Ah, summer—the season where the sun lingers a bit longer, and dinner on the patio becomes the evening ritual. Picture this: the sizzle of chicken on the grill, mingling with the scent of freshly cut grass, creating a symphony of summer scents that dance in the warm breeze. These easy chicken recipes are like a ticket to a sun-drenched feast, where each bite feels like a celebration of the season’s vibrant bounty.
Steps
- Grilled Chimichurri Chicken with Couscous Salad: Marinate chicken in chimichurri sauce, then grill until cooked through. Toss couscous with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Serve the grilled chicken over the couscous salad.
- Slow Roasted Tomato Farro Salad: Roast tomatoes slowly until they are soft and flavorful. Cook farro according to package instructions. Mix the roasted tomatoes with farro, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- 20-Minute Summer Squash Pasta: Sauté sliced summer squash in olive oil until tender. Cook your choice of pasta and combine with the squash. Add grated parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
- Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli: Marinate chicken in a honey mustard sauce, then grill alongside broccoli florets. Serve hot with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Grilled Romaine Salads: Slice romaine hearts in half and grill until charred. Top with parmesan cheese, croutons, and your favorite dressing.
- Summer Grilled Chicken Rice Bowls: Grill chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Serve over rice with avocado, corn, black beans, and a squeeze of lime.
- Cheesy Pesto Lovers Pasta: Cook pasta of choice and mix with pesto sauce. Add mozzarella cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.
- Pesto Caprese Puff Pastry Pizza: Roll out puff pastry, spread with pesto, and top with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Bake until the pastry is golden and cheese is melted.
- Jalapeño Peach Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken in a jalapeño and peach mixture. Grill until cooked through. Serve with a side of grilled peaches.
- Summer Grilled Salmon with Chimichurri: Grill salmon fillets and top with chimichurri sauce. Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
- Burst Tomato Burrata Pasta: Sauté cherry tomatoes until they burst. Toss with cooked pasta and top with burrata cheese and fresh basil.
- Marinated Tomato BLTs: Marinate sliced tomatoes in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Assemble sandwiches with bacon, lettuce, and the marinated tomatoes.
- Melted Zucchini Baked Ziti: Sauté zucchini until soft, then mix with cooked ziti and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly.
- Italian Chopped Salad on Grilled Garlic Baguettes: Grill baguette slices brushed with garlic butter. Top with a chopped salad of mixed greens, salami, and parmesan.
- Burst Tomato Pasta with Chickpeas: Cook pasta and toss with burst cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Summer Risotto Stuffed Peppers: Prepare risotto and fill halved bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the risotto is heated through.
- Mini Pesto Chicken Meatball Soup: Make small chicken meatballs and cook in a broth with vegetables. Stir in pesto before serving.
- Summer BBQ Chicken Grilled Pizza: Grill pizza dough and top with BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, and cheese. Grill until the cheese is melted.
- Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad: Grill chicken with a hot honey glaze. Serve with a salad of fresh corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Cheeseburger Salad with Pickle Vinaigrette: Cook ground beef with burger seasonings. Serve over salad greens with cheese, pickles, and a pickle-flavored vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Chimichurri sauce
- Couscous
- Slow-roasted tomatoes
- Farro
- Summer squash
- Pasta
- Honey mustard sauce
- Broccoli
- Romaine lettuce
- Rice
- Cheese
- Pesto sauce
- Puff pastry
- Peaches
- Jalapeños
- Salmon
- Burrata cheese
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Baked ziti pasta
- Italian salad ingredients
- Garlic baguettes
- Chickpeas
- Risotto
- Bell peppers
- Mini chicken meatballs
- Soup base ingredients
- BBQ sauce
- Corn
- Salad greens
- Pickle vinaigrette
- Citrus fruits
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy summer dinner ideas?
- Some quick summer dinner options include 20-minute summer squash pasta, grilled honey mustard chicken with broccoli, and burst tomato burrata pasta. These dishes are not only delicious but also come together swiftly, making them perfect for weeknight meals.
- How can I incorporate summer produce into my meals?
- Utilize fresh summer produce by making dishes like grilled chimichurri chicken with couscous salad or slow-roasted tomato farro salad. These recipes highlight seasonal ingredients, offering fresh and vibrant flavors.
- What are some tips for preparing summer meals in advance?
- Preparing sauces and dressings such as vinaigrettes, pesto, and chimichurri ahead of time can make meal prep more efficient. These condiments can be stored in the fridge and used to enhance the flavor of various dishes throughout the week.
- How can I make the most of my grill during the summer?
- Grilling is a fantastic option for summer meals. Try making grilled romaine salads, jalapeño peach grilled chicken, or summer grilled salmon with chimichurri. Pair these with a grain salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- What are some creative summer pizza ideas?
- For a fun twist on pizza, consider trying BBQ chicken grilled pizza or pesto caprese puff pastry pizza. These variations use summer flavors and ingredients to create a unique and delicious dining experience.
Tips
- Prepare dressings and sauces like vinaigrettes, pesto, and chimichurri in advance. These can be stored in the fridge and used to enhance various meals throughout the week, saving time and adding flavor.
- Incorporate grilling into your summer meal routine by cooking meats or fish on the grill. Pair these with a grain salad for a balanced and refreshing dinner.
- Utilize summer produce by making “clean-out-the-fridge” pasta dishes. Combine fresh vegetables with pasta for a quick and easy meal that makes use of seasonal ingredients.
- Plan meals that can be assembled quickly by preparing certain components ahead of time, such as marinating meats or chopping vegetables. This preparation will make cooking dinner faster and more efficient.
Equipment
- Grill – For grilling chicken, salmon, romaine, and pizzas.
- Food Processor or Blender – For making sauces and dressings like pesto and chimichurri.
- Mandoline Slicer – Useful for evenly slicing vegetables, especially for salads or thin pasta dishes.
- Zoodle Maker/Spiralizer – For making pasta from summer squash or zucchini.
- Salad Spinner – To efficiently clean and dry fresh produce for salads.
- Cast Iron Skillet – For slow roasting tomatoes and preparing dishes that require high heat.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone – For baking items like puff pastry pizzas or baked ziti.
- Rice Cooker or Instant Pot – For cooking grains like couscous, rice, or farro efficiently.
