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Budget-Friendly Memorial Day Cookout Menu for Four

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An easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly cookout menu perfect for small gatherings of four, featuring grilled BBQ chicken thighs, classic coleslaw, grilled corn, and simple berry yogurt parfaits.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light mayo recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup granola (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over cabbage mix and toss until well coated. Chill in the fridge until serving.
  3. Husk the ears of corn and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with salt and chili powder if using. Set aside.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 3 minutes, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce, flipping once more to caramelize both sides.
  6. While the chicken cooks, place corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every few minutes until charred spots appear and kernels are tender, about 10-12 minutes total.
  7. In four glasses or small bowls, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey. Top with granola if desired. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
  8. Arrange chicken, corn, and coleslaw on plates. Add the parfaits for a fresh, sweet finish.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, cook chicken in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce near the end. Corn can be boiled or roasted in the oven wrapped in foil. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Memorial Day, cookout, budget-friendly, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, grilled corn, yogurt parfait, easy recipes, summer cookout

Find it online: https://grubella.com/budget-friendly-memorial-day-cookout-menu-for-four-easy-recipes/