The Only Backyard Chicken Recipes You'll Ever Need This Summer
Summer is here, and that means we're finding each and every opportunity we can to cook outdoors. These Backyard Chicken Recipes are the perfect, budget-friendly way to feed your family and enjoy the weather!
12 Chicken Recipes For The Grill & Griddle
Look, I love a good backyard cookout more than just about anything. But nothing kills the vibe faster than dry, rubbery chicken that tastes like it gave up on life somewhere between the fridge and the grill. That is not what we do here.
If you're firing up the Traeger for a long, lazy low-and-slow smoke, getting the Blackstone screaming hot for some crispy griddle wings, or just need something stupid-good on the table after a busy week, this list has you covered from every angle.
We're talking deep smoke rings, perfectly crisp skin, juicy dark meat, bold marinades, and sauces so good you'll want to lick the pan. These are the chicken recipes that are on heavy rotation at my house. The ones my family requests over and over, the ones that have my neighbors peeking over the fence wondering what smells so incredible.
Grab your favorite rub, top off that pellet hopper, and let's get into it.
1. Smoked Whole Chicken
If you aren't smoking whole chickens on your pellet grill yet, you are missing out on the easiest meal prep of your life. I love starting this low and slow to soak up all that wood-fired flavor, then cranking the heat at the end so the skin gets perfectly crisp. It's a total showstopper for a weekend cookout, and the leftovers make the best sandwiches.
2. Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are my absolute favorite cut because they are so forgiving and almost impossible to dry out. I toss these on the grill with a generous coating of my favorite roasted chicken rub, and they come out juicy and packed with flavor every single time. It's a budget-friendly cookout staple that never disappoints.
3. Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken
I am borderline obsessed with this recipe because it combines three of my favorite techniques: brining, smoking, and frying. It takes a little extra time, but that first bite of crunchy, smoky, juicy chicken will make you forget all about the effort. This is the ultimate flex for your next backyard gathering.
4. Smoked Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts get a bad rap for being dry, but a quick brine and a trip to the smoker changes everything. I keep a batch of these in the fridge all week for easy lunches, but they are just as perfect sliced up for a casual backyard taco bar. The smoke adds a layer of flavor that totally transforms this basic cut.
5. Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken
When I find a big pack of bone-in chicken pieces on sale, this is exactly what I make. The marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with so much zesty, herbaceous flavor, while the high heat of the grill gives you that gorgeous crispy skin. It's a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe that pairs perfectly with pasta salad.
6. Breaded Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings
We are huge wing fans in my house, and this method is an absolute game-changer. I smoke them first to get that deep wood-fired taste, then give them a light breading and a quick fry for the ultimate crunch. Serve these at your next cookout and watch them disappear in record time.
7. Grilled Blackened Chicken Breasts
If you want big, bold flavor without spending hours prepping, this blackened chicken is your answer. I coat these generously in Cajun seasoning and grill them hot and fast for a spicy, flavorful crust. They are stupid-good on their own, or sliced over a big summer salad.
8. Smoked Chicken Thighs
Dark meat on the smoker is a match made in heaven, and these thighs prove it. I let them roll low and slow to build up that beautiful smoke ring, then finish them in a hot cast-iron skillet to crisp up the skin. It's the best of both worlds and an absolute must for your next BBQ.
9. Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings
If you love garlic bread as much as I do, these wings are going to be your new obsession. I smoke them until tender, crisp them up, and then toss them in a rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce. They are messy, decadent, and exactly what a backyard cookout needs.
10. Traeger Marry Me Chicken Thighs
I was a little late to the 'Marry Me' chicken trend, but doing it on the pellet grill makes up for lost time. The bone-in thighs get a great sear before simmering in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce right on the grill. It's comfort food meets outdoor cooking, and it is phenomenal.
11. Grilled Greek Chicken
This is one of my favorite ways to prep bone-in chicken for a crowd. The bright, lemony Greek marinade keeps everything incredibly moist, and the grill adds that perfect char. It's fresh, flavorful, and practically begs to be served with a big scoop of tzatziki.
12. Crispy Blackstone Chicken Wings
Don't want to fire up the deep fryer? Your griddle is the secret to amazing wings. I throw these on the Blackstone with a little oil, and the flat top gives them an unbelievable crust without the hassle of a pot of hot grease. They are fast, easy, and perfect for a casual patio dinner.
