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Easy 4th of July Cookout Menu: 5 Quick Patriotic BBQ Ideas to Try

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A quick and festive 4th of July cookout menu featuring BBQ chicken sliders, grilled corn, a patriotic caprese salad, watermelon, and optional fruit kabobs. Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • 6 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 medium watermelon, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toss boneless chicken thighs in BBQ sauce and let sit for 10 minutes if possible.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Place chicken on grill and cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce caramelizes slightly.
  4. Slice slider buns in half while chicken cooks.
  5. Assemble chicken sliders by piling grilled chicken on buns; optionally add pickle or coleslaw.
  6. Brush cleaned corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  7. Grill corn in a grill basket or directly on grates, turning every 2-3 minutes for about 10 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
  8. In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, fresh blueberries, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss gently to make the patriotic caprese salad.
  9. Slice watermelon into wedges for serving.
  10. Optionally, soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes and skewer watermelon chunks and blueberries to make fruit kabobs.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for juiciness. Turn corn frequently to avoid burning. Use fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for best salad flavor. Manage grill heat zones to avoid overcooking chicken. Prepare fruit kabobs ahead and keep refrigerated. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit mozzarella and add extra blueberries or herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July, BBQ, cookout, chicken sliders, patriotic salad, grilled corn, summer recipes, quick BBQ, easy cookout

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-4th-of-july-cookout-menu-5-quick-patriotic-bbq-ideas-to-try/