40 Summer Chicken Recipes for All Your Warm Weather Cooking
Chicken is still the easiest go-to protein for summer cooking.
Say the phrase "chicken dinner" and it's easy to conjure up an image of a roast bird on a pile of root veggies coming out of the oven, warming up the house on a blustery day.
But chicken is way more versatile than that. Case in point: This long list of super summery chicken recipes!
Summer is absolutely the best time to be cooking chicken, and it's one of our favorite go-to summer dinners when the weather is hot. After all, it wouldn't be a barbecue without drumsticks slathered in sauce. And what's a picnic without cold fried chicken in the basket?
Chicken's great on the grill in all ways, from kebabs to our stunner of a spicy spatchcock grilled chicken, below. But it's also a quick and easy (and cheap!) weeknight dinner—from 20 minute stovetop recipes for sweat-free summer eating, to a bevy of takes on chicken salad that we love building a snack dinner around.
Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce
Break out this recipe when you want to make an impression. Spatchcocking (flattening) the chicken lets it cook through quickly and evenly—and the sauce has a pretty serious kick!
Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs
Sweet potatoes and chicken thighs both cook about the same time, making them a great pair for kebabs!
Mini Chicken Tacos
Is it even summer if you haven't had tacos yet? These mini-ones are great for a light dinner or served with summer cocktails at a party.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Mustard, Garlic and Rosemary Sauce
One of our favorite ways to beat the heat with summer cooking is to skip the stove entirely!
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Mustard, Garlic and Rosemary Sauce.
Ground Chicken Tacos
Ground chicken is a smart way to make Taco Tuesday a little healthier.
Greek Chicken
Summer doesn't have to mean a total end to roasted chicken.
These tender breasts are roasted and broiled quickly—in just 20 minutes. Pair them with a summer salad for the perfect al fresco dinner.
Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta with Creamy Garlic-Basil Sauce
Skip the red sauce and make this 20-minute chicken and snap pea pasta. Eat it on the back porch with a glass of Pinot Gris.
Chicken and Veggies Stir Fry
Stir fried dinners are perfect for summer, because they cook quickly, before the house can heat up. This classic stir-fry is about as easy and tasty as it gets.
Blackberry-Glazed Chicken
Tired of typical barbecue sauce? Cover your grilled chicken in this sweet blackberry glaze for a fruity spin.
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Fire up the grill to make this foil pack recipe. Not only can you eat it just about anywhere, but there's also no dish-washing needed for this dinner. Now that's a winner!
Best Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a summer dinner household staple. And these couldn't be easier.
Updated Chicken Salad
So long, bland chicken salad. Loads of fresh herbs and briny dill pickles make for a classic summer dish bursting with flavor.
Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce
Okay, so technically this is just a recipe for sauce. But grilled chicken is absolutely the best place for this sauce.
Fast Easy Chicken Marsala
This stovetop chicken recipe is great for when you want a hearty meal, but don't want the oven on for hours.
Kale and Chicken Pita Salad
What could be more summery than salad for dinner? Cucumbers and radishes bring crunch and color to this baby kale salad.
Thai-Style Chicken Salad
The combination of ingredients (savory fish sauce, bright lime juice, sweet honey, and spicy radishes) makes this chicken salad a real standout.
Lemony Chicken Thighs
This simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano makes these chicken thighs taste ethereal. Take 'em on your next picnic—and don't forget dessert!
Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken
At least once ever summer, we have to pack a basket full of leftover buttermilk fried chicken and cold beers and head out for a picnic.
Easiest-Ever Chicken Alfredo
This quick, elegant dinner is great for warm weather pasta nights, with a glass of rosé.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary
Pan-seared thighs can cook up in just 20 minutes, and go with almost any summer salad you can think of.
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