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For grilling aficionados obsessed with creating the most delicious and mouthwatering chicken off the grill, having the right cookbooks and resources can make all the difference. With summer grilling season in full swing, now is the perfect time to get your hands on guides that offer foolproof recipes, tips and techniques for taking your barbecued chicken to the next level.
From complete cookbooks dedicated to grilled chicken, to blogs and websites with specialized information, there are plenty of excellent references available. This comprehensive guide covers the best cookbooks and online resources to support grilled chicken mastery. Get ready to become a barbecue chicken pro!
Top Grilled Chicken Cookbooks
Cookbooks focused entirely on grilled chicken recipes allow you to really deep dive into a wide variety of preparation methods and flavor combinations. The books below have rave reviews and are packed with hundreds of irresistible chicken ideas:
The Grilled Chicken Cookbook by Naomi Fujimoto
With over 200 finger-lickin’ good chicken recipes, The Grilled Chicken Cookbook is a must-have for backyard barbecues. Home cooks will love the simple instructions and mouthwatering photographs featured in each recipe. Fujimoto covers every part of the chicken from breasts and wings, to skewers and the perfect chicken burger. Marinades, rubs and sauces are all given special attention. Tools and techniques for properly grilling chicken are also included.
125 Best Grilled Chicken Recipes by Katie Corbin
As the name implies, this cookbook contains 125 outstanding grilled chicken dishes. From Thai chicken satay, to chipotle chicken tacos, to gourmet chicken pizza, there is no shortage of variety. Helpful instruction on how to build flavor through marinades, brines and spice rubs is offered. Corbin also provides recommendations on the best cuts of chicken to use for optimal results.
The Complete Book of Grilled Chicken by Cheryl Jamison
The Complete Book of Grilled Chicken features over 150 mouthwatering recipes developed and tested by grilling expert Cheryl Jamison. This extensive guide covers a diverse array of preparation techniques from quick searing, to low-and-slow smoking. Delectable recipes like honey chipotle wings, maple dijon thighs and Brazilian chicken hearts will have you firing up the grill daily. The book also includes useful tips on choosing a grill and essential tools.
50 Grilled Chicken Recipes by Jennifer Smith
Home cooks looking for simplicity need look no further than 50 Grilled Chicken Recipes. This handy book delivers easy chicken dishes full of flavor that take 30 minutes or less to prepare and grill to perfection. Smith takes the guesswork out of infusing chicken with taste by providing marinade, sauce and rub recipes to accompany each dish. Expect delicious recipes like lemon garlic chicken, Thai chicken skewers and smoky chipotle chicken legs.
365 Best Grilled Chicken Recipes by Camilla Saulsbury
With a grilled chicken recipe for every day of the year, this extensive cookbook by Saulsbury is ideal for diehard chicken grillers. Recipes cover the full spectrum from basic to gourmet. Helpful guidance on properly preparing chicken is given alongside tips for nailing marinades and rubs. From everyday meals to backyard entertaining, you’ll find endless inspiration in these pages.
Top Grilled Chicken Websites
In addition to cookbooks, there are many excellent websites dedicated to providing tips, techniques and recipes for taking chicken to the next level on the grill. These are some of the top online resources:
thespruceeats.com
The Spruce Eats offers an extensive library of tested grilled chicken recipes and instructional articles. Their grilled chicken recipe collection includes cuisine from all over the world. You can browse by main dishes, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and more. Their how-to articles cover topics like how to use a chimney starter, cleaning your grill properly and best woods for flavoring.
tasteofhome.com
Taste of Home has hundreds of top-rated grilled chicken recipes submitted by home cooks from across the country. Their innovative twists on chicken focus on maximize flavor and deliver easy weeknight meals. You’ll find recipes for chicken kabobs, drumsticks, wings and more. Articles on marinating, proper safety and grilling tools make this site a one-stop shop.
traegergrills.com
For guidance specific to wood pellet grills, Trager Grills’ website has exceptional content. Their grilled chicken category offers chef-created recipes ideal for Trager smokers. You’ll find amazing recipes like apricot habanero wings, Jamaican jerk chicken and chicken tikka masala. Their blog also provides essential tips for mastering temperature control.
foodnetwork.com
Food Network has an unbeatable collection of grilled chicken recipes from famous chefs like Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and Ina Garten. Their grilled chicken thighs, wings, legs and skewers shine with big flavors. They also offer instructional blogs and videos that cover topics like pairing sauces and rubs, common mistakes and secrets to juicy chicken.
chicken.ca
Created by the Chicken Farmers of Canada, chicken.ca offers hundreds of tested chicken recipes including many for the grill. Their grilled chicken recipe collection includes impressive dishes like bacon wrapped chicken breasts, grilled chicken souvlaki and mustard maple drumsticks. Their articles cover topics like safely thawing chicken and properly basting chicken while grilling.
5 Grilled Chicken Cookbooks for Specific Diets
Those adhering to a specific diet like gluten-free, paleo or keto will appreciate cookbooks tailored to their dietary needs. Here are some top choices:
The Keto Grilling Cookbook by Heidi Powell
This cookbook offers over 100 high fat, low-carb chicken recipes perfect for keto dieters. Expect tasty grilled chicken ideas like chicken caesar salad, buffalo chicken wings and chicken veggie skewers wrapped in bacon. Nutrition info with macros is included with each recipe.
Paleo Grilling Recipes by John Chatham
Paleo followers will drool over these simple grilled chicken recipes free of grains, dairy and refined sugar. Chile lime chicken wings, BBQ chicken thighs and chicken satay with coconut curry sauce are just a few of the tasty dishes. Handy paleo tips and substitution ideas are also given.
Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons by Gary Wiviott
This highly-rated book offers outstanding low and slow grilled chicken recipes for those who prefer charcoal and offset smoking. Expect fantastic flavor in dishes like beer can chicken, smoky chicken chili and coffee rubbed chicken. Instructions cover different grill set-ups.
The Gluten-Free Barbecue Cookbook by Kelly McCann
McCann delivers over 100 crave-worthy gluten-free grilled chicken recipes the whole family can enjoy. Highlights include Vietnamese chicken lettuce wraps, chicken shawarma and Parmesan chicken artichoke skewers. An intro guide covers essential GF grilling tips.
The Grilling Book: The Definitive Guide from Bon Appetit
This comprehensive grilling guide from Bon Appetit includes simple substitutions for making recipes gluten-free and paleo. Their grilled chicken section features global flavors in dishes like peri peri chicken and chicken yakitori. A bonus features offers tips for vegan grilling.
5 Must-Have Grilled Chicken Tools
Having the proper gear for handling chicken on the grill makes all the difference. Here are 5 must-have tools:
Instant Read Thermometer
An instant read thermometer ensures chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The Thermoworks Thermapen is incredibly fast and accurate.
Heavy Duty Tongs
A good pair of 16 inch locking tongs make flipping and handling chicken a breeze. OXO’s scalloped edge tongs offer a secure grip.
Silicone Basting Brush
For sauce application, silicone brushes are heat resistant and hygienic. Crafted from one piece, there are no hiding places for bacteria.
Sturdy Turner Spatula
A wide grill spatula ensures easy lifting and flipping of chicken pieces. Weber’s fish turner has exceptional grip and leverage.
Instant Read Thermometer
An instant read thermometer ensures chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The Thermoworks Thermapen is incredibly fast and accurate.
Top 5 Grilled Chicken Marinades
Marinating is hands-down the easiest way to infuse chicken with loads of flavor. Here are 5 amazing marinades to try:
Chimichurri Grilled Chicken
This fresh herby Argentinean marinade contains parsley, cilantro, garlic and vinegar.
Tandoori Chicken
Yogurt, lemon juice, spices like coriander, cumin and paprika deliver huge flavor.
Jerk Chicken
Spicy and tangy Jamaican marinade featuring allspice, habanero peppers, thyme and more.
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
A marinade loaded with zesty ingredients like olive oil, lemon, oregano and garlic.
Coke Chicken
Coca cola or dr. pepper are the secret ingredients for tender and tangy chicken.
5 Awesome Grilled Chicken Wing Recipes
Chicken wings are a quintessential grilled snack or appetizer. Here are 5 awesome wing recipes to try on the barbecue:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
Infuse wings with spicy, robust Jamaican jerk seasoning for full flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Wings
Sriracha and honey deliver the perfect balance of savory heat and sweetness.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
A simple yet delicious marinade of olive oil, garlic and herbs takes wings up a notch.
Korean BBQ Wings
Gochujang paste, soy sauce and sesame oil bring authentic Korean flavors.
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Wings
Crispy bacon and smoky barbecue sauce combined to perfection.
How to Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time
Achieving beautifully charred, juicy and tender chicken can feel tricky, but following some essential tips will help you nail it every time:
Use Bone-In Chicken
Chicken on the bone stays juicier. Thighs, drumsticks and wings excel.
Get Your Grill Hot
Heat grill to 450-500°F. Hot heat helps chicken caramelize rather than steam.
Don’t Move It!
Once chicken goes on grill, leave it alone to get nice char marks before flipping.
Check for Doneness
Use an instant read thermometer to test for 165°F. Juices should run clear.
Let It Rest
Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting for juicier meat.
Top 5 BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes
Chicken thighs excel on the grill and barbecue sauce adds finger-lickin’ good flavor. These are top-rated barbecue chicken thigh recipes:
Beer Can Chicken Thighs
Thighs roasted over an open beer can become incredibly juicy and infused with flavor.
Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sweet and sticky honey barbecue sauce is an ideal match for savory grilled chicken thighs.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
Spice rub with allspice, brown sugar, chili peppers and herbs amps up the flavor.
PB&J BBQ Chicken
Peanut butter, jelly and barbecue sauce join forces for lip-smacking results.
Dr. Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs
Dr. pepper or cola combined with chili powder and cumin delivers bold, tangy flavor.
Grilled Chicken Safety Essentials
Proper handling and cooking of chicken helps avoid safety issues. Keep these tips in mind:
Defrost Safely
Thaw chicken in the fridge, cold water or microwave – never at room temp.
Marinate Properly
Refrigerate chicken while marinating in a sealed bag or covered dish.
Cook Thoroughly
Use a thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F minimum.
Don’t Reuse Platters
Use a fresh clean platter or cutting board for cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Store Leftovers Safely
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving.
Top 5 Grilled Chicken Skewer Recipes
Chicken skewers offer portion control for easy grilling. Here are 5 global flavor-packed recipes to try:
Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Indian-inspired yogurt marinade with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon and cayenne.
Chicken Satay Skewers
Thai-style marinade features peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and cilantro.
Chicken Shawarma Skewers
Middle Eastern marinade with olive oil, lemon, garlic, cumin and paprika.
Jerk Chicken Skewers
Spicy Jamaican flavor featuring allspice, thyme, scotch bonnets and lime juice.
Tequila Lime Chicken Skewers
Zesty marinade of tequila, lime juice, cilantro and Mexican spices.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Grilled chicken transforms ordinary flatbread pizza into a crave-worthy summer meal. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 naan flatbread or other flatbread
- 3 tbsp pizza sauce
- 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1⁄4 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
- 1⁄4 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- Heat grill to medium-high heat. Place naan on grill about 2 minutes until lightly charred.
- Flip naan over and spread pizza sauce evenly across top. Sprinkle on mozzarella.
- Top with grilled chicken, red onion, peppers and basil.
- Close grill lid and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Slice and serve immediately.
5 Delicious Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes
Chicken breasts often get a bad rap for drying out easily, but with the right preparations they can be succulent. Here are foolproof juicy recipes:
Chicken Breasts with Creamy Lemon Herb Sauce
Grilled chicken
