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Summer is the perfect time for backyard BBQs and dinner parties with good friends. The late sunsets under clear skies create the most inviting atmosphere to share a meal.
There is something special about waking up early on a Saturday morning and getting started with food prep. From making the sides to setting the table. Last minute shop runs and finally, the first guest’s arrival. The anticipation of opening your home to friends is oh so sweet.
Backyard BBQ checklist
A lively playlist: Music sets the tone for the evening, and can fill any awkward silences. Curate a playlist with your guests in mind. Songs that are happy and upbeat, with lots of lyrics to sing along to.
Drinks: Whether it’s a cooler full of ice-cold beers or a pitcher full of strawberry lemonade. For an adults-only gathering, consider a summer cocktail, like a Moscow Mule or a tropical Sangria. And don’t forget the water!
Mood lighting: When the sun goes down, the evening is just getting started. My backyard is adorned with twinkly string lights hung high, but we love the occasional bonfire too!
Games: Here in the Midwest, you won’t have trouble finding someone up for a game of cornhole. Some of the best conversations are started around a game—Connect 4, Jenga Giant, lawn bowling, etc.
Friends & family: Backyard gatherings are intimate. They’re at your home, after all. Keep the guest list to around 10 people. Big enough to get lost in 1-on-1 conversations, yet small enough for everyone to feel included.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are juicy and tender. Keep an eye on them while cooking to monitor doneness. They’re ready to go at 165°!
Seasonings: We’ll use a blend of seasonings, including coconut sugar, to produce the best smoky barbecue flavor. See the recipe below for full details!
BBQ sauce: I’ve been on a bit of a Bachan’s kick lately, and I cannot recommend their sauces enough. They’re made with clean, simple ingredients AND flavorful. A win in my book.
Butter: The chicken is cooked in grass-fed butter to bring in a healthy source of good fats.
Burger buns: Buns are the classic choice, but sourdough bread, brioche buns, and even pretzel buns are solid picks too!
Sides
Every good main dish needs its complementary side dish.
Potato chips: My favorite chips are Boulder Canyon, cooked in avocado oil and mouthwatering every time.
Spicy Asian slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, garlic, gochujang, and a handful of other fresh ingredients. Place the slaw in the sandwich, or serve it on the side.
Waffle fries: Potatoes are versatile. And enticing. There are so many ways to prepare potatoes, but if we’re going to do it right it’s got to be crispy, salted waffle fries.
Summer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
makes four sandwiches
Ingredients
Two boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 T barbecue sauce (or to your taste)
1 T butter
2 T coconut sugar
2 T smoked paprika
1 T chili powder
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1 t salt
Instructions
1. Prepare chicken. Using a meat mallet (or rolling pin, a heavy saucepan, etc), gently pound each chicken breast to 1/2-inch thickness. Hold the chicken breast flat with the palm of your hand and use a sharp knife to cut it in half horizontally. Repeat.
2. Heat the pan. Preheat a large pan over low-medium heat.
3. Mix the seasonings. In a shallow dish, combine the coconut sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well, until the mixture is uniform.
4. Coat the chicken. Use a fork or tongs to coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture, then set them aside.
5. Cook. Add 1 T of butter to the pan and melt. Allow the butter to brown a bit to bring out a smokier taste in the chicken. Place the chicken in the pan and let cook for about 8 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cook time.
6. Rest. Remove the chicken cutlets from the pan and allow them to rest on a plate for 3 minutes.
7. Shred. Add the chicken to the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the flat beater. Set the mixer to a low-medium speed, and shred until it has reached your desired size and texture, about 45 seconds.
8. BBQ sauce. Pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the chicken. Use tongs to gently toss for an even coating.
9. Enjoy hot. Add the shredded chicken and your toppings—like lettuce or pickles—to a bun. Serve with waffle fries or spicy Asian slaw.
Hands of Belle 
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