Summer’s here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! If you’re looking for a show-stopping meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter is the one to try. Picture tender, smoky chicken breasts, flavorful drumsticks, and juicy chicken lollipops, all cooked to perfection and paired with a refreshing avocado-tomato salad. It’s the ultimate platter for cookouts, weekend dinners, or casual weeknight meals.
But what makes this recipe stand out? The secret’s in the grilling method. The meat stays incredibly juicy, with that perfect crispy char on the outside. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just getting started, this platter guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to wow your family and friends with your grilling skills? Let’s dive in!
As you perfect your grilling skills, don’t forget to try this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe — it’s a crowd favorite with a savory, smoky twist.
Table of Contents
Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Summer’s here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! The Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter features tender chicken breasts, flavorful drumsticks, and juicy chicken lollipops, all grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing avocado-tomato salad.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Smart Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 pounds Smart Chicken Drumsticks
- 1–2 tablespoons paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 ears of corn, boiled or grilled, kernels removed
- 1 ripe lime (for squeezing)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Salad dressing of your choice (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the chicken breasts and drumsticks from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Dust both the breasts and drumsticks with paprika. Rub the spice into the meat to enhance flavor and add color. Set the chicken aside while you prep the grill.
- Place a sheet of aluminum foil on your grill, then heat it to 450-475°F.
- Start by placing the drumsticks on the hot grill. Grill them for 30-35 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 180°F.
- Once the drumsticks have been grilling for 20 minutes, add the chicken breasts to the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then reduce the grill heat to 400°F and flip the breasts over. Check the internal temperature; once they reach 165°F, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Once the drumsticks reach 180°F and the juices run clear, take them off the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Notes
For a perfectly grilled chicken, make sure to monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 754
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 799mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 44g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 212mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, platter, summer BBQ, avocado tomato salad
Quick Overview
This Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter brings together a mix of tender chicken breasts, juicy drumsticks, and flavorful chicken lollipops. All are grilled to perfection and paired with a vibrant avocado-tomato salad, making it a balanced and mouth-watering meal. Perfect for your summer BBQs or a casual weeknight dinner, this platter is simple to prepare but bursting with flavors. The grilling technique ensures every piece of chicken remains juicy while developing that perfect char on the outside.
Let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, juicy, and tender with a slight smoky flavor.
- Drumsticks: Flavorful, tender, and perfectly charred.
- Salad: A refreshing mix of avocado, tomatoes, and grilled corn—your ideal side for a summer meal.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
What Makes This Grilled Chicken Platter Stand Out?
What sets this Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter apart from your usual BBQ meals? It’s all about the juicy, perfectly grilled chicken and the simple yet vibrant salad that complements it.
The grilling technique is key. By cooking the chicken at the right temperature and allowing it to rest, you’re ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor, not dry or overcooked. The drumsticks, with their longer cooking time, develop deep, rich flavor while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. Meanwhile, the chicken breasts are butterflied and pounded thin, allowing them to cook quickly and evenly without losing any of that moisture.
And don’t forget the avocado-tomato salad—it’s the perfect balance of creamy avocado, sweet tomatoes, and smoky grilled corn. Squeezing fresh lime over everything adds a burst of brightness, making it the ultimate side dish to pair with your grilled meats.
This platter isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, summer flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds Smart Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 pounds Smart Chicken Drumsticks
- 1-2 tablespoons paprika (for seasoning)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 ears of corn, boiled or grilled, kernels removed
- 1 ripe lime (for squeezing)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Salad dressing of your choice (optional)
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
Grilling the perfect chicken platter is all about temperature control and timing. Follow these steps for tender, juicy chicken with that irresistible smoky flavor!
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts and drumsticks from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Dust both the breasts and drumsticks with paprika. Rub the spice into the meat to enhance flavor and add color. Set the chicken aside while you prep the grill.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on your grill, then heat it to 450-475°F. A hot grill locks in juices and creates that beautiful char on the meat.
4. Grill the Drumsticks First:
Start by placing the drumsticks on the hot grill. These need about 30-35 minutes to cook thoroughly, so give them a head start. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 180°F—this will break down the tendons and make them extra tender.
Turn the drumsticks every 5 minutes to avoid burning (charring is good, but burning isn’t). Keep the grill lid closed between turns to maintain the heat.
5. Add the Chicken Breasts:
Once the drumsticks have been grilling for 20 minutes, it’s time to add the chicken breasts. Place them on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes. After 6 minutes, reduce the grill heat to 400°F and flip the breasts over. Chicken breasts only need to be flipped once to stay juicy.
Check the internal temperature of the breasts. Once they reach 165°F, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
6. Check the Drumsticks:
Once the drumsticks reach 180°F and the juices run clear, take them off the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
For a hearty, satisfying meal, learn how to cook Perfect Prime Rib on the Grill, a luxurious cut that always impresses guests.
Fresh Avocado & Tomato Salad Recipe
While the chicken is grilling, let’s prepare the refreshing salad that’ll pair perfectly with your platter. This simple salad is light yet full of flavor, offering a creamy texture from the avocado and a burst of sweetness from the tomatoes.
1. Boil the Corn:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add the corn and cook it for 5 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the corn from the pot and let it cool.
2. Slice the Vegetables:
While the corn cools, slice the avocado into thin pieces and cut the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Remove the Corn Kernels:
Once the corn is cool, carefully slice off the kernels and add them to the bowl with the avocado and tomatoes.
4. Add Lime and Season:
Squeeze the juice of a ripe lime over the salad, then sprinkle in the salt and cracked black pepper. Toss everything together for a refreshing, balanced flavor.
Now, set the salad aside to let the flavors marinate while you finish grilling the chicken.
How to Assemble the Ultimate Chicken Platter
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection and the salad is ready, it’s time to assemble the platter. This is where you get to present a colorful and appetizing meal that will make everyone at the table excited to dig in.
1. Add the Salad:
Start by placing the freshly made avocado-tomato salad in the center of your serving platter. Make sure it’s nicely spread out to show off those vibrant colors.
2. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the grilled chicken breasts and drumsticks around the salad. Feel free to pour any flavorful juices from the grilled chicken over the platter for extra flavor.
3. Season and Serve:
Top everything off with a pinch of salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper for that final seasoning touch. Serve the platter with your favorite dressing or BBQ sauce on the side.
This platter is perfect for a summer BBQ, family dinner, or even a casual weeknight meal. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
For those who love a bold and zesty flavor, the Grilled Cajun Wings will certainly spice up your grilling session.
FAQs about Grilled Chicken and Salad
Q1: Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While boneless skinless chicken breasts and drumsticks are used in this recipe, you can substitute with thighs or even chicken wings if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts will need varying cook times.
Q2: Can I make the salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients, especially the avocado. If you do make it ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving to prevent browning.
Q3: How do I ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out?
The key is to monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. For chicken breasts, aim for 165°F, and for drumsticks, go for 180°F. Allow the chicken to rest after grilling to lock in the juices.
Q4: Can I use a different salad dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the salad dressing to your taste. A simple balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or even a tangy lemon dressing would complement this dish perfectly.
Nutrition Information
For those keeping an eye on their nutrition, here’s a breakdown of the Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 754 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 52g |
| Fat | 58g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 36g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 212mg |
| Sodium | 799mg |
| Potassium | 990mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 308 IU |
| Vitamin C | 12mg |
| Calcium | 43mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
This platter is rich in protein and healthy fats, making it a fulfilling and nutritious meal for anyone looking to stay energized and satisfied!
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Juicy Grilled Chicken Platter that’s perfect for your next summer cookout, family dinner, or weeknight meal. The tender grilled chicken paired with the fresh, vibrant avocado-tomato salad is sure to impress everyone at your table.
The best part? It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and packed with protein and healthy fats. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, this platter will quickly become your go-to for any occasion.
Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear how you put your own twist on this recipe. Don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media!
Ready to fire up the grill? Enjoy!
