33 Light and Easy Chicken Dinners Mom Made Each Summer
There’s something about summer dinners at Mom’s that just hit different—light, flavorful, and always made with love. This collection of 33 light and easy chicken dinners is inspired by those memorable summer meals—full of bright citrus, fresh herbs, and cozy, no-fuss comfort. From lemony baked chicken and creamy slow cooker meals to quick salads and soups, each dish is simple to make, big on flavor, and easy on the cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a relaxed dinner that doesn’t weigh you down, these recipes are sure to bring back those warm-weather dinner vibes—and you’ll want to see them all.
Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

This baked lemon pepper chicken is packed with bright citrus and bold black pepper flavor. It’s a no-fuss, oven-baked option that’s both light and flavorful—great for a quick dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Versatile Chicken Salad With Grapes

A light and fruity option perfect on croissants or crackers. This chicken salad with grapes is a perfect blend of sweet and savory! Tender chicken pairs with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Versatile Chicken Salad With Grapes
Rotisserie Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

A lighter take on comfort food, this Greek-style soup uses rotisserie chicken and lemony broth to create a soothing, easy-to-make meal with delicate flavor and heartwarming simplicity.Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Lemon Rice Soup
Slow Cooker Creamy Mississippi Chicken

This creamy Mississippi chicken brings a mild kick from banana peppers and smooth richness from heavy cream. It’s a cozy, hands-off dinner that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Mississippi Chicken
Honey Glazed Lemon Pepper Wings

These baked wings are crispy and sweet with a zesty lemon pepper kick. Great as a light meal or snack, they come together easily in the oven without deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Lemon Pepper Wings
Classic Slow Cooked Chicken and Dumplings

A slow cooker favorite, this comforting dish uses tender chicken and pillowy dumplings in a creamy base. It’s a lighter version of a traditional classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor.Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooked Chicken and Dumplings
Crock Pot Chicken with Creamy Ranch

With only a few ingredients, this creamy ranch chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to toss in the crock pot. The sauce is rich yet balanced, making it a simple, cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken with Creamy Ranch
Easy Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing

Just four ingredients and five minutes of prep make this chicken and stuffing dish an effortless dinner. It’s a lighter take on comfort food, made simple with pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing
Simple Chicken Salad

This creamy chicken salad comes together in minutes with just a few fresh ingredients. It’s light, protein-packed, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chicken Salad
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken in Gravy

Make your own Cajun-seasoned chicken with a silky, homemade gravy—right in the crock pot. It’s full of flavor but still light enough for everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken in Gravy
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup (Crockpot)

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, made with tender chicken breasts, herbs, and veggies in a flavorful broth, perfect for low-stress, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Noodle Soup (Crockpot)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Slow Cooker)

Garlic and Parmesan come together in this easy creamy chicken recipe. Let your slow cooker take the lead on this dish that feels hearty without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Slow Cooker)
Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

This Tuscan-inspired chicken is rich with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan but still feels like a light, balanced meal. Serve over pasta or veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken
Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup

This creamy soup is loaded with tender chicken and sweet corn. It’s a light, comforting option that practically cooks itself in the crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup
Slow-Cooked Lemon Garlic Chicken

Let your slow cooker do the work with this creamy lemon garlic chicken. It’s rich in flavor but light on prep, and the tender chicken pairs perfectly with pasta for a laid-back dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooked Lemon Garlic Chicken
Sweet Slow Cooked Chicken Tocino

This Filipino-inspired dish features sweet, tangy chicken simmered in a homemade marinade. It’s light, flavorful, and effortless with the help of a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Slow Cooked Chicken Tocino
Quick Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Ready in just 30 minutes, this pulled BBQ chicken is juicy, tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or bowls. It’s a fast, light option that’s big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

This creamy chili features tender chicken, beans, and mild spices. It’s an easy, lighter version of a comfort food favorite, great for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

A cheesy, creamy spaghetti dish made simple with the slow cooker. Despite the rich flavor, it’s a light and easy option using pantry staples and lean chicken.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

This lemon garlic butter sauce is quick to whip up and adds bright, fresh flavor to your favorite chicken dinners. A light, versatile topper for meats or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Easy Whole Chicken in Crock Pot

This slow-cooked whole chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget while prepping light, healthy meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whole Chicken in Crock Pot
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Coconut Milk

Creamy, cozy, and lightly flavored with herbs and coconut milk, this casserole is both hearty and light. It’s a no-fuss dinner that’s gentle on the budget and prep time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole with Coconut Milk
Pollo Verde Chicken with Salsa Verde

This dish features tender chicken simmered in a zesty homemade salsa verde. It’s a light, flavorful dinner that’s easy to serve over rice or in tortillas.
Get The Full Recipe: Pollo Verde Chicken with Salsa Verde
Tortellini Soup With Chicken

A comforting yet light soup with cheese tortellini, tender chicken, and Italian herbs. It’s easy to make in a crock pot and perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup With Chicken
Slow Cooked Chicken Tacos

Minimal prep, maximum flavor. These crock pot chicken tacos are simple and light, with tender meat that’s great for taco night or burrito bowls.
Get The Full Recipe: Slow Cooked Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

This slow-cooked chicken Parmesan is lightened up by skipping the frying. With Panko and marinara, it’s a tasty, no-stress version of the classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This creamy chicken soup includes pillowy gnocchi and fresh spinach. It’s easy to make and surprisingly light, thanks to lean chicken and slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
French Onion Soup Chicken Casserole

Savory chicken thighs, caramelized onions, beefy broth, and gooey provolone cheese come together in this French Onion Chicken Casserole!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup Chicken Casserole
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot shredded chicken is a flavorful and versatile recipe made with chicken breasts, broth, and seasonings. It’s ideal for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, or serving in tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Make it ahead and use it throughout the week for easy, protein-packed dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Easy Jalapeno Popper Soup With Chicken

This creamy and cheesy Jalapeno Popper Soup has savory bacon, spicy jalapenos, and melty cheese, just like the classic appetizer but better.
Get the Recipe: Easy Jalapeno Popper Soup With Chicken
Easy-Prep Chicken With Salsa

Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is an easy 10 minute prep, recipe for tender, flavorful shredded chicken for tacos, burritos, and more.
Get the Recipe: Easy-Prep Chicken With Salsa
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Sausage Corn Chowder recipe is about to become your new favorite. With a rich, creamy broth filled with tender sausage and fresh sweet corn, this chowder is perfect for those cooler nights when you just want to cozy up with a bowl of something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Oven Baked Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Baked Lemon Chicken and Roasted Potatoes is simple and delicious with tender, juicy chicken and crispy potatoes all in one pan!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Lemon Chicken With Potatoes
These 25 Salad Recipes Are Anything But Boring — Trust Us!

If you think salads are boring, think again — because these 25 fresh, colorful recipes are about to change your mind! From crunchy, zesty, and sweet to hearty, creamy, and bold, there’s something in here for every kind of craving. Trust us, these aren’t your average side salads… they’re the kind you’ll want to make the star of the meal! You’ll find everything from a vibrant Rainbow Cauliflower Salad to a zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad, and even a refreshing Fuji Apple Salad that tastes like it came straight from your favorite café. You’ll want to check out every single one of these irresistible dishes! Get All The Recipes: These 25 Salad Recipes Are Anything But Boring — Trust Us!