13 Memorial Day Chicken Cookout Recipes

 Memorial Day is a time to gather with family and friends, honor those who have served, and enjoy delicious food outdoors. Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and with so many flavorful ways to prepare it, your cookout is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing, these 13 Memorial Day chicken recipes offer something for everyone. From spicy buffalo sliders to sweet and tangy glazed thighs, these dishes are perfect for your outdoor celebration.

Looking for more light and flavorful chicken ideas? Check out our favorite Spring Chicken Lunch Recipes for easy midday meals that are perfect before or after the holiday festivities.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-eat option for your Memorial Day cookout. Juicy shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered with creamy blue cheese crumbles, and served on soft buns. These sliders are a perfect combination of spicy and savory, sure to satisfy your guests.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs cooked shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/4 cup diced celery
– 4 soft buns
– Ranch dressing (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
2. Divide the chicken mixture among the buns.
3. Top with blue cheese crumbles, shredded lettuce, and diced celery.
4. Drizzle with ranch dressing if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Wings

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken Wings are a delicious twist on traditional wings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are tossed in a mixture of butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor. They’re perfect for snacking while enjoying the outdoors.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chicken wings with salt and pepper on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast for 30 minutes, or until crispy.
4. In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
5. Toss the roasted wings in the garlic-Parmesan mixture until evenly coated.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Herbed Buttermilk Grilled Chicken

Herbed Buttermilk Grilled Chicken is a classic summer dish with a tangy, herby twist. Marinated in buttermilk infused with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, this chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a great centerpiece for your Memorial Day cookout.

Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Spicy BBQ Chicken Thighs are a hearty and flavorful option for your Memorial Day celebration. Smothered in a spicy BBQ sauce, these tender and juicy thighs are perfect for grilling. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

– 4 lbs chicken thighs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, hot sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
5. Brush the sauce over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are a light and refreshing option for your Memorial Day cookout. Marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs, these skewers are perfect for grilling. They’re colorful, flavorful, and fun to eat.

Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the marinade over the chicken skewers.
4. Grill on medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos

Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos bring a bold and zesty flavor to your Memorial Day celebration. Grilled chicken marinated in a smoky chipotle lime marinade, served in tacos with your favorite toppings. These tacos are a delicious and refreshing twist on traditional cookout fare.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado for toppings

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chipotle peppers, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Slice the chicken into strips and serve in tortillas with desired toppings.

Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are a sweet and savory addition to your Memorial Day cookout. Glazed with a sticky teriyaki sauce, these drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and fun to eat.

Ingredients

– 4 lbs chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Toss the drumsticks in the sauce until evenly coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the drumsticks.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until caramelized and cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts are a sweet and tangy delight for your Memorial Day celebration. Glazed with a mixture of honey and mustard, these chicken breasts are moist, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.

Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the glaze over both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad

Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a Memorial Day cookout. Shredded chicken tossed in a zesty lime dressing with fresh cilantro, this salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. Serve it on its own or as a topping for tacos or salads.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs cooked shredded chicken
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño, diced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, lime juice, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeño, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Crispy Coconut Chicken Strips

Crispy Coconut Chicken Strips are a tropical twist on classic chicken strips. Breaded with shredded coconut and spices, these strips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce for a delicious Memorial Day treat.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Dip each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs

Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs are a sweet and savory delight for your Memorial Day cookout. Glazed with a mixture of peach jam, soy sauce, and spices, these thighs are sticky, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.

Ingredients

– 4 lbs chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup peach jam
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ginger powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together peach jam, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
3. Brush the glaze over both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Salad

Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a Memorial Day cookout. Grilled chicken tossed in a zesty lemon dressing with fresh basil, this salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for the salad

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest, then slice into strips.
5. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and basil.
6. Toss the chicken strips in the dressing and serve over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs

Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs are a colorful and flavorful option for your Memorial Day cookout. Marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices, these kebabs are perfect for grilling. They’re a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the holiday.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for skewering

Instructions

1. Thread the chicken pieces and vegetables onto skewers.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the marinade over the kebabs.
4. Grill on medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

These 13 Memorial Day chicken recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods to make your celebration delicious and memorable. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or tossing in a salad, these dishes are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone feeling satisfied. Happy cooking!