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Summer meals are all about keeping it simple, fresh, and full of flavor—and chicken is one of the easiest ingredients to work with when the weather heats up. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, tossing together a quick salad, or cooking something light for dinner, these chicken recipes are perfect for sunny days and warm nights.
This list features 18 of the most delicious summer chicken ideas I’ve made (and loved). You’ll find juicy grilled options, zesty marinades, and refreshing dishes that don’t feel heavy—even when it’s hot outside.
Some of these are perfect for picnics, some are great for weeknights, and all of them are easy to prep and big on flavor.
1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Chicken thighs or breasts marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled until perfectly charred.
Olivia’s Tip
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours—it gives the citrus time to tenderize the meat without overpowering it.
Get the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers
Bite-sized chicken pieces grilled on skewers with barbecue sauce and veggies like bell peppers and red onions.
Olivia’s Tip
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn or break apart.
Get the BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe
3. Chicken Caprese Salad
Sliced grilled chicken served over fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the chicken cool slightly before slicing and layering—it keeps the salad from wilting.
Get the Chicken Caprese Salad recipe
4. Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
Sticky-sweet and a little spicy, these grilled thighs are packed with flavor from chili flakes, lime juice, and honey.
Olivia’s Tip
Reserve a bit of the marinade before adding raw chicken so you can brush it on during grilling for extra glaze.
Get the Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Thighs recipe
5. Greek Chicken Pita Wraps
Marinated grilled chicken tucked into warm pita with cucumber, tomato, onion, and a dollop of tzatziki.
Olivia’s Tip
Slice the chicken thinly after grilling—it’s easier to wrap and gives every bite a mix of flavors.
Get the Greek Chicken Pita Wraps recipe
6. Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shredded grilled chicken tossed with diced mango, lime juice, and cilantro, served in crisp lettuce cups.
Olivia’s Tip
Use butter lettuce or romaine hearts—they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Get the Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe
7. Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
Chunks of chicken paired with fresh pineapple, red onion, and bell peppers, grilled until caramelized and juicy.
Olivia’s Tip
Use metal skewers if possible—they don’t burn, and they hold heat, helping the chicken cook more evenly.
Get the Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs recipe
8. Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad with grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing—refreshing and filling.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss the avocado in lemon juice before mixing it in—it keeps it from browning and adds extra flavor.
Get the Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad recipe
9. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A mix of cooked pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese—perfect for picnics.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the lettuce just before serving so it stays crisp and doesn’t wilt into the pasta.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe
10. Crispy Chicken Tacos with Slaw
Fried or baked crispy chicken stuffed into taco shells with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce.
Olivia’s Tip
Warm the taco shells on a skillet or grill for a few seconds before filling—they’ll stay crisp and not crack.
Get the Crispy Chicken Tacos with Slaw recipe
11. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Spicy shredded buffalo chicken wrapped in lettuce with crumbled blue cheese and celery for crunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the chicken cool slightly before wrapping—hot filling can wilt the lettuce too fast.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe
12. Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
Simple grilled chicken topped with a juicy salsa made of diced peaches, red onion, and jalapeño.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the salsa sit for 10 minutes before serving to help the flavors blend and mellow the onion bite.
Get the Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa recipe
13. Chicken and Corn Summer Chowder
A light, creamy soup with shredded chicken, sweet corn, and fresh herbs—great for rainy summer nights.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a splash of lemon juice at the end—it brightens the soup and balances the sweetness of the corn.
Get the Chicken and Corn Summer Chowder recipe
14. BBQ Chicken Flatbread
Flatbread topped with BBQ chicken, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh cilantro, then grilled until bubbly and crisp.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush the bottom of the flatbread with oil and cook directly on the grill for the crispiest crust.
Get the BBQ Chicken Flatbread recipe
15. Southwest Chicken Salad
Spiced grilled chicken served over greens with black beans, corn, avocado, and a creamy cilantro dressing.
Olivia’s Tip
Cool the chicken before slicing—it keeps the greens from wilting and helps the flavors stand out.
Get the Southwest Chicken Salad recipe
16. Chicken and Zucchini Skillet
Quick stovetop meal with chopped chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and garlic—all cooked in one pan.
Olivia’s Tip
Don’t overcook the zucchini—add it toward the end so it stays crisp-tender and doesn’t turn mushy.
Get the Chicken and Zucchini Skillet recipe
17. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts
Chicken grilled and brushed with a balsamic reduction for a tangy, slightly sweet finish.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the glaze cool slightly before brushing—it thickens and coats better when not piping hot.
Get the Balsamic Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe
18. Chicken Taco Salad Bowls
Seasoned chicken over crisp lettuce with salsa, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and a dollop of sour cream.
Olivia’s Tip
Mix salsa with a bit of ranch or sour cream for a quick, creamy dressing that ties everything together.
