20 Juicy and Delicious Chicken Recipes for Summer

These summer dinner recipes are perfect for warm evenings when you want flavorful, fresh, and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Each idea is packed with seasonal ingredients, quick prep, and vibrant taste — ideal for weeknights, weekend gatherings, or laid-back family dinners.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini

This simple grilled chicken dish is infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs, paired with grilled zucchini for a healthy and light summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

4. Grill zucchini slices for 2–3 minutes per side until tender.

5. Serve together with an extra squeeze of lemon.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sticky, sweet, and savory, these honey garlic chicken thighs are pan-seared then simmered in a flavorful glaze. Perfect with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden.

3. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour sauce over chicken, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.

5. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve with white rice or roasted vegetables.

3. Caprese Chicken Skillet

All the flavors of a Caprese salad in one skillet — with juicy chicken and melty mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes per side.

2. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until softened.

3. Top chicken with mozzarella and cover until cheese melts.

4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil.

4. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Fast, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, this chicken and broccoli stir fry is your answer to a healthy weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, minced

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken until browned; remove from pan.

3. Add broccoli and a splash of water; cover and steam for 2 minutes.

4. Add garlic, ginger, cooked chicken, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin.

5. Toss everything to coat and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

6. Serve hot over white or brown rice.

5. Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold Southern spices, this fried chicken recipe is an American classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Mix flour with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.

4. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.

5. Drain on a wire rack and serve with coleslaw or biscuits.

6. BBQ Chicken Foil Packs

A no-mess grill or oven recipe, these BBQ chicken foil packs are loaded with flavor and cook up juicy every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 2 ears corn, cut into thirds

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F.

2. On large foil sheets, layer chicken, veggies, a drizzle of oil, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce.

3. Seal foil packs tightly.

4. Cook for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

5. Carefully open and serve with fresh herbs.

7. Greek Chicken Gyros

These handheld wraps are packed with marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki — perfect for casual summer dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper

• 4 pita breads

Toppings:

• Tzatziki sauce

• Cucumber slices

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Tomato wedges

• Lettuce or greens

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, oil, oregano, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.

2. Grill or pan-sear chicken until browned and cooked through. Slice into strips.

3. Warm pita bread and assemble gyros with chicken, veggies, and tzatziki.

4. Serve wrapped in parchment for easy handling.

8. Chicken Pot Pie

This classic comfort food features a creamy chicken and veggie filling baked beneath a golden, flaky crust. It’s cozy, hearty, and great for leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/3 cup butter

• 1/3 cup flour

• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth

• 2/3 cup milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 refrigerated pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour to make a roux.

3. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Cook until thick.

4. Add chicken, veggies, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour into a pie dish, cover with crust, seal edges, and cut slits on top.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Let cool before serving.

9. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling chicken fajitas made in one skillet for quick prep and easy cleanup — ideal for a busy summer weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips

• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced

• 1 large red onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt to taste

• Flour or corn tortillas for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken and cook until browned. Add in peppers, onions, and seasonings.

3. Sauté for another 5–7 minutes until veggies are tender and chicken is cooked through.

4. Serve in warm tortillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

10. Chicken Tikka Masala

A flavorful fusion favorite in the U.S., chicken tikka masala features tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-spiced sauce. Serve it with warm naan or basmati rice for a full meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika for at least 1 hour.

2. Sauté onion in oil until soft. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute more.

3. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.

4. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens.

6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

11. Turkey Burgers with Avocado

A healthier twist on the summer classic, these turkey burgers stay juicy and flavorful, topped with creamy avocado slices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• 4 burger buns

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo

Instructions:

1. Mix turkey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Form into 4 patties and grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.

3. Toast buns and assemble with avocado and desired toppings.

4. Serve with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.

12. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow-cooked pulled pork slathered in barbecue sauce makes a summer dinner that’s both easy and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 lb pork shoulder

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 onion, sliced

• Salt and pepper

• 8 sandwich buns

Instructions:

1. Place pork in a slow cooker with onions, vinegar, broth, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5.

2. Shred pork and mix with BBQ sauce.

3. Serve on buns with coleslaw or pickles.

13. Chicken Caesar Wraps

A grab-and-go dinner that’s crisp, creamy, and satisfying — these wraps are ideal for a hot summer day when you want something chilled and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing

• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

• Croutons (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss chicken, lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan.

2. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll tightly into wraps.

3. Cut in half and serve cold or at room temperature.

14. Tomato Basil Chicken Bake

This oven-baked dish uses fresh summer tomatoes and basil to create a comforting yet summery dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, place in a baking dish.

3. Top with tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

15. Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Kebabs

Sweet and savory come together in these colorful skewers — a tropical-inspired dish that’s always a hit at cookouts.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken in teriyaki sauce and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Thread chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion onto skewers.

3. Grill over medium heat, turning every 3–4 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

4. Serve with jasmine rice or a tropical salad.

16. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This hearty and nutritious meal balances the sweetness of baked potatoes with smoky BBQ chicken and a creamy drizzle.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 green onion, chopped

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Bake sweet potatoes at 400°F for 45–50 minutes until tender.

2. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.

3. Slice sweet potatoes open and fill with BBQ chicken.

4. Top with yogurt or sour cream and green onion.

17. Chicken Caesar Wraps

A portable summer meal, these wraps take classic Caesar salad ingredients and turn them into a crisp, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, sliced

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1/4 cup Caesar dressing

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken, lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

2. Spoon mixture into tortillas and roll into wraps.

3. Serve chilled or lightly toasted.

18. Greek Orzo Salad with Grilled Chicken

Fresh and flavorful, this hearty salad features Mediterranean ingredients that keep well — great for picnics or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives

• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt, pepper, oregano

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo and rinse under cold water.

2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.

3. Chill before serving.

19. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A summer classic, slow-cooked pulled pork makes tender, flavorful sandwiches that are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• 6 sandwich buns

• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place pork, broth, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours or until fork-tender.

3. Shred and serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce and slaw.

20. Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

Bright and zesty, this marinated chicken is delicious on its own or served over rice bowls or salads.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with lime juice, cilantro, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.

2. Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

3. Serve with rice, avocado, or grilled veggies.