18 Best Summer Chicken Recipes
Lighten up your menu with these tasty chicken recipes! Enjoy grilled, baked, or salad-based options that are perfect for hot weather and busy schedules.
Do you shy away from chicken recipes because you think they are too plain?
Chicken is such a versatile food that it seems to go with almost any dish. It is easy to cook, easy to store, and really easy to eat (or overeat). That said, as with any dish, eating chicken the same way time after time gets boring.
That’s why we are bringing you some fresh ideas to revamp your chicken recipes and offer you some new recipes to try out this summer.
Whether you are at home with the family, out at a barbecue potluck, or enjoying the sun on a boat or on the beach, these summer chicken recipes are sure to be a hit wherever you are.
Summer Chicken Recipes
1 — Sheet Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken
This baked lemon chicken recipe is great for a warm summer’s night on the patio at dusk.
Plus, it comes together easily in one sheet pan and only takes 30 minutes to prep and an hour in the oven.
The recipe calls for fresh rosemary. However, if you don’t have around, use some dried rosemary. It’ll taste the same, but use 1/3 of the quantity since dried spices are incredibly potent. Or instead try this homemade lemon pepper seasoning instead. (Although, the rosemary is what makes this recipe to another level.)
2 — Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Nothing says summer and party like meat on a stick. This Huli Huli chicken recipe is essentially a play of teriyaki chicken but luau style. Originally Hawaiian, Huli Huli sauce is a traditional sauce that marinates the chicken.
What makes the sauce so tasty and different is the blend of sweet and tangy with a mix of fresh pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. The sauce seeps into the fruits and veggies on the kebab perfectly. “Huli” means to “turn around,” so it is the perfect name for kebabs on the grill. Don’t you think?
If you’re having a Hawaiian or tropical-themed party, try pairing it with some great cocktails like a rum punch, a tropical bay breeze, or cool down with these Whole30 Tropical Paradise Popsicles.
3 — The Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Don’t know what to bring to the next potluck? This recipe will be a hit at any summer potluck. Plus, this chicken salad recipe is incredibly easy and takes only 20 minutes to put together.
In general, this is a pretty standard salad with salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning. However, it’s the dash of curry that gives it an unexpected twist of flavor.
In terms of chicken, you just need some shredded, cooked chicken. If you’re running low on time, getting a rotisserie chicken from the store is an easy way to quickly put together this salad. Otherwise, shredding baked chicken breasts or poached chicken also works well.
Salads are known for being versatile, and this salad is no exception. If you (or someone you are cooking for) are a picky eater, it’s easy to change out the toppings and have additional add-ons to give it different flavor profiles. For example, make it more citrusy by adding in some ingredients from this Cranberry Orange Salad with Creamy Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe. Or make it into the perfect winter salad by using this Panzanella Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing Recipe as an inspiration.
4 — Orange Chicken Recipe
Although fresh oranges are more of a winter fruit, this recipe only calls for orange zest and 3/4 cup of orange juice, which makes it a fantastic, citrusy dinner option in the summer too.
5 — One-Skillet Peach Glazed Chicken
Sticking with the fruit theme, this easy one-skillet dinner will have you raving from the time you saved in the kitchen and the guests raving from how delicious it is!
This fruity skillet chicken is a healthy and quick dish to make with a tangy caramelized peach glaze topping the juicy, tender chicken. With just five ingredients, only one pan to clean after, and the result of a delicious meal. What’s not to love?
Still have leftover peaches? Not to worry! Try out this banana peach smoothie or a roasted peach and cherry popsicles.There are a variety of things you can do with peaches that have probably never crossed your mind.
6 — Whole 30 Avocado Salad Chicken Wraps
Chicken salad wraps are an amazing lunch or snack because they are incredibly healthy, great to use up leftover veggies in the fridge, and are keto, paleo, and Whole-30-approved. Plus, they keep you full with the healthy fats they’re packed with, like avocado!
In addition to being incredibly healthy, the chicken filling is meal-prep friendly. So you can make it ahead of time if you’re busy. What’s even better is having it the night before and then adding it to your lunch or snack for the next few days. Wraps are great because they are easy to customize to your taste preference and diet.
For example, make this avocado salad chicken wrap with a Mexican twist by adding some spice, green onions, and pico de Gallo. Pair it with this Jalapeño Skinny Margarita. And you’re good to go! Give it an eastern-Asian flair by adding in some sriracha, ginger, and maybe leftover noodles if you have them. Pair it with some ginger-infused gin & tonic cocktails.
7 — Coca-Cola Chicken Recipe
Just like chicken, Coca-Cola is enjoyed around the world and goes with a variety of dishes. This Coca-Cola Chicken recipe does a fantastic job of combining two incredibly versatile foods into one delicious dish, making it a favorite wherever you are.
Soak the chicken in a Coca-Cola marinade (Coca-Cola, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and a bit of salt and pepper) that keeps it moist while also steeping it in a sweet and smoky flavor.
It can be served as a chicken wing appetizer by itself, on a bed of rice, or on top of a salad. If you have extra Coca-Cola leftovers, keep up the Coka theme of the meal with these Coca-Cola cupcakes!
8 — Honey Lime Chicken Recipe
This honey-lime chicken recipe is a big plate of pan-roasted chicken thighs smothered in a brightly-colored honey-lime dressing.
The sauce is a simple blend of soy sauce, honey, and lime juice. Coat the chicken in it and let it marinate for a few hours. Once the chicken is cooked, the chicken and sauce combination will have you tasting savory yet salty yet tangy yet sweet flavors. If you are watching what you eat, this is a weight-watcher-friendly dish!
9 — Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Copycat recipes are the best because they’re often easier than you think and taste even better than at the restaurant (homemade is better, right?). This PF Chang’s copycat chicken lettuce wraps recipe is no different. Aside from it being a great copycat, lettuce wraps, in general, are low in carbs and quick to make, which means you can eat guilt-free and quickly.
10 — Grilled Greek Chicken Salad
This grilled Greek chicken salad makes for a fantastic appetizer. But it is definitely not your normal appetizer.
To start, this chicken recipe is chock full of red onions, olives, romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and avocados. A delicious combination! To top it off, there are tender and juicy grilled chicken thighs placed on top, which were seasoned with paprika, thyme, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
Are you drooling yet?
Then comes the tzatziki sauce made from a mix of garlic, lemon, dill, pepper, buttermilk, and, of course, Greek Yogurt. Mix everything together in a bowl, and boom!
11 — Zaatar and Lemon Grilled Chicken
This Zaatar and lemon grilled chicken is a burst of Mediterranean flavor. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant zaatar spices before being grilled to perfection. It’s a simple, yet incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a summer barbecue.
12 — Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilled BBQ chicken is a classic summer staple for a reason. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and smoky store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Perfect for backyard gatherings or a simple weeknight meal, it’s the classic grilled chicken recipe.
13 — Air Fryer Chicken Sandwiches
Air fryer chicken sandwiches are a crispy, juicy delight that can be ready in minutes! Enjoy tender chicken breast coated in your favorite breading, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, and piled high on a soft bun with your preferred toppings and homemade French fries. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
14 — Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Fried chicken drumsticks are a classic comfort food indulgence. This fried chicken recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, thanks to a flavorful buttermilk brine and a crunchy, seasoned coating. These drumsticks are irresistible on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce (like the Southern favorite, white country gravy).
15 — Slow Cooker Mango Salsa Chicken with Coconut Rice
Mango salsa chicken with coconut rice is a tropical escape on a plate. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy mango salsa is paired with creamy coconut rice for a refreshing and flavorful meal. The slow cooker chicken recipe only requires 20 minutes of prep time before you set it and leave it!
16 — Chipotle Chicken Tacos
This Chipotle chicken tacos recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal without sacrificing your healthy eating goals. Packed with bold Mexican flavors, these tacos feature tender, ground chicken and a homemade chipotle sauce that will are Whole30 compliant. Enjoy them in lettuce wraps or on corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
17 — Summer Chicken Parmesan
A lighter take on the classic comfort food is the summer chicken parmesan. This version features juicy chicken cutlets topped with melted mozzarella and a fresh tomato basil sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a perfect blend of summer flavors that’s surprisingly refreshing and satisfying, making it a standout choice for warmer weather dining.
18 — Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
Italian chicken pasta salad is the perfect summer dish! Packed with flavor from diced Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette, this light and refreshing salad is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s the ideal make-ahead meal for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Craving more delicious and easy chicken dinners? From quick weeknight meals to impressive crowd-pleasers, these simple recipes transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary flavors that will satisfy any craving.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Creative Leftover Chicken Recipes to Transform Your Weeknight Meals
- Healthy Baked Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
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