15 Easy Spring Chicken Recipes for Fresh and Flavorful Meals
You’ll make these all season long, no matter the weather.
Ah, spring! It’s when the world starts to feel fresh and green again, and that change in season makes us all want to change up what we eat, too. After all, spring vegetables are starting to grow, and the warmer weather welcomes back potlucks and picnics. You might be craving something a little lighter and brighter, and that’s where these spring chicken recipes come in!
Sprucing up your spring dinners with chicken is a no-brainer. First, chicken goes with practically everything from fresh salads to BBQ sides. And second, you can cook it inside or out with ease. When the weather is unseasonably cold and rainy, you can roast it in the oven or stir-fry it for a chicken dinner in a flash. Or when the sun is shining, you can finally fire up the grill. (There are actually a few recipes on this list that have instructions for both indoor and outdoor cooking.)
You’ll find zesty lemon recipes that feel sunny and bright, along with ideas that take advantage of seasonal produce like asparagus and snap peas. And if things aren’t popping out of the ground as fast as you had hoped, there are a few easy ways to bring that fresh flavor from the store instead, like jarred pesto and mango salsa. They’re an easy way to feel the brightness of spring even when the season hasn’t quite caught up yet. No matter the weather, you’ll want to eat these spring chicken recipes all season long!
Chicken Primavera
Spring means primavera season! This pasta is chock-full of spring vegetables, tender chunks of chicken breast, fresh herbs, and of course, a healthy sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Get the Chicken Primavera recipe.
Chicken Francese
The bright zing of lemon really helps plain chicken shine. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal or a quick way to impress guests. Serve it up with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of pasta.
Get the Chicken Francese recipe.
Oven Barbecue Chicken
You don’t have to grill outside to get a taste of your upcoming summer. Nope, this sweet-and-sticky chicken dinner can be roasted in the oven with ease.
Get Ree's Oven Barbecue Chicken recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Not sure what the weather will be like? No worries, because this zippy chicken is as easy to grill outside as it is to cook inside on the stove. It’s only ten minutes of prep either way.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry
Why order takeout when you can make stir-fry at home in just about 40 minutes? Make the most out of hearty chicken and those spring veggies with homemade sauce.
Get Ree's Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry recipe.
Mango Salsa Chicken
Get a pop of fresh flavor with seared, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet, tangy mango salsa. Use the store-bought kind, and it’ll be done in a snap!
Get Ree’s Mango Salsa Chicken recipe.
Enchiladas Verdes
If you were to define spring as a color, it would have to be green. So, match the season with this easy enchilada recipe. It’s like comfort wrapped in saucy tortillas.
Get the Enchiladas Verdes recipe.
Chicken Florentine
Give crispy chicken thighs a glow up with a creamy white wine sauce that’s quite easy to make. It feels extra fancy and fresh with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Get the Chicken Florentine recipe.
Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers
Get ready for burger grilling season with this flavorful twist. Greek yogurt and salty feta will change the way you think about simple chicken burgers. Grill them inside with ease!
Get Ree's Spinach and Feta Chicken Burgers recipe.
Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Snap Pea Salad
Make the easy chicken marinade the night before, and you’ll thank yourself the next day for all that flavor. Seasonal snap peas and fluffy couscous are the perfect sides.
Get Ree’s Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Snap Pea Salad recipe.
Chicken Parm Salad
Still craving comfy chicken parm but want to lighten it up? Make a salad! It still has all the ingredients you love: tomatoes, crispy chicken, mozzarella, plus an herby pesto dressing.
Get Ree's Chicken Parm Salad recipe.
Roast Jerk Chicken
You don’t have to leave your home for those breezy island flavors! Roast chicken with a spicy jerk marinade. Then all you have to do is add a fresh salad to balance it out.
Get Ree's Roast Jerk Chicken recipe.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Kick off potluck season with a hearty pasta salad that can easily double as a meal. It’s like the best mashup of classic pasta salad and a creamy chicken salad that you’d normally eat as a sandwich.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Pesto Chicken Salad
Speaking of sandwiches, these stuffed croissants are perfect for a picnic or brunch. They're filled with an easy chicken salad made with jarred pesto and yogurt, along with arugula for a peppery pop.
Get Ree's Pesto Chicken Salad recipe.
Chicken Piccata
You know what’s better than lemon and chicken? Lemon, chicken, and tangy capers! Pile it on pasta for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s so easy to make.
Get Ree’s Chicken Piccata recipe.
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