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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
![summer chicken recipes chicken pasta salad summer chicken recipes chicken pasta salad](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-chicken-pasta-salad-644c1da29b936.jpeg?crop=0.8xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes spinach feta burger summer chicken recipes spinach feta burger](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-spinach-feta-burger-644c1e40ae591.jpeg?crop=0.8xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes chicken fried chicken summer chicken recipes chicken fried chicken](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-chicken-fried-chicken-644c1f1c4da8a.jpeg?crop=0.8xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes chicken primavera chicken primavera in orange pot](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-chicken-primavera-1653590715.jpeg?crop=0.7991836734693878xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes homemade chicken burger homemade chicken burger with potato chips on blue plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-homemade-chicken-burgers-1653589557.jpeg?crop=1xw:0.998062015503876xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes grilled chicken sliders grilled chicken sliders on yellow plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-grilled-chicken-sliders-1653590853.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.834xh;0,0.0680xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes green goddess chicken salad dip green goddess chicken salad dip with chip](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-green-goddess-chicken-salad-dip-1653590995.jpeg?crop=0.801xw:1.00xh;0.0476xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes barbecue chicken salad barbecue chicken salad with ranch dressing in measuring cup](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-barbecue-chicken-salad-1653591485.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.837xh;0,0.117xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes caprese chicken pasta caprese chicken pasta with tomatoes](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-caprese-chicken-pasta-1653591804.jpeg?crop=0.641xw:1.00xh;0.211xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes greek chicken kebab greek chicken kebab with pita and yogurt dip](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-greek-chicken-kebabs-1653591181.jpeg?crop=0.605xw:1.00xh;0.170xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes lemon pepper chicken lemon pepper chicken breasts on platter with lemon wedges](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-lemon-pepper-chicken-1653592025.jpeg?crop=0.7959183673469388xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes chicken salad chicken salad sandwich on blue plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-chicken-salad-1653592193.jpeg?crop=0.634xw:1.00xh;0.224xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes pollo asado tacos pollo asado tacos on orange platter with limes](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-pollo-asado-tacos-1653592695.jpeg?crop=0.801xw:1.00xh;0.117xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes grilled chicken marinade grilled chicken marinade on blue and white plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-grilled-chicken-marinade-1653594098.jpeg?crop=0.798xw:1.00xh;0.150xw,0&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes grilled chicken with zucchini noodles grilled chicken with zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipe-grilled-chicken-with-zucchini-noodles-1653592356.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.999xh;0,0.00136xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes one pot chicken pesto pasta one pot chicken pesto pasta with basil](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-one-pot-chicken-pesto-pasta-1653595362.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.894xh;0,0.0170xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes grilled chicken sandwich grilled chicken sandwich with slaw and pickles](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-grilled-chicken-sandwich-1653597150.jpeg?crop=0.8016326530612246xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes oven barbecue chicken oven barbecue chicken on platter yellow surface](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-barbecue-chicken-1653597544.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.839xh;0,0.0251xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes chicken caesar milanese chicken caesar milanese on plate with lemon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-chicken-caesar-milanese-1653597774.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.838xh;0,0.110xh&resize=980:*)
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
![summer chicken recipes sheet pan cajun chicken and corn cajun chicken and corn with peppers on plate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/summer-chicken-recipes-sheet-pan-cajun-chicken-and-corn-1653597340.jpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.835xh;0,0.148xh&resize=980:*)
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.
![harvest bowl recipe the pioneer woman's harvest bowl recipe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-harvest-bowl-recipe-64ef7a2e491ad.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.431xw,0&resize=360:*)
You Have to Try These Harvest Bowls for Lunch
![buffalo chicken sloppy joes recipe the pioneer woman's buffalo chicken sloppy joes recipe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/pw-fourthquarterfeast-0045-preview-64d5518c588a1.jpg?crop=0.583xw:0.873xh;0.308xw,0.127xh&resize=360:*)
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Will Fuel the Tailgate
![mothers day dinner ideas chicken primavera mothers day dinner ideas chicken primavera](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/chicken-primavera-recipe-1646146815.jpg?crop=0.650xw:0.976xh;0.202xw,0.0171xh&resize=360:*)
One-Pot Chicken Primavera Is a Pasta Lover's Dream
![chicken gnocchi soup recipe the pioneer woman's chicken gnocchi soup recipe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/chicken-and-gnocchi-soup-recipe-2-1662605159-646bb9eb650af.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.292xw,0&resize=360:*)
Make One-Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Dinner