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25 Easy Summer Chicken Recipes That Are Light and Healthy
Ree's barbecue chicken is a must! 😋
When Ree Drumond isn't making steak recipes, she's been known to whip up some outstandingly delicious chicken dinners from time to time. Just look at her famous chicken spaghetti casserole and you'll know what we mean! Plus, her barbecue chicken salad is a must-have 30-minute meal for busy weeknights. What's more? We’ve got tons of summer chicken recipes that are perfect for family dinners. From grilled chicken ideas to chicken drumstick recipes and chicken tacos—when the weather outside heats up, these easy summer chicken recipes will have everyone in the family asking for more.
And if you weren't already excited about cookout season, just wait until you try Ree'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 dinner ideas, we've also included plenty of quick lunch options, too. 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. No matter what you're craving, there's a summer chicken recipe that's right for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homemade Chicken Burger
No summer bbq would be complete without some kind of burger on the menu. These chicken burgers are a great way to switch things up—and they're healthy, too!
Get the Homemade Chicken Burger recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sliders
Just because you're serving chicken doesn't mean it has be bland! These sliders are loaded with flavor thanks to Cajun seasoning and adobo sauce.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sliders recipe.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
It's trendy, it's flavorful, and it's loaded with green vegetables. This chicken salad is a full meal that's served on a chip!
Barbecue Chicken Salad
This is one of Ree's go-to summer recipes. The combination of sticky-sweet barbecue chicken, fresh corn, and avocado is simply divine.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Salad recipe.
Caprese Chicken Pasta
This quick dinner has all the components of a caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil), plus the addition of hearty chicken and noodles—yum!
Get Ree's Caprese Chicken Pasta recipe.
Greek Chicken Kebabs
To give these skewers their Greek-inspired flavor, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of oregano, fennel seeds, and lemon-pepper seasoning. It's all served up with pita and tzatziki for dipping.
Get Ree's Greek Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Lemon-Pepper Chicken
Zippy, spicy, and bursting with bright citrusy flavor— these crispy chicken cutlets are sure to become a year-round favorite.
Get the Lemon-Pepper Chicken recipe.
Chicken Salad
Make this chicken salad for your next picnic or afternoon in the park. It can be served on a sandwich, over greens, or simply on its own. It's that good!
Get Ree's Chicken Salad recipe.
Pollo Asado Tacos
Transform chicken night into taco night with these flavorful pollo asado tacos. The tangy, citrus marinade makes all the difference!
Get Ree's Pollo Asado Tacos recipe.
Grilled Chicken Marinade
There are four key factors to making the perfect grilled chicken marinade: fat, salt, sweetness, and something bright. This recipe has them all!
Get the Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe.
Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
If you've never made zucchini noodles before, there's no better time than during the summer! The light, carb-free "zoodles" cook up in just a matter of minutes.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
Homemade pesto is easier than you might think, and it's especially delicious when using fresh garden basil. But if you're in a rush, store-bought pesto works just fine!
Get the One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This chicken sandwich is piled high with bbq favorites like coleslaw, pickles, and crispy bacon. Don't forget an extra drizzle of bbq sauce for good measure!
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Oven Barbecue Chicken
Combine your favorite bbq sauce and peach preserves to make this sweet and sticky chicken dinner. It's delicious alongside potato salad and cornbread.
Get Ree's Oven Barbecue Chicken recipe.
Chicken Caesar Milanese
What's the best way to make crispy fried chicken taste fresh for summer? Add a pile of salad right over the top!
Get Ree's Chicken Caesar Milanese recipe.
Sheet-Pan Cajun Chicken and Corn
Cook your chicken on the same sheet pan as your seasonal summer produce, like corn and baby bell peppers. It'll make clean-up a breeze!
Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Cajun Chicken and Corn recipe.
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