10 Chicken and Rhubarb Recipes for Summer

Summer Tang + Chicken Magic = Dinner Gold

Okay, let’s talk rhubarb — because this tart little veggie (yep, it’s technically a veggie!) is having a serious summer moment. And while most of us know it from pie, it’s incredible in savory dishes, especially paired with juicy chicken. Think sweet-tangy glazes, bold BBQ sauces, and fruity salsas that scream picnic vibes.

If you’ve got rhubarb growing like a weed or scored a bundle at the farmers market, these 10 recipes are your ticket to turning it into weeknight dinner gold. All quick, family-friendly, and totally seasonal.

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1. Sticky Rhubarb BBQ Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Sweet, smoky, and sticky in all the best ways. This easy sauce doubles as a dip and makes grilled or baked chicken thighs totally irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Directions:

1. Simmer rhubarb, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and paprika in a saucepan until rhubarb breaks down and sauce thickens (10-12 mins).
2. Grill or bake chicken thighs, basting with sauce during the last few minutes.
3. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Real Mom Tip:

Double the sauce and freeze half — it’s awesome on pork or burgers too!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$7
• Per Serving (4 servings): $1.75

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Add chili flakes for a spicy twist
• Sub chicken drumsticks or breasts if you prefer

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2. Grilled Chicken with Rhubarb Chutney

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fresh and summery! This zippy chutney adds a tangy punch that takes basic grilled chicken from blah to wow.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked or grilled chicken
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, simmer all chutney ingredients until thickened (15-20 mins).
2. Serve warm or chilled over grilled chicken.

Real Mom Tip:

Make the chutney ahead and keep in the fridge — it’s also amazing on sandwiches!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$6
• Per Serving (4 servings): $1.50

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Swap raisins for chopped dates or apricots
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for depth

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3. Balsamic Rhubarb Chicken Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One pan, big flavor. Balsamic vinegar and rhubarb create a sweet-tart glaze that tastes way fancier than it is.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil; remove and set aside.
2. In same pan, add rhubarb, vinegar, and honey; simmer 5 minutes.
3. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until cooked through and glazed.

Real Mom Tip:

Serve this over rice or couscous to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$8
• Per Serving (4 servings): $2.00

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Sprinkle with fresh basil or thyme before serving
• Add chopped strawberries or cherries for more fruitiness

4. Rhubarb Honey Glazed Drumsticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Sticky, sweet, and super simple — these drumsticks are kid-friendly and great for grilling or baking.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, cook rhubarb, honey, mustard, and garlic powder until the rhubarb breaks down into a glaze.
2. Grill or bake drumsticks, basting with glaze during the last 10 minutes.

Real Mom Tip:

Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment — this glaze gets sticky!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$7
• Per Serving (4 servings): $1.75

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Use boneless thighs or wings
• Add a pinch of chili powder for heat

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5. Chicken and Rhubarb Sheet Pan Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Everything roasts together on one pan — juicy chicken, tender rhubarb, and your favorite summer veggies. Easy cleanup and no extra dishes!

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and thyme

Directions:

1. Toss everything in oil and seasonings on a sheet pan.
2. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.

Real Mom Tip:

Add a drizzle of balsamic before roasting for extra oomph.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$8
• Per Serving (4 servings): $2.00

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Add carrots or zucchini
• Swap thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning

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6. Shredded Chicken and Rhubarb Sliders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Pulled chicken meets tangy rhubarb sauce in slider form — perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or “I don’t want to cook” nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 6 slider buns

Directions:

1. Simmer rhubarb, BBQ sauce, and honey until soft and thickened.
2. Stir in chicken and warm through.
3. Pile onto slider buns and serve.

Real Mom Tip:

Make the filling the night before — the flavor gets even better overnight!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$7
• Per Serving (6 sliders): ~$1.17 each

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Top with slaw or sliced pickles
• Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet-savory combo

7. Sweet Chili Rhubarb Chicken Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fast, fresh, and full of zing! Rhubarb brings the tang, sweet chili sauce adds heat, and the veggies make it a complete one-pan wonder.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup bell pepper strips
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

Directions:

1. Sauté rhubarb and peppers in oil for 3-4 mins.
2. Add chicken, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce; stir-fry until heated through.

Real Mom Tip:

Serve it over rice noodles or steamed rice — and use frozen stir-fry veggies to save time!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$7
• Per Serving (4 servings): $1.75

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Add snap peas or broccoli
• Top with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts

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8. Rhubarb Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Cool, crunchy, and picnic-ready! These wraps are light but packed with bold, summery flavor — no forks required.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked rhubarb compote or chutney
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 8 lettuce leaves (romaine or butter)

Directions:

1. Mix chicken, rhubarb, soy sauce, and green onion.
2. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve chilled.

Real Mom Tip:

Wrap them in parchment or foil for easy grab-and-go summer snacking.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$6
• Per Serving (4 servings): $1.50

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Add chopped nuts or shredded carrots
• Use rice paper wraps for a different texture

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9. Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Rhubarb Salsa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy + fresh = summer magic. The tangy-sweet salsa cuts through the crunch and makes dinner feel fancy with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 cup rhubarb, diced
• 1/4 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Dip chicken in egg, then breadcrumbs. Pan-fry until golden and cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, simmer rhubarb, strawberries, and honey until soft.
3. Spoon salsa over chicken and serve.

Real Mom Tip:

Make extra salsa — it’s great on grilled fish or spooned over toast!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$8
• Per Serving (4 servings): $2.00

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Add fresh mint or basil to the salsa
• Bake the chicken instead of frying

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10. Slow Cooker Rhubarb Pulled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Toss it all in the slow cooker and walk away. By dinner, you’ve got perfectly tender, sweet-tart chicken for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
2. Shred chicken and stir to coat in the sauce.

Real Mom Tip:

This freezes beautifully — make a double batch and stash some for busy weeks!

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Cost: ~$9
• Per Serving (6 servings): $1.50

Add-Ons & Variations:

• Serve on buns, over rice, or in lettuce wraps
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat

🌞 Rhubarb + Chicken = Summer Supper Gold

And just like that, you’ve got 10 fresh, flavorful ways to use up that rhubarb without baking another pie. These chicken + rhubarb recipes hit that sweet spot between tangy and savory, perfect for breezy summer dinners, outdoor grilling, or those “what do I even cook with this rhubarb?” nights.

From sticky BBQ thighs to slow-cooked pulled chicken and everything in between, these meals are packed with warm-weather vibes and built for real-life busy. They’re flexible, family-friendly, and budget-wise — just how we like it.

So go on, grab that bunch of rhubarb and get dinner on the table with a twist. Your summer menu just got way more interesting. 🍗🌿