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Perfect Labor Day Pool Party Menu 2024

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An easy, fresh, and crowd-pleasing menu perfect for an end-of-summer pool party featuring smoky grilled chicken, creamy coleslaw, and refreshing watermelon slices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 medium carrots, grated
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium seedless watermelon, chilled
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional extras: crusty bread or rolls, lemon herb iced tea or sparkling water with lime

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken (15 minutes prep + 1 hour marinating): In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  2. Prepare the Coleslaw (10 minutes): Shred the cabbage finely and grate the carrots into a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour dressing over the cabbage and carrots, then toss well to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Slice the Watermelon (5 minutes): Cut the watermelon into wedges or bite-sized cubes. Keep chilled until serving. Add fresh mint leaves just before serving if desired.
  4. Heat the Grill (5-10 minutes): Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the Chicken (12-15 minutes): Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve alongside the creamy coleslaw and fresh watermelon.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor; pat chicken dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups; use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F; let chicken rest before slicing; make coleslaw a few hours ahead to meld flavors; drain cabbage moisture to keep coleslaw crisp; grill pan or broiler can substitute for grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: Labor Day, pool party, grilled chicken, coleslaw, watermelon, summer recipes, easy, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://grubella.com/perfect-labor-day-pool-party-menu-2024-easy-end-of-summer-celebration-ideas/