Everyone loves a barbecue chicken.
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If you're looking for an easy dinner during the week, chicken is often the first thing that comes to mind—and it's easy to see why. There are so many chicken dinners that double as 30-minute meals or even sheet pan suppers. But how about when the temperatures soar and the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven? Enter: summer chicken recipes to the rescue! Whether you want to take things outdoors with grilled chicken ideas or lighten things up with a chicken Caprese salad, this list has you covered with all the best summer chicken recipes.
And if you weren't already excited about cookout season, just wait until you try Ree Drummond's scrumptious recipe for Greek chicken kebabs. Or the homemade chicken burgers that'll give beef burgers a run for their money. Along with these easy family dinners, we've also included plenty of quick lunch options. For instance, try the Cobb chicken salad or the chicken pesto pasta—both of which would make a delicious addition to your next picnic in the park. Many of these meals are considered healthy chicken recipes like the grilled chicken with zucchini noodles but there are also some indulgent ideas like the chicken sandwich with coleslaw and bacon. If you need a fallback dinner, Ree's barbecue chicken is a favorite for any summer party.
1
Honey Mustard Chicken
Zingy and sweet—this chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You can take things outdoors and grill the chicken or make it on the stovetop when the air conditioning is calling your name.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
2
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This fun twist on chicken Caesar salad is perfect for cookouts! It has that same creamy dressing and those crunchy croutons, plus plenty of parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
3
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos
This recipe combines two summertime favorites: barbecue and tacos! Top it off with a cool and creamy slaw for the ultimate flavor-packed dish.
Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos recipe.
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4
Enchiladas Verdes
These green enchiladas keep things easy by using a rotisserie chicken for the filling. The sauce, on the other hand, is a zesty, spicy, homemade hit that you'll want to make again and again.
Get the Enchiladas Verdes recipe.
5
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These crispy chicken tenders will remind you of those beachside boardwalk snacks you had as a kid. The best part? You don't need to stand over a pot of hot oil to make them.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.
6
Coconut Chicken Curry
The warm, fragrant curry flavors of this chicken dish are oh-so comforting, but thanks to the addition of coconut milk, it's still light and summery. Top yours with juicy fresh mango and bright lime wedges.
Get the Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.
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7
Chicken Parm Salad
Lighten up your typical chicken parmesan with this summer salad that still has all the same ingredients you know and love: roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy chicken, fresh mozzarella, and herby pesto dressing.
Get Ree's Chicken Parm Salad recipe.
8
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
If there's one soup recipe to enjoy in the summer, it would have to be this chicken tortilla soup! The whole thing is made right in the slow cooker with no pre-cooking or sautéing required. Top it off with cool sour cream and diced avocado for a Tex-Mex meal that anyone would love.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
9
Chicken Tostadas
Each of these crispy tortillas is topped with refried beans, spiced chicken, sour cream, and crunchy cabbage. You'll have plenty of extra chicken that you can stash in the freezer for another week.
Get Ree's Chicken Tostadas recipe.
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10
Chicken Caprese Salad
Put summer tomatoes and garden-fresh basil to good use with this quinoa salad that's packed with chicken, mozzarella, leafy greens, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Get the Chicken Caprese Salad recipe.
11
Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
Ree's homemade barbecue sauce made with brown sugar and chipotle chiles is the key to this finger-licking chicken. You'll want to serve it up with all your favorite BBQ sides.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
12
Chicken and Corn Chowder
Sweet summer corn and crispy bacon gives this homemade chowder a ton of flavor. It's thick and creamy, which means it's perfect for those breezy summer nights.
Get the Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe.
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13
Pesto Chicken Salad
These tiny croissant sandwiches are perfect for a picnic or summer brunch. They're filled with an easy chicken salad made with prepared pesto and yogurt for a lightened-up creaminess, along with fresh arugula for a pop of peppery flavor.
Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad recipe.
14
Roast Jerk Chicken
Bring the island flavors to your own kitchen table with this recipe for roast chicken seasoned with a spicy jerk marinade. It's a fun way to put your pantry ingredients to good use.
Get Ree's Roast Jerk Chicken recipe.
15
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Grain Bowls
This healthy grain bowl puts a whole new spin on barbecue chicken! We love the sweet and spicy toppings, like mango, jalapeño, avocado, and sliced radishes.
Get the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Grain Bowls recipe.
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16
Chicken Pasta Salad
Can't decide between pasta salad and chicken salad? Well, now you don't have to! This mash-up is the best of both worlds and it's perfect for a summer potluck!
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
17
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers have a special ingredient that makes them extra-moist and tasty: Greek yogurt! Plus, they're topped with a spread of tzatziki for even more creamy goodness.
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
18
Chicken Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is the ultimate picnic food. It might be a comfort food favorite, but it's also perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Get the Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.
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19
Chicken Primavera
Fresh vegetables, pasta, and hearty chicken—what more can you ask for in a summer dinner? Oh yes, it's also made in one pot!
Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.
20
Homemade Chicken Burger
No summer barbecue would be complete without some kind of burger on the menu. These chicken burgers are a great way to switch things up—they're healthy, too!
Get the Homemade Chicken Burger recipe.
