30 Finger-Licking Summer Chicken Recipes

Best Grilled Chicken Thighs

Skip the hot kitchen and fire up the grill for these summer chicken thighs. They come out juicy and delicious, and they pair perfectly with fresh seasonal summer veggies.

Find the Best Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe here.

Grilled BBQ Marinated Chicken

This simple BBQ marinade comes together with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. Follow the easy steps for perfectly grilled chicken that’s packed with smoky, tangy flavor.

Find the full Grilled BBQ Marinated Chicken recipe here.

Pineapple Mango Grilled Chicken Skewers

Make these bright, fruity skewers ahead of time and simply grill them when your guests arrive. Serve with grilled bell peppers for a lighter summer dinner that’s perfect for late nights on the patio.

Find the full Pineapple Mango Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe here.

Gochujang Chicken

This amazing dish blends spicy Korean gochujang with rich, savory Asian flavors for a meal that’s tender and deeply satisfying. For the juiciest results, marinate the chicken overnight – you won’t regret the extra step!

Find the full Gochujang Chicken recipe here.

Mexican Chicken Marinade

Whisk together fresh ingredients like lime, cilantro, and spices for the juiciest grilled chicken you’ve ever tasted. This easy, make-ahead marinade also works beautifully on beef, and it’s simple to double for parties or celebrations.

Find the full Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe here.

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet pineapple juice, pungent garlic, and warm ginger infuse this savory teriyaki chicken with the bright flavors of the islands. Skip the bottled sauce – homemade is just as easy to whip up and gives you control over the garlic and ginger.

Find the full Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken recipe here.

Traeger Chicken Thighs

Smoky, juicy, and packed with a bold spice rub, these chicken thighs are a foolproof crowd-pleaser every time. Serve them whole with your favorite sides, or pile the tender meat onto sandwiches and salads for an easy lunch or dinner.

Find the full Traeger Chicken Thighs recipe here.

Korean Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken soaks up fantastic spices and flavors to create a burger that everyone will love. Top it with homemade Gochujang apricot sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crunchy slaw, and a fried egg for an unforgettable meal.

Find the full Korean Chicken Burgers recipe here.

Chicken Salad Board

Build your own impressive chicken salad board with buttery croissants and all your favorite toppings. The easy, delicious chicken salad recipe brings everything together for a fun, interactive meal.

Find the full Chicken Salad Board recipe here.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

This quick and easy recipe pairs succulent grilled chicken with a luscious pineapple glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and irresistible. There’s no long marinating time required, so you can have a tasty tropical dinner on the table in no time.

Find the full Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe here.

BBQ Chicken Bacon Skewer

Just add tender chicken, sweet peppers, juicy pineapple, and smoky barbecue sauce for the ultimate summer skewer. Everyone loves the classic combo of chicken and bacon, and these are so easy to prep ahead and pop in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Find the full BBQ Chicken Bacon Skewer recipe here.

Chicken Pineapple Salad

Whip up this bright and flavorful chicken salad in just 15 minutes for a quick and easy lunch. Sweet grapes and juicy pineapple add a refreshing twist to the classic, making it perfect for summer sandwiches on a toasted baguette or served as a light salad on its own. Top it with melted cheese for an extra-special treat.

Find the full Chicken Pineapple Salad recipe here.

Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad

Enjoy a burst of bright flavor and satisfying crunch with this effortless chicken salad. Lean protein and fresh veggies are tossed with a creamy, tangy peanut dressing and topped with toasted almonds for the perfect texture. It’s a quick, wholesome meal that feels anything but ordinary.

Find the full Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad recipe here.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This vibrant 30-minute pasta salad is always the first to disappear at potlucks and gatherings. Packed with chicken, pasta, fresh veggies, and cheese, it’s tossed in a delicious creamy pesto dressing. It’s incredibly versatile – perfect chilled for summer, or made with rotisserie chicken and served warm in the winter.

Find the full Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad recipe here.

Strawberry Watermelon Chicken Salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad is a showstopper for summer dinners, brunches, or potlucks. Juicy chicken is paired with sweet strawberries and watermelon, all tossed in a light and flavorful homemade basil dressing. Feel free to add nuts, cheese, or extra berries to make it your own.

Find the full Strawberry Watermelon Chicken Salad recipe here.

Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad

This vibrant salad is the ultimate fresh and filling meal, packed with corn, black beans, creamy avocado, and tender chicken. Tossed in a tangy dressing and finished with plenty of fresh cilantro, it’s bursting with Southwest flavor. Perfect for a summer lunch, dinner, or as a show-stopping dish at your next potluck.

Find the full Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad recipe here.

Chicken Teriyaki Tenders

Forget takeout! These Baked Chicken Teriyaki Tenders are so easy and delicious, you’ll want to make the homemade sauce from scratch. The tender, baked chicken is glazed in a perfectly sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and pairs beautifully with a side of rice. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Find the full Chicken Teriyaki Tenders recipe here.

Greek Chicken Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

This hearty and colorful salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying main dish. Fresh, tangy, and with a delightful crunch from chickpeas, it combines tender chicken with quinoa and classic Greek flavors. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for a healthy lunch or dinner that’s full of texture and zest.

Find the full Greek Chicken Quinoa & Chickpea Salad recipe here.

Five Spice Chicken Pitas

Fragrant Chinese five-spice powder (a warm blend of cloves, fennel, star anise, peppercorns, and cinnamon) makes these chicken pita sandwiches truly special. Stuff flavor-packed chicken thighs and fresh veggies into soft pitas for a quick, satisfying lunch.

Find the full Five Spice Chicken Pitas recipe here. 

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

This timeless chicken salad features fresh red grapes, crunchy celery, aromatic herbs, red onion, and plenty of chopped chicken. It’s absolutely delicious served on a flaky, buttery croissant.

Find the full Classic Chicken Salad Recipe here.

Chili Lime Chicken Thighs

Serve these vibrant chili lime chicken thighs on a beautiful platter surrounded by colorful veggies like carrots, peppers, broccoli, and cucumber. Double the recipe for easy leftovers and meal prep throughout the week.

Find the full Chili Lime Chicken Thighs recipe here.

Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos

Toss everything on one sheet pan, bake, and assemble the easiest, most customizable tacos for your next taco night. Smoky chipotle chicken pairs perfectly with sweet corn and charred poblanos, while melty cheese ties it all together in under an hour.

Find the full Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos recipe here.

Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs

These bright, herby lemon basil chicken kebabs come together in no time at all. Serve them with fragrant brown basmati rice studded with onions, warm spices, and raisins, plus fresh bread on the side.

Find the full Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs recipe here.

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Skip the frozen aisle or the delivery driver and make this easy BBQ chicken pizza right at home. It’s topped with barbecued chicken, melted cheese, crispy pancetta, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy BBQ béchamel sauce. You may want to double the recipe!

Find the full Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe here.

Barbecue Maple Chicken Kebabs

Pure maple syrup adds a caramelized sweetness that takes these chicken kebabs to the next level. Make them ahead for easy summer entertaining, since kebabs are a staple for grilling and parties.

Find the full Barbecue Maple Chicken Kebabs recipe here.

Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Toss chopped chicken and crisp vegetables with a creamy, peanut-inspired dressing, then let guests assemble their own cool, crunchy lettuce wraps. These are just like the famous restaurant version, but so easy to make at home.

Find the full Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe here.

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers get brushed with incredibly flavorful Bang Bang sauce while they grill, with extra reserved for dipping at the end. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and food on a stick always tastes better.

Find the full Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe here.

Zucchini Burrata Chicken Salad

Serve this grilled zucchini and burrata chicken salad with crusty bread for sopping up every last bite. A sweet-tart strawberry reduction and fresh herbs finish the dish beautifully, making the most of end-of-summer produce.

Find the full Zucchini Burrata Chicken Salad recipe here.

Pineapple Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, these tacos are a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner option. Top them with a fresh, zesty cilantro slaw for a surefire hit that the whole family will love.

Find the full Pineapple Chipotle Chicken Tacos recipe here.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This creamy, tangy, herby pasta salad is absolutely packed with crispy bacon and tender chicken. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal and perfect for hot summer days when you’re gathered outside with burgers and good company.

Find the full Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe here.

For a complete meal, serve these summer chicken recipes with Grilled Tequila-Pineapple Skewers, Garlic Cheese Bread, or Arugula Burrata Salad (with Honey Lemon Dressing), to name a few!