There’s no wrong time to enjoy a chicken dinner, and summer is as good a season as any. We wanted to share some fan-loved chicken recipes that are perfect during the hot months. Not surprisingly, slow-cooker, one-pan dinners, and simple salads were among the top-rated recipes. These chicken dinners are phenomenally popular for good reason. They’re all relatively easy to make, they won’t heat up your kitchen too much, and are perfect for those lazy summer days.
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Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Just 10 minutes of prep, and your work is basically done thanks to your slow cooker does. This is a great meal to come home to after a long day at work. “Using the slow cooker is the easiest way to make a tasty chicken barbecue,” says daveburkevt. “Next time I’ll use a spicier barbecue sauce.”
Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
More than 9,000 of our home cooks have made and raved about this recipe. This slow-cooker recipe features chicken thighs in a simple sauce made with soy sauce, ketchup, and honey. “Easy and uses pantry staples,” says reviewer Myrna. “Always a hit with adults and kids. Serve with basmati rice or quinoa and steamed or roasted vegetables.”
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This light and zesty slow cooker chicken is divine over spaghetti. “Seasoned, browned chicken breasts slow cooked with lemon juice, garlic, and chicken bouillon,” says Allrecipes member Carla Joy. “A wonderful fix-and-forget recipe that is easy and pleases just about everyone.” If you like, add baby carrots, sliced mushrooms, and frozen peas for the perfect one-pot weeknight meal.
Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
It’s wouldn’t be the summer without sweet grilled chicken kabobs marinated in honey, soy sauce, pepper, and garlic. “You can marinate overnight and make these kabobs for an outdoor barbecue as a tasty alternative to the usual barbecue fare!” says Allrecipes member Ann Marie. “Fresh mushrooms and cherry tomatoes can also be used. (This can also be done in the broiler.)”
Chicken Quesadillas
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This chicken quesadilla recipe is great to make for parties,” says Allrecipes member Heather. “Zesty chicken, cooked peppers, and melted cheese are a delightful combination. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.”
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Here’s another quick dinner that you can whip up with leftover grilled chicken. This chicken fried rice with lots of tasty vegetables and a simple sauce is also a great way to sneak in healthy veggies during busy weeknights. “Chicken fried rice, just like they serve in the restaurants!” says reviewer Sal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Absolutely delicious! Wish I could give it MORE than 5 stars!” says reviewer Melanie Wiens Craddock. “I made the recommended Bill Echol’s Taco Seasoning, and put all of it in the soup…very healthy, ingredients were inexpensive, and the whole bowl had a great fresh taste with the cilantro and fresh lime, a creaminess from the sour cream, crunch from the crunched up chips, and gooeyness from the cheese!”
Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Baby Tomatoes
When you have a glut of tomatoes in the summer, this tangy recipe is a great way to use them up. “I love this recipe,” says Allrecipes member KissRiss. “It’s great paired with a salad and/or brown basmati rice. So Paleo. So delicious!”
Lemon Chicken Piccata
Light, luscious, and lemony—what more could you want from a summer chicken dinner? “This delicious chicken piccata dish is exquisite and easy to prepare,” says Allrecipes member LemonLush. “The light and luscious lemon sauce really pops without being too acidic; it is simply divine. I love to serve this with herb-roasted potatoes or lemon-rice pilaf.”
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potato Bake
This delicious tray-bake is a quick family dinner that takes very little effort. “I love one-pan meals, especially when no measuring and exact ingredients are involved,” says Allrecipes member Chef V. “I made this one Sunday when I didn’t want to babysit my food in the kitchen! Turned out great, and I served it with tzatziki sauce.”
Best Chicken Salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Out of all the chicken salads on the site, this classic one is the most popular. It’s a yummy blend of seasoned chicken (thighs or breast meat), mayonnaise, almonds, and celery. “Super easy to make with the bonus of being delicious!” says reviewer Keiko.
Club Chicken Pasta Salad
This pasta chicken salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and salty. You’ll mix the pasta with chicken, bacon, Muenster cheese, celery, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, then toss with dressing. “This is, hands down, my favorite pasta salad!” says reviewer ClassyClam5612.
Pesto Chicken Caprese
Photographer: Jacob Fox / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali
This chicken dinner is filled with fresh flavors and bright colors thanks to the addition of pesto, acidic tomatoes, and basil. The recipe doesn’t skip on the cheesy goodness we love with chicken either. Ready in about 30 minutes, It’s one-pan meal you can’t go wrong with.
Salsa Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This salsa chicken recipe is very easy and quick! Someone gave me this recipe a few years back, and it has become a household favorite,” says Allrecipes member Faye. “Depending on your taste, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa. I usually serve it with Spanish rice and Mexican-style canned corn.”
