15 Grilled Chicken Recipes for a Labor Day Cookout Everyone Will Love

Labor Day is a good excuse to put chicken on the grill and let everyone gather around while dinner takes care of itself.

I like having a few different recipes to choose from because not everyone wants the same thing on their plate, and grilled chicken can go in considerably more directions than a bottle of barbecue sauce.

These are the recipes I’d keep in mind for a cookout, whether you want something smoky and familiar, bright and herby, or a little different from the usual grill fare.

Three grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham and melted cheese are artfully arranged in a speckled ceramic dish, making them the perfect backyard BBQ hero. Garnished with sliced green onions and glazed with a savory sauce, this grilled meal invites everyone to the table. — Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Planning a menu for a big holiday weekend can get stressful, but this simple dinner keeps things easy. A sticky mustard and maple glaze caramelizes right on the hot grates to create a sweet, charred crust that everyone will love for Labor Day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts with seasoning, garnished with herbs on a white plate with parsley and wooden utensils. — Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

You do not have to leave the house when you crave that famous restaurant chicken at your backyard gathering. A quick marinade of sweet honey and lime juice creates a gorgeous, dark glaze over the fire.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices. — 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This quick dinner is my go-to choice when I am too tired to stand over the patio after a long week. Just slather on green pesto and top the charred chicken with creamy avocado slices before serving.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate. — Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Drumsticks are always the first pieces to disappear when you coat them in warm cumin and lime for a holiday party. These budget-friendly chicken legs get nicely browned on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)

Grilled chicken skewers with spices on a cutting board, with sauce and bread nearby. — Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

If dry skewers have disappointed you at past backyard parties, switching to rich chicken thighs will change your mind. A quick adobo spice rub keeps the meat juicy from the first bite to the last.
Get the Recipe: Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Close-up of juicy grilled chicken thighs with a shiny, caramelized barbecue glaze—perfect for Father's Day BBQ recipes hot off the grill. — Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Chicken thighs are so much easier to grill than dry breasts because they stay naturally juicy over the fire. Brushing your favorite barbecue sauce on during the last five minutes prevents the glaze from burning.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled chicken with sesame seeds, served with white rice and colorful diced vegetables on a black plate. — Grilled Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

I always make this Hawaiian favorite when I want to bring a little island flavor to my backyard. Basting the meat with a sweet pineapple soy sauce keeps the chicken from drying out in the heat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

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Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Grilled chicken skewers on a salad with tomatoes, avocado, red onions, lettuce, bacon, and cheese. — Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Most cookout salads feel like an afterthought, but this loaded platter is always the star of the table. This smoky grilled chicken pairs so well with crisp bacon and blue cheese that people might skip the burgers entirely.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

I love making these herb-packed skewers when I want dinner to feel a little more interesting. Threading the chicken with red onion and bell peppers keeps every single bite flavorful and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges. — Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

I love mixing ground chicken with fresh mint and garlic when I want a change of pace for a cookout. Shaping the meat onto skewers gives you a fast dinner that is much juicier than standard chicken breasts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

You can easily dress up your chicken by stuffing it with sweet pineapple and smoky ham. Melting a slice of provolone cheese over the top holds the filling together while it cooks on the grates.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken

Roast chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli on a plate, shot up close on a rustic surface. — Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Keep a bottle of Italian dressing handy because it is the easiest way to flavor your poultry before a big holiday weekend. The vinegar cuts through the rich grill smoke to leave you with savory chicken for any plate.
Get the Recipe: Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken Wings

Stop heating up your kitchen with the oven and start throwing your wings directly on the grill. A simple dry rub gets the skin nicely charred without any extra oil or messy frying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings

Grilled Blackened Chicken Breasts

Grilled chicken breast served on rice and beans, garnished with chopped green onions on a blue patterned plate. — Grilled Blackened Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

You might think chicken breasts are boring, but a heavy coat of dark spices completely changes the game. Searing the meat quickly over high heat locks in the juices so the chicken stays tender.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Blackened Chicken Breasts

Spicy Thai Chicken

Three seasoned chicken breasts topped with shredded cheese and herbs on a dark plate with green garnishes. — Spicy Thai Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Your backyard gathering needs this bold recipe that relies on a fragrant, herby coconut rub to feed a crowd. Finishing the meat with a splash of sweet coconut-lime sauce keeps everyone reaching for another piece as a standout Labor Day treat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Chicken

The grill will do its part. You just have to make sure you save yourself a plate.