15 Low-Carb Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summer
When the grill is hot and the days are long, nothing hits like juicy, charred chicken with bold flavor — especially when it’s low in carbs and high in satisfaction. Whether you’re keto, cutting sugar, or just trying to eat a little cleaner this summer, these recipes are light on carbs but heavy on wow.
Each of these grilled chicken recipes keeps your macros tight while your taste buds party. From zesty citrus to fiery spice, your grill is about to become your best friend.
1. Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Description:
This one’s a summer classic: tender chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for pairing with grilled veggies or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Marinate for 30–60 minutes.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Let rest before slicing. Serve with grilled asparagus or salad.
2. Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Description:
Bright, bold, and juicy — these chicken thighs are soaked in a punchy lime-cilantro marinade that keeps them super tender. Great for lettuce wraps, bowls, or straight off the grill.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients and pour over chicken.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until slightly charred.
- Serve with lime wedges and avocado salsa.
3. Keto BBQ Grilled Chicken
Description:
Craving BBQ without the sugar crash? This one’s for you. Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce to get that smoky, sticky flavor without spiking your carbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Rub chicken with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill for 6 minutes per side. Brush with BBQ sauce and cook another 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.
- Serve with grilled cabbage slaw or pickles.
4. Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
Description:
Creamy, tangy, and loaded with herbs, this Greek-inspired marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully and adds a ton of flavor. It’s especially good with cucumber salad or roasted eggplant.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all marinade ingredients and coat chicken.
- Marinate for 2–4 hours.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes per side.
- Serve with tzatziki or a chopped Greek salad.
5. Spicy Chipotle Lime Chicken
Description:
This bold, smoky chicken brings the heat. Chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic make it perfect for taco night (in lettuce cups, of course).
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and cumin
Instructions:
- Blend marinade ingredients and coat chicken.
- Marinate for 1 hour or more.
- Grill over medium heat until charred and cooked through.
- Serve with avocado and chopped cilantro.
6. Italian Herb Grilled Chicken
Description:
Simple, fragrant, and crowd-pleasing. This chicken is rubbed in Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil — ideal for tossing on salads, spiralized zucchini, or grilled peppers.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Rub chicken with oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side.
- Slice and serve over arugula with a drizzle of balsamic.
7. Buffalo Grilled Chicken Thighs
Description:
All the spicy, tangy vibes of buffalo wings — but with way fewer carbs. These grilled chicken thighs are coated in buttery hot sauce and served with a keto ranch drizzle.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- Salt and garlic powder
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and garlic powder.
- Grill 6–8 minutes per side.
- Toss hot chicken in melted butter and hot sauce.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
8. Pesto Grilled Chicken Thighs
Description:
Fresh, garlicky, and loaded with basil, this chicken is slathered in pesto before grilling for a herby flavor bomb. Serve it with grilled tomatoes or zucchini ribbons for a summer-perfect plate.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup basil pesto (no sugar added)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: shaved Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
- Rub chicken thighs with pesto and let sit 30 minutes.
- Grill for 6–7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Garnish with Parmesan if desired and serve with a fresh green salad.
9. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken
Description:
Savory, garlicky, and totally satisfying — this recipe gives grilled chicken a cheesy twist without the breading. It’s perfect sliced over zucchini noodles or tossed into a low-carb Caesar salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix oil, garlic, seasoning, and Parmesan into a paste.
- Rub onto chicken and let marinate 30+ minutes.
- Grill 6–7 minutes per side until golden.
- Sprinkle extra cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
10. Turmeric Yogurt Chicken Skewers
Description:
Golden and tangy, this anti-inflammatory recipe uses turmeric, lemon, and Greek yogurt for a zesty marinade. Bonus: it’s great for grilling on skewers with bell peppers and onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all marinade ingredients and coat chicken cubes.
- Marinate 2–4 hours, then skewer.
- Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve with fresh mint or yogurt sauce.
11. Cajun-Spiced Grilled Chicken
Description:
If you love bold, smoky flavors, this one’s for you. The Cajun spice rub gives the chicken a perfect crust and a little kick. It’s delicious served with cauliflower mash or grilled okra.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Rub chicken with oil and seasoning.
- Let rest for 15–30 minutes.
- Grill 6–7 minutes per side.
- Squeeze lemon over the top and enjoy hot.
12. Balsamic Herb Grilled Chicken
Description:
This recipe is tangy, aromatic, and just a little sweet thanks to balsamic vinegar. It’s a fantastic way to elevate grilled chicken without adding sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk marinade and pour over chicken.
- Let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Grill 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Slice and serve over arugula or with grilled peppers.
13. Lemon Dill Grilled Chicken
Description:
Bright and fresh, this herby lemon-dill chicken feels super light but tastes amazing. It’s great cold, too—perfect for slicing into meal prep salads.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Combine marinade ingredients and coat chicken.
- Marinate for 1–2 hours.
- Grill for 6 minutes per side.
- Serve with lemon wedges and steamed green beans.
14. Rosemary Dijon Grilled Chicken
Description:
Fragrant rosemary and tangy Dijon mustard make this grilled chicken deeply flavorful. Pair it with roasted cauliflower or a light cucumber salad for a perfect low-carb plate.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mix marinade and brush over chicken.
- Let sit for 30–60 minutes.
- Grill 6–8 minutes per side.
- Serve with fresh herbs or extra mustard for dipping.
15. Avocado Lime Grilled Chicken
Description:
This one’s bright, creamy, and packed with healthy fats. The chicken is grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh avocado-lime mash for a buttery, citrusy bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- Extra lime and chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken with lime, oil, and seasonings.
- Grill for 6–7 minutes per side.
- Top with mashed avocado, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately with a side salad or grilled veggies.
