As the summer heat intensifies, we all look for ways to cool down and stay hydrated. Iced drinks and frozen treats provide a refreshing respite from the sweltering temperatures. However, when it comes to meals, many of our favourite dishes, like spicy curries and steamed chicken, are too hot for the summer. This can be frustrating for those who love chicken but want to avoid feeling overheated after eating. The solution is to find chicken recipes that are cooked ahead of time and served at room temperature instead of piping hot dishes that are otherwise preferred during the winters.
Chicken Sandwich
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If you love sandwiches, then you will enjoy eating cold chicken sandwiches in the summer. This refreshing dish is perfect for hot days when you want something tasty but light. To make a cold chicken sandwich, start with two slices of soft bread—white, whole wheat, sourdough, or your favourite type. Layer the bread with crunchy lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and sliced onion if desired. Top with cooked, chilled chicken breast sliced thin or shredded into bite-size pieces. Add a spread or condiment that appeals to you, like mayonnaise, mustard, or a flavoured aioli.
Chicken Salad
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Cold chicken pairs wonderfully with salad ingredients. To make this, you need boneless, cooked and diced chicken. Once the chicken is cold, mix it with refreshing salad ingredients like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and your favourite sauces like ranch, Caesar or vinaigrette.
To make the salad, start by dicing and cooking chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Chop your desired salad vegetables, like lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, etc. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, vegetables and sauce of choice.
Chicken Tacos
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Another delicious summer chicken recipe is homemade tacos. Tacos are a classic Mexican dish that can be easily prepared at home for a satisfying snack or light meal. To make chicken tacos, start by sautéing diced chicken breast with taco seasoning. While the chicken is cooked, chop lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and any other desired veggies. Warm taco shells in the oven. Once the chicken is cooked, assemble the tacos by layering the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa in the taco shells.
Lemon Chicken
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Lemon chicken is a mouthwatering stir-fry dish that delivers a tangy citrus flavour with very little calorie cost. To make this light weeknight meal, start by pounding chicken breasts thin and marinating them in a zippy sauce of lemon juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey for 30 minutes.
Then, heat up a skillet with a small amount of oil and sauté the chicken until lightly browned. Next, add sliced onions, peppers, carrots and broccoli to the pan and stir-fry until the veggies soften. Pour the leftover marinade over everything and let it reduce into a flavourful glaze, coating the chicken and veggies. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a filling dinner.
Also Read: Beyond KFC: How India Fries Chicken
Roasted Lemon Chicken And Potatoes
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Lemon makes for a fantastically fragrant addition to this roast chicken recipe. Roasting a whole chicken with lemon, garlic, and herbs is a simple yet delicious way to prepare a savoury meal. First, rub the chicken all over with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and garlic cloves. Tie the legs together and place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Arrange halved lemons, whole garlic bulbs, and small potatoes around the chicken. Roast at 400°F for about 1 hour until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is beautifully browned.
Chicken Lettuce Wrap
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This chicken lettuce wrap is a scrumptious and satisfying snack that's surprisingly easy to make. Begin by cooking chicken breasts or thighs in your preferred method until fully cooked. While the chicken cooks, rinse and pat dry fresh lettuce leaves—romaine or iceberg work great. Next, assemble your wraps. Place the cooked chicken in the centre of a lettuce leaf and top with your desired sauces and veggies, like ranch, salsa, avocado, tomato, onion, etc. Wrap the lettuce leaf around the filling to encase everything inside. Roll it up tightly, almost like a burrito.
Roti Chicken Chaat
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Summertime brings cravings for cool and spicy street food like chaats. This mouthwatering recipe transforms humble leftovers into nacho-like chaat bites bursting with flavour. Begin by shredding and sautéing chicken pieces with onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos. Next, cut the rotis into triangles and lightly toast until crispy. Layer the roti chips on a platter and top with the spiced chicken mixture, olives, shredded cheese, and a dollop of salsa and cheese dip.