It’s barbecue season, and summer’s knocking. Your people are ready to socialize — and they’re coming hungry.
Whatever cooking tools you’re working with, you can create a backyard moment for the ages. These recipes can be made in the oven or on the grill, and most of it can be prepped ahead of time so that when your guests arrive, you’re pouring drinks — not panicking.
Let’s keep it light and simple — and just extra enough to impress guests without trying too hard. Fluff your flowers, pour yourself something cold and refreshing and prepare to pull off the perfect outdoor gathering.
CAJUN CHICKEN PITAS
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to love
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds chicken, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama original seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
Directions:
- Mix all seasonings, then add olive oil and lemon juice to form a paste. Toss the chicken until fully coated and marinate at least 30 minutes.
- Grill over high heat for a quick sear, or bake at 350°F until cooked through, spreading the chicken out evenly.
- Set out pitas next to chicken so guests can make a chicken pita. Serve with tzatziki sauce, feta, chopped fresh parsley and mint.
Prep-ahead tip: Marinate and skewer a few hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
TZATZIKI… WITH A LITTLE ATTITUDE
Cool, creamy, and just enough Cajun to keep it interesting
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons grated cucumber (strain well, then strain again)
- Fresh dill, to taste
- 1/2–1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama white pepper blend
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and mix well. Let sit at least a few hours — overnight is even better — for full flavor.
STRAWBERRY FIZZY DRINK
Light, fresh, and pretty enough to steal the spotlight
Ingredients:
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/8–1/4 cup Swerve sweetener (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Simply Lemonade
- Sparkling blush cider or wine, to taste
Directions:
- Blend strawberries, sweetener and lemonade until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Strain through cheesecloth. Pour over ice and top with sparkling blush.
- Serve with a strawberry on the rim and just enough sparkle to catch the light.
BUILD-A-PLATE STATION (YOUR SECRET WEAPON)
Set up one main station and let folks build their own plates. It keeps things flowing and keeps you out of the kitchen.
Lay it out like this:
- Warm pitas
- Chicken on a platter (pulled off the skewers)
- A big bowl of sauce of your choice
- Tongs for grabbing.
Then layer in your extras:
- Croissants
- Chicken salad
- Pimento cheese (Palmetto cheese)
- Shaved meats
- Grilled sausage coins.
Remember: A good backyard get-together isn’t about perfection. It’s about a table that feels lived in, food that tastes like you meant it and people who don’t want to leave.