Mexican-Inspired Chicken Dishes For Spring & Summer

There’s nothing better than gathering friends and family around the table for a meal when the sun is shining! Whether you're planning a laid-back barbecue, garden party, or simply a summery weeknight dinner, these Mexican-inspired chicken dishes for spring and summer make it easy to bring both joy and flavour to the table!
From zesty chicken tacos to crisp, refreshing salads, these chicken dinner ideas embrace exactly what warmer days call for. So, dive in and discover the perfect serves for your next get together.
Spring & Summer Dinner Recipe Ideas With Chicken
Kicking off with our Strawberry & Orange Sangria Chicken Taco Boats, these spring and summer dinner recipe ideas with chicken are sure to go down a treat. Quick and easy to whip up, the preparation will feel almost effortless.

Strawberry & Orange Sangria Chicken Taco Boats
A sweet and savoury sensation, these tacos capture summer in every bite. Juicy pan-fried chicken is glazed in a vibrant strawberry and orange sangria-style sauce and served in Old El Paso™ Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Tortilla Boats.
Ready in under 20 minutes, they are perfect for quick summer dinners and fun taco nights.
Food Safety Tip: Wash fresh fruit under running water before preparation. Store chicken in the refrigerator at or below 5°C and keep it separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Recipe Name
Pan-Fried Strawberry and Orange Sangria Chicken Taco BoatsTotal Time
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sachet Old El Paso™ Seasoning Mix for Fajitas (any flavour)
- 4 chicken breast fillets (600g)
- 3 tablespoons orange liqueur or fresh orange juice
- 150ml white wine
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 200g strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 pack Old El Paso™ Stand 'N' Stuff Soft Tortilla Boats (8 tortillas)
- 85g mixed salad leaves (see Tips)
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- Fresh mint leaves, to garnish
Preparation
- Mix 2 tablespoons of the oil with the seasoning in a shallow dish. Add the chicken and turn to coat.
- Heat the rest of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until seared. Reduce the heat to low and cook for a further 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through with a golden-brown glaze (see Tips). Transfer to a chopping board, cover and leave to rest for 10 minutes.
- Return the pan to a high heat and when the pan juices are sizzling pour in the orange liqueur (or juice). Cook for 1 minute, stirring to scrape any sediment from the base of the pan. Add the wine and vinegar and boil the mixture for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the strawberries and let the mixture bubble, for a further 1 minute until the strawberries are softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Heat the tortillas to pack instructions. Thinly slice the chicken.
- Divide the salad leaves between the tortillas and top with the sliced chicken. Spoon over the sangria sauce, scatter over the orange segments and serve immediately garnished with mint leaves.
Expert Tips
- Choose a peppery mix of salad leaves with rocket, baby spinach and mizuna to compliment the sweet wine sauce.
- You’ll need a heavy-based non-stick frying pan to cook the chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, and you’ll need to turn them frequently to ensure even cooking.
Chicken Salads For Spring & Summer
When temperatures rise, there's nothing better than a cool, crisp, chicken salad packed with texture and flavour. Easy to make in bulk, salads are also the perfect dish for serving guests. These chicken salads are perfect for spring and summer dining and make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad

Fiesta Chicken Taco Salad
For those who love colourful, crunchy layers, our Fiesta Chicken Taco Salad is a certain crowd-pleaser. It’s a vibrant mix of taco-spiced chicken, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips tossed in Old El Paso™ Thick ‘N’ Chunky Salsa and a zesty dressing.
Fun and customisable, it’s the perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings.
Storage Tip: If prepping ahead, store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh and crisp. Leftover cooked chicken should be refrigerated and used within two days.
Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Fajitas
A DIY fajita night is the perfect way to get friends and family chatting around the dinner table. Set the table with warm tortillas, vibrant toppings, and sizzling flavourful chicken and let everyone build their ideal plate.

Crunchy Rainbow Chicken Fajitas
With bold colours, big crunch, and easy prep, these fajitas are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Using the Old El Paso™ Crispy Chicken Fajita Kit, this dish combines crispy, golden chicken fillets with a mix of fresh rainbow veggies, wrapped in tasty soft tortillas.
Serve with fresh salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for an extra punch of flavour!

Extra Thin Chicken Fajitas
Make Every Bite A Celebration With Old El Paso
Whether you’re grilling tacos at a backyard party or enjoying a fresh, zingy summer salad, these chicken dishes for spring and summer are sure to bring bold tastes and effortless fun to your gatherings.
So, gather your loved ones, pile up your plates, and enjoy the Good Noise of sharing delicious, easy meals together. Looking for more summer dinner ideas with chicken? Discover even more inspiration here.