Grilling is one of the best ways to enjoy dinner in the summer, whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just preparing a meal for your family. With fresh ingredients, new grilling ideas, and tasty marinades, you can create flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meals on the grill. In this article, we’ll share 6 delicious summer grilling recipes that are perfect for dinner. From grilled chicken to kabobs and pineapple, these recipes will make your summer cookouts even better!
Contents
- 1 1. Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs
- 2 2. BBQ Pineapple Chicken
- 3 3. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- 4 4. Sticky Chicken Skewers
- 5 5. Grilled Veggie Kabobs
- 6 6. Summer Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 10 Related FAQs from the “People Also Ask” Section
- 8.1 1. What are some new grilling ideas for dinner?
- 8.2 2. How do you grill chicken without drying it out?
- 8.3 3. What are the best meats to grill for dinner?
- 8.4 4. Can I grill vegetables on skewers?
- 8.5 5. What is the best way to grill chicken breast?
- 8.6 6. Can I make grilled chicken ahead of time?
- 8.7 7. What can I serve with grilled chicken?
- 8.8 8. How long should I cook chicken kabobs on the grill?
- 8.9 9. Can I grill shrimp skewers?
- 8.10 10. What are some quick grill meals for dinner?
1. Grilled BBQ Chicken Kabobs

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and let them sit for 15 minutes.
- Skewer the Ingredients: Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini onto skewers.
- Grill the Kabobs: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kabobs for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken kabobs with your favorite side dish.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
2. BBQ Pineapple Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken and Pineapple: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, adding the pineapple chunks in the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ pineapple chicken with grilled vegetables or over rice.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
3. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of teriyaki marinade
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine teriyaki marinade, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Add the chicken breasts and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Serve: Top with chopped green onions before serving. Pair with grilled rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
4. Sticky Chicken Skewers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve with a side of grilled veggies or salad.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
5. Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Veggies: Slice the zucchini, chop the bell pepper and onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Season the Veggies: Toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Grill the Kabobs: Thread the vegetables onto skewers and grill on medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
- Serve: Serve as a side or with a main dish like grilled chicken.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
6. Summer Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Serve: Serve with grilled veggies or over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (4 shrimp)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
Grilling is a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful, healthy meals during the summer. These 6 summer grilling recipes offer a variety of options, from BBQ chicken kabobs to shrimp skewers, that are sure to make your summer cookouts a hit. Whether you prefer grilled veggies, chicken, or seafood, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor!
10 Related FAQs from the “People Also Ask” Section
1. What are some new grilling ideas for dinner?
Try grilling BBQ pineapple chicken, teriyaki chicken skewers, or sticky chicken skewers. You can also explore grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a healthy and flavorful side.
2. How do you grill chicken without drying it out?
To grill chicken without drying it out, marinate it before grilling and cook it on medium heat to ensure it stays juicy. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness can also help.
3. What are the best meats to grill for dinner?
The best meats for grilling include chicken breasts, steaks, pork chops, and sausages. For a different flavor, try grilling kabobs or marinated meats like beef, lamb, or fish.
4. Can I grill vegetables on skewers?
Yes, vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions are perfect for grilling on skewers. Marinate them before grilling to enhance their flavor.
5. What is the best way to grill chicken breast?
To grill chicken breasts, marinate them for at least 15 minutes, then cook on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Can I make grilled chicken ahead of time?
Yes, grilled chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the grill or in the oven when ready to serve.
7. What can I serve with grilled chicken?
Serve grilled chicken with sides like grilled vegetables, rice, a fresh salad, or potato salad. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce or salsa.
8. How long should I cook chicken kabobs on the grill?
Chicken kabobs should be grilled for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Can I grill shrimp skewers?
Yes, shrimp skewers are perfect for grilling. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
10. What are some quick grill meals for dinner?
Quick grill meals for dinner include grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, veggie kabobs, or grilled sandwiches. These meals are quick to prepare and cook in just a few minutes.