the spicy-sweet sauce sizzles on the grill.
Serve it with kimchi, rice, or lettuce wraps for a vibrant summer meal.
It’s bold, exciting, and packed with global flair.
Garlic Lime Chicken
Garlic Lime Chicken is sharp, juicy, and bursting with fresh summer flavor.
A garlicky lime marinade soaks deep into the meat, keeping it moist and punchy with every bite.
As it grills, the zesty citrus aroma lifts into the air, creating an inviting, mouthwatering scent.
Pair it with grilled corn, bean salad, or over quinoa for a clean and flavorful dish.
It’s fast, fresh, and perfect for light, flavorful summer meals.
Mango BBQ Chicken
Mango BBQ Chicken combines tropical sweetness with smoky depth for a flavorful summer favorite.
The juicy mango purée blends with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a vibrant glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
As it sizzles, fruity aromas mix with charred edges, delivering a perfectly sticky, golden crust.
It pairs wonderfully with cilantro rice, grilled pineapple, or a simple green salad.
This dish is a sunny, feel-good recipe that captures summer in every bite.
Sriracha Grilled Chicken
Sriracha Grilled Chicken is bold, spicy, and perfect for heat lovers craving an extra kick.
A marinade of sriracha, honey, garlic, and soy soaks deep into the chicken for maximum flavor.
Grilling brings out the sauce’s complexity, forming a crispy, fiery coating with a hint of sweetness.
Great served with cool cucumber salad, rice noodles, or a chilled beer.
It’s fiery, flavorful, and made to turn up the heat at your next BBQ.
Paprika BBQ Chicken
Paprika BBQ Chicken delivers rich, smoky goodness with every charred and juicy bite.
The dry rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar creates a deep, flavorful crust on the grill.
As the chicken cooks, a warm, earthy aroma fills the air, drawing everyone toward the grill.
Pair it with grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or tangy slaw for a hearty plate.
It’s rustic, bold, and a reliable summer classic.
Thai Grilled Chicken
Thai Grilled Chicken offers a burst of citrus, spice, and savory umami in a single dish.
Marinated in fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili, the chicken becomes tender and full of bright flavor.
Grilling adds a smoky edge, while fresh herbs like basil and mint bring contrast and aroma.
Enjoy it with jasmine rice, peanut sauce, or a crisp cucumber salad.
It’s vibrant, aromatic, and perfect for adventurous summer eaters.
BBQ Yogurt Chicken
BBQ Yogurt Chicken is tangy, tender, and surprisingly light thanks to a creamy yogurt-based marinade.
Greek yogurt mixed with lemon, garlic, and herbs breaks down the meat, locking in moisture and flavor.
On the grill, it forms a lightly charred crust while the inside stays incredibly juicy.
Serve it with tabbouleh, naan, or a grilled veggie platter.
It’s creamy, zesty, and perfect for warm-weather meals.
Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Rosemary Grilled Chicken brings earthy, herb-forward flavor with a hint of citrus brightness.
A marinade of olive oil, fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon infuses the chicken with a garden-fresh taste.
As it grills, the rosemary releases fragrant oils that perfume the air with woodsy warmth.
Pair it with roasted tomatoes, crusty bread, or a white bean salad.
It’s elegant, aromatic, and made for laid-back summer evenings.
Chili Lime Chicken
Chili Lime Chicken balances zesty tang and smoky heat for an easy yet exciting BBQ option.
Lime juice, chili powder, and garlic create a bold marinade that delivers both brightness and spice.
On the grill, it sears to a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Best served with black beans, corn salsa, or fresh avocado.
It’s bold, lively, and great for quick summer dinners.
Orange Glazed Chicken
Orange Glazed Chicken offers a citrusy twist on barbecue, blending sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
A glaze of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey creates a sticky, golden coating that sizzles on the grill.
The sweet citrus aroma mingles with smoky char, creating a mouthwatering finish.
Serve it with grilled greens, rice pilaf, or citrus slaw.
It’s juicy, fresh, and a sunshine-filled favorite for warm summer nights.
Conclusion
Chicken doesn’t have to be boring — and this list of 26+ summer chicken BBQ recipes proves it with bold marinades, vibrant glazes, and mouthwatering grilled goodness.
These recipes are quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable for any summer gathering.
Pick your favorite, light the grill, and let the season of great food and warm evenings begin.
