Welcome to our curated collection of the ten best summer chicken dinner recipes. These enticing recipes are perfect for those evenings when you want to enjoy a light, flavorful meal that showcases the season’s best ingredients. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, these chicken recipes promise to add a touch of culinary brilliance to your summer nights.

Enjoy exploring these exciting recipes as you journey through a world of flavors and redefine your summer dinner menu with our top ten chicken recipes. Your culinary adventures this summer await!

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

When it comes to embracing the vibrant flavors of the season, nothing encapsulates the spirit of summer quite like our delightful Grilled Chicken Kabobs. This refreshing summer chicken dinner will transport your taste buds on a culinary vacation, inviting the sunshine right onto your dinner plate. The skewers are packed with juicy chunks of chicken breast marinated in an exquisite blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, perfectly balanced with the colorful crunch of grilled vegetables. It’s a healthy, easy-to-prepare, and irresistibly tasty feast that brings together the joy of grilling and the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs (we recommend a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
• 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
• 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before using)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs. Stir until well blended.
2. Add the chicken chunks into the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if time allows.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. While the grill is heating, prepare your skewers. Alternate between pieces of marinated chicken, bell pepper, and red onion until all skewers are filled.
5. Season the prepared skewers with a little salt and pepper.
6. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are nicely charred.
7. Serve your grilled chicken kabobs with a side of your choice – a fresh salad or grilled corn would be perfect for this summer chicken dinner. Enjoy!

Chicken Caprese Salad

In the warmth of the summer season, a meal that is both light and satisfying can make all the difference. Our Chicken Caprese Salad is just that – a delicious and refreshing option for a summer chicken dinner. This delightful dish features succulent grilled chicken laid over a bed of fresh greens, intermingled with slices of creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves. Topped off with a tantalizing drizzle of balsamic reduction, this salad promises a dining experience that is as flavorful as it is wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 4 cups of mixed greens (you can use spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls or slices
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the balsamic reduction. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Let it simmer until it reduces by half, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
2. On a large platter or individual plates, spread out your mixed greens to create the salad base.
3. Arrange the grilled chicken slices, ripe tomato slices, and mozzarella over the bed of greens.
4. Tuck in the fresh basil leaves amongst the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
5. Season the salad with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference.
6. Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad just before serving.
7. Enjoy this light and delicious summer chicken dinner!

Chicken Tacos al Carbon

There’s something truly special about enjoying a fresh, homemade taco on a warm summer evening. Our Chicken Tacos al Carbon are an enticing choice for a summer chicken dinner, offering a lively blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Juicy chicken thighs, marinated in a vibrant mixture of lime, garlic, and chipotle, are grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and tangy delight. Served on warm tortillas and garnished with fresh salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a spritz of lime, this dish is a festive celebration of summer flavors.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• Juice of 3 limes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Salsa of your choice
• 2 avocados, sliced
• Additional limes for serving
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, minced garlic, and minced chipotle peppers. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are well-coated in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 7-10 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked.
4. While the chicken is grilling, warm your tortillas on the grill or a stovetop.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
6. Assemble your tacos by placing the chicken strips onto the warm tortillas. Top with your favorite salsa and avocado slices. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top.
7. Enjoy your Chicken Tacos al Carbon, a truly tantalizing summer chicken dinner!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

A staple at family dinners and festive gatherings, roasted chicken is a dish that never goes out of style. But when summer rolls around, we like to lighten things up with our Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken. This summer chicken dinner takes the classic roast chicken and adds a refreshing twist with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and rosemary. This mouthwatering dish can be beautifully paired with a crisp summer salad or a medley of your favorite grilled vegetables, resulting in a dinner that is hearty, yet light and suitable for those warm summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 large lemon, sliced
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will help to ensure a crisp, golden skin.
3. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon slices, half of the minced garlic, and a few sprigs of rosemary.
5. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and the remaining minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover every part.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and tuck a few more rosemary sprigs around it.
7. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is beautifully golden brown.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
9. Serve your Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken with a crisp summer salad or grilled vegetables for a satisfying summer chicken dinner.

Chicken and Peach Skewers

Summer is the perfect time to explore new, exciting flavors, and our Chicken and Peach Skewers do just that. This innovative summer chicken dinner pairs tender pieces of chicken with sweet, succulent peaches – an unexpected but delightful combination. Grilled to juicy perfection and slightly charred, these skewers are then glazed with a harmonious blend of honey and balsamic vinegar. This sweet and savory finish gives a gourmet touch to this easy-to-prepare dish, making it an exceptional choice for any summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 3 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before using)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Season the chicken chunks with salt and pepper.
3. Alternate between threading pieces of chicken and peach onto the skewers.
4. In a small bowl, combine the honey and balsamic vinegar to make the glaze.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with the honey-balsamic glaze, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the peaches are nicely charred.
6. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Enjoy your Chicken and Peach Skewers, a truly unique summer chicken dinner!

Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Greek Chicken Souvlaki, a refreshing and satisfying choice for a summer chicken dinner. This classic Greek dish features succulent chicken skewers marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, grilled to perfection. Paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a traditional Greek salad brimming with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, this meal is a culinary voyage to the sunny shores of Greece.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before using)
• Tzatziki sauce for serving
• Warm pita bread for serving
• Greek salad (composed of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives) for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
2. Add the chicken chunks into the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if time allows.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
6. Serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a hearty Greek salad.
7. Enjoy your summer chicken dinner, a delightful taste of the Mediterranean!

Chicken Paillard with Summer Salad

When the summer heat sets in, we often crave meals that are light, fresh, and quick to prepare. Our Chicken Paillard with Summer Salad is the perfect solution for a delightful summer chicken dinner. The chicken breasts are pounded thin to ensure a quick grilling time, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a beautiful char. Topping the chicken is a vibrant salad composed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, all tossed in a refreshing lemon vinaigrette. This dish is an epitome of a summer meal, offering freshness, simplicity, and a burst of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups of mixed greens
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts thin. This can be done using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Season them with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Set aside to rest.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
7. Place the grilled chicken breasts on plates and top each with a generous portion of the summer salad.
8. Enjoy your Chicken Paillard with Summer Salad, a truly refreshing summer chicken dinner!

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Summer is synonymous with barbecue, and our BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a testament to that tradition. This delightful summer chicken dinner offers a tasty slow-cooked chicken that’s been simmered in your favorite barbecue sauce until it’s so tender it falls apart. Served on a soft bun and topped with a tangy coleslaw, this sandwich delivers a blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. It’s a satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit at your summer gatherings or a casual family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
• 4 soft sandwich buns
• Coleslaw for serving (composed of shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour over the barbecue sauce, making sure the chicken is fully coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the barbecue sauce.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, heap a generous serving of the pulled BBQ chicken onto each bun. Top with a scoop of tangy coleslaw.
6. Serve your BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches immediately, enjoying a delightful summer chicken dinner!

Chicken Piccata Pasta Salad

As the sun warms up the days, we often find ourselves looking for meals that are refreshing yet still satisfying. That’s where our Chicken Piccata Pasta Salad comes in, a fantastic option for a summer chicken dinner. Inspired by the traditional Italian dish, this salad brings together cooked chicken, al dente pasta, tangy capers, and a zesty lemon dressing. The result is a cold pasta salad that is both delicious and perfect for hot summer nights. It’s a versatile meal that’s great for weeknight dinners, picnics, or even meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
• 2 cups of pasta, cooked al dente
• 1/2 cup of capers, drained
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked and cubed chicken, cooked pasta, and capers.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the lemony dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken, pasta, and capers, tossing until everything is well coated.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
5. When ready to serve, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a little extra flavor and a pop of color.
6. Enjoy your Chicken Piccata Pasta Salad, a refreshing and satisfying summer chicken dinner!

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

There’s something truly irresistible about the fiery flavor of buffalo wings, but we often crave a lighter, more refreshing version during the warm summer months. That’s where our Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps come in, offering a healthier twist for your summer chicken dinner. These wraps feature spicy buffalo chicken nestled in crispy lettuce leaves, all topped with the tangy goodness of blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of cool ranch dressing. It’s a dish that delivers the beloved buffalo wings’ flavors in a lighter, guilt-free package, perfect for a sunny day.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce
• 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
• 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles
• Ranch dressing for drizzling
• Celery sticks for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
2. Lay out the lettuce leaves and scoop a generous portion of the buffalo chicken into each leaf.
3. Sprinkle each lettuce wrap with blue cheese crumbles.
4. Drizzle a small amount of ranch dressing over each wrap.
5. If desired, serve your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps with celery sticks on the side.
6. Enjoy your spicy, tangy, and crisp summer chicken dinner!

Ryan