50 Best Summer Chicken Recipes for Hot Days
Light, refreshing, and easy to prep for dinner.
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When deciding on easy weeknight dinners, chicken is always a reliable go-to—and it's no wonder why! There are endless ways to make a delicious chicken dinner, whether you're craving a 30-minute meal or a simple sheet pan recipe. But once the summer heat kicks in, turning on the oven might be the last thing on your to-do list. That's where these summer chicken recipes come in.
From grilled chicken ideas perfect for your next cookout to lighter options like chicken Caprese salad, this roundup includes the very best warm-weather meals. And if you're dreaming of summer BBQs, just wait until you try Ree Drummond's Greek chicken kebabs or her juicy homemade chicken burgers—they're guaranteed crowd-pleasers. You'll also find plenty of easy lunch ideas, like a hearty Cobb salad or a flavorful chicken pesto pasta that's perfect for your next picnic. Looking for healthy chicken recipes? You'll love the grilled chicken with zucchini noodles. Need something a little more indulgent? There's also a crispy hot honey chicken tenders that hit the spot every time. And if you're in need of a crowd-pleaser for your next summer party, it's hard to beat beer can chicken!
Whether you're planning dinner on the patio, packing lunch for a summer outing, or feeding a hungry group of family and friends, these summer chicken recipes have you covered.
Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs
These bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs get golden and crispy in a skillet before simmering in a sticky honey-garlic glaze. Serve with rice and veggies for an easy dinner that's packed with flavor.
Get Ree's Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe.
BBQ Chicken Wings
These wings are fried for crispiness, then baked in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce until bubbling and caramelized. It's a two-step process that's totally worth it—especially for a cookout!
Get Ree's BBQ Chicken Wings recipe.
Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Sandwich
This chicken sandwich gets the ultimate Southern twist: a generous slather of homemade pimento cheese. Add pickles, lettuce, and a soft brioche bun, and you've got a sandwich that works for lunch, dinner—or even breakfast if you're bold!
Beer Can Chicken
This grilling classic delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time, thanks to a mustard rub and that iconic upright cooking method. Whether you're using beer or soda, it’s a no-fuss way to get dinner on the table with big barbecue flavor.
Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.
Chicken and Broccoli
This quick stir-fry is packed with bold, savory flavor and just the right amount of crunch. The secret? Blanch the broccoli first so every bite is cooked just right. Serve it over rice for a weeknight dinner win.
Get the Chicken and Broccoli recipe.
Chicken Francese
Light, bright, and full of lemony goodness, this chicken dish is perfect for summer nights. It's quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve with a chilled glass of white wine on the patio. Just add a simple green salad and dinner's done.
Get the Chicken Francese recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon
This spicy-sweet grilled chicken sandwich is pure summer satisfaction. With bacon, melty sauce, and a drizzle of hot honey, it's the kind of dinner that calls for a cold drink and a seat on the porch.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is everything you love about the classic trio—chicken, bacon, and ranch—all baked into one irresistible dish. Bring it to your next summer potluck or backyard game night, and don't expect leftovers!
Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip recipe.
Hot Honey Chicken
Crispy, saucy, and just the right amount of spicy, these chicken tenders are a weeknight win or a party favorite. They're perfect for backyard get-togethers or easy summer dinners with the kids—especially when dipped in homemade ranch. Warning: they disappear fast!
Get Ree's Hot Honey Chicken recipe.
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.
Chicken Fried Rice
This fast, flavorful fried rice comes together in one skillet and makes the most of easy shortcuts like frozen rice and veggies. It's packed with ginger, garlic, and sesame, perfect for busy summer nights when you want something comforting without a ton of effort.
Get Ree's Chicken Fried Rice recipe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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