Chicken is probably already a staple in your WW toolkit, but summer calls for a completely different approach than those hearty winter braises and casseroles. When it’s blazing hot outside, you need chicken recipes that feel light, fresh, and exciting – not the same old baked chicken breast that leaves you feeling uninspired.
These 10 summer chicken recipes are all about bright flavors, quick cooking methods, and ingredients that make you feel energized rather than weighed down. I’m talking about zesty marinades, fresh herb combinations, and cooking techniques that won’t heat up your kitchen or your body temperature. From grilled favorites with Mexican flair to cold chicken salads perfect for lunch, each recipe brings something special to your summer meal rotation.
The best part? Most of these recipes are incredibly versatile – you can serve them hot off the grill, at room temperature for picnics, or chilled for those days when you just can’t handle anything warm. Get ready to fall in love with chicken all over again and actually look forward to your summer meals instead of just getting through them.
1. WW Summer Chicken: Keto Chicken Nuggets
If you want fast food style chicken nuggets at home, this is the recipe to use. And with the air fryer, they end up crispy without heating your whole kitchen. They are 4 points per serving and they’re gluten-free, so if you have any gluten issues, you can finally have a worthy alternative.
2. Pesto Chicken and Avocado
Grilled chicken salads are a common go-to for dieters because we know “chicken and veggies” is always a safe bet. But that doesn’t mean it can’t pack in flavor! The pesto added to this salad really takes it to another level, which will have you loving salads again. And the addition of the avocado adds fiber and healthy fats to help keep you satisfied.
3. WW Summer Chicken: Chipotle Lime Burgers
These copycat Trader Joe’s chipotle lime chicken burgers bring flavor to your summer lunches! You can either grill these or use a frying pan, depending on what you have time for. Either way, you get a delicious burger for zero Weight Watchers points, leaving plenty of room for a bun!
4. Cornflake Chicken
Craving fried chicken but want to stick to your weight loss goals? This cornflake chicken is your answer! High in protein and low in fat, it offers a quick and easy lunch or dinner solution without sacrificing taste or adding unhealthy fats. For an even faster meal, opt for pre-cut chicken strips to reduce prep time. Now there are no excuses – enjoy the delicious flavor of fried chicken while staying on track.
5. WW Summer Chicken: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
I love these buffalo chicken rolls for summer meal prep. They keep really well in the fridge, so if you make a big batch of them, you’ll just use your oven once. Then, the rest of the week, you can add these buffalo cheesy chicken rolls to salads, bowls, wraps, etc. It’s a great meal hack!
6. Asiago Chicken
This asiago chicken breast is a lighter and slightly more sophisticated twist on the popular garlic bacon and cheese stuffed chicken recipe. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just pair it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s kind to your waistline. It clocks in at a mere 3 Weight Watchers points.
7. WW Summer Chicken: Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a fantastic summer dish because if you can get some fresh basil and spinach from a neighbor’s garden, this dish is amazing. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes bring a bright summery flavor to the dish. It’s a great date night recipe with its 2 servings being just 7 Weight Watchers points.
8. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Sometimes during the summer, you do need a hearty meal, so let’s not forget about pasta bakes. This buffalo chicken version is cheesy and satisfying, all while staying under 7 points per serving. You can change up the heat to your preference as well – just change the amount of Frank’s hot sauce based on what you like.
9. WW Summer Chicken: Satay Skewers
Enjoy bold flavors without the guilt! These juicy chicken and red pepper skewers, inspired by Indonesian street food and adapted for Weight Watchers, are marinated in a tangy blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and peanut butter. Roasted to perfection and packed with protein, each serving (3 skewers) is just 1 Point. They’re easy to prep, fun to serve, and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts.
10. Chicken Shawarma
This Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic option! This sheet pan chicken shawarma is amazing and incredibly simple to whip up, bursting with incredible flavor. It’s 0 SmartPoints on both the Blue and Purple Weight Watchers programs, and only 1 point on the new program. Enjoy it over cooked rice, as a low-carb salad topping, or with pita (point values vary). A recipe for an easy, low-point white sauce is also included.
I hope these Weight Watchers-friendly chicken recipes bring you much flavor, health, and ease into your kitchen. You can keep these ideas as a great base for healthy eating all year round, whenever you need delicious, lighter meals!
