One of the best ways to get outdoors and celebrate is with a big cookout on the grill! 

This list of recipes is perfect for a summer cookout and a great way to celebrate foods with friends.

You’ll find some classic recipe options here, and a little bit of everything to choose from. 

When it comes to easy BBQ ideas, you can’t go wrong with this list of recipes. Home cooks will agree that these are perfect for family picnics, too! 

Below are some of my favorite ways to feed my belly during my own backyard BBQ’s. Each one is an easy way to get a great meal idea! 

BBQ Food Ideas

Do you love gourmet burgers but don’t like paying the big dollars restaurants charge? 

We joke that I have developed enough gourmet burger recipes to start my own restaurant!

If you aren’t into burgers, we have you covered with plenty of other backyard BBQ ideas, too. 

Pork chops, BBQ chicken, shish kabobs, chicken skewers and so many more! We’ve got you covered with plenty of recipes for delicious foods to cook on the grill.

Don’t forget the cocktails!

If you have a smoker, we encourage you to fire it up and make a few of our fantastic smoker recipes as well!

Whether you make these quick and easy barbecue recipes for your family or for a big get-together, they are all sure to receive RAVE reviews.

Browse through the recipe descriptions below. When you find something that you’d like to make, click on the title.

You’ll be taken right to the post, where you can print, save, bookmark, or Pin the recipe to make later.

Creative recipes are a fun way to make BBQ weeknight dinners for the entire family to love. Don’t forget to have some tasty sauces to pair with the meat main dish as a great option to add different flavor! 

BBQ Menu Ideas for the Burger Lovers

These summer BBQ ideas are honestly great for dinner any time of the year. 

Find a favorite recipe, then take a portable grill to your 4th of July picnic, or even tailgate game day burgers with your friends.

PRO TIP: For perfectly juicy burgers, use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center on one side of the burger patties. 

This prevents them from doming up in the center. The indentation will rise as your burger cooks.

• BBQ Bacon Smokehouse Burger

This is our #1 favorite grilled burger, hands down!! The juicy beef patties are piled high with smoky bacon, bbq sauce, AND a beer cheese sauce that you’ll flip your lid over!!

• Buffalo Chicken Burgers

For the flavor of spicy buffalo wings without the mess, this recipe can’t be beat!! 

We recommend serving the burger on a soft homemade pretzel bun with a side of carrots, celery, and blue cheese.

• Bacon and Egg Breakfast Burger

These breakfast burgers are a fantastic barbecue idea for a weekend brunch — way better than a traditional bacon and eggs breakfast!!! I love that you only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. 

• Smoky Bacon Beer Burgers

These burgers have thick slices of smoky bacon and bbq sauce, plus the addition of dark beer and caramelized onions. Truly one of the best summer BBQ ideas ever!! Perfect for larger crowds and one of my go-to recipes. 

• Cheesy Muffaletta Burger

Olive salad is piled high on a toasted Ciabatta bun, then topped with a scrumptious burger and layers of Italian meats and cheeses. 

What do you call it? Besides DELICIOUS…

Need a few side dish bbq menu ideas to serve with your burgers? Keep the grill burning for some roasted corn on the cob, grilled zucchini, or grilled sweet potato fries!

Easy Barbecue Recipes for Lunch

If you don’t want a full blown dinner, but you have a craving to grill outdoors, make one of these light grilled bites.

Both tempting and tasty, grilled sandwiches, sliders, and grilled skewers are the perfect backyard bbq ideas for lunch or a weekend brunch!

• Bourbon BBQ Chicken Skewers

BBQ chicken skewers are tender, juicy, and easy to throw together at the last minute. Create mouthwatering flavor with just a few ingredients! Pair with some fresh vegetables as the perfect way to create a quick meal. 

• Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Kabobs are such a simple way to serve your favorite grilled meats during the summer, and ranch marinated chicken is so flipping delicious with the addition of grilled flavor!! I love making this for summer dinners! 

• Hawaiian Beef Shish Kabob

One of many BBQ food ideas proving that grilled pineapple isn’t reserved solely as a pizza topping — it brings a tangy sweet flavor to grilled beef, too! 

These shish kabobs are even better with pineapple barbecue sauce for dipping!

• Chicken Pizza on the Grill

Speaking of pizza, there is no better BBQ food than grilled pizza! This one features bits of juicy chicken and fantastic southwest flavors! This is one of my favorite barbecue chicken recipe options! 

• Grilled Sausage Sliders

Sliders are the perfect grilling recipe to create a light bite for lunch or game day food. Even better, they are lightning quick to grill on the BBQ — no more waiting for lunch!

Summer BBQ Ideas for Dinner 

Whether you’ve been playing hard all day at the beach or just lounging around poolside, these BBQ food ideas will feed your family and friends well.

Even better, they’ll give you the fuel to go ahead and keep running for another couple of hours!

• Grilled Prime Rib

With a gorgeous crust and tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites, not too many dishes can compete with a prime rib that’s grilled to perfection! 

This grilled steak recipe is perfect for a Father’s Day meal or any Patriotic cookout!!

• Perfectly Grilled Rib Eye Steak

Don’t be intimidated about grilled steaks… they require little prep and a watchful eye. Other than that, they are one of the easiest barbecue recipes to make!

• Jack Daniels Grilled Bone In Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops marinated with a kicked up Jack Daniels marinade are the best of the best when it comes to easy and tasty BBQ menu ideas!

Need we say more? I love making this for a weekend summer barbecue. 

• Margarita Grilled Chicken

Tequila, lime, and orange all come together to create the best ever Margarita Chicken. This is one easy grilling recipe you have to try!

You just need a few pieces of chicken and other easy ingredients to make the perfect BBQ meal! 

• BBQ Bourbon Ribs

You know ribs are the ultimate BBQ food ideas, right? I mean, what could be better than juicy pork melting in your mouth? 

Maybe licking sticky sweet bourbon barbecue sauce from your fingers?

What are the best BBQ recipes for summer cooking?

There are so many options! Hot dogs, chicken recipes, veggie kabobs, BBQ ribs – you name it! Finding recipes for the whole family to love for summer barbecues isn’t hard to do!  

This list gives plenty of main dishes that you can make for casual cookouts for large groups or as the easiest way to treat your own taste buds without much effort. 

What are the most popular side dishes for BBQs?

You can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad. That being said, pasta salad is also an easy recipe – and a popular one! 

If you want other options, macaroni salad, sweet potatoes, juicy ears of corn, broccoli salad, and any cold salads are always a hit as well. 

Any type of side dish that pairs with smoky flavor and meat dishes is always a hit.

Other easy options could be brown rice, steamed veggies, or any other delicious recipes that you’re craving. Try something a little different each time! 

The best part? You can make delicious sides for your next barbecue that feed larger groups and have some leftover to enjoy! Who says that BBQing can’t be a fun activity that is stress free?

And more than likely, you’ll end up making so much food that you’ll have some leftovers for the next day, too! 

🔥 TSRI’s Sizzlin’ Summer Ebook
Ready to level up your summer cooking? This exclusive collection of 30 reader-favorite recipes is packed with potluck legends, no-bake treats, and BBQ showstoppers.

👉 Snag your copy today and bring the heat to your summer table!

Buy the Ebook Now

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published October 2012, updated and republished April 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post 15 Summer BBQ Food Ideas That’ll Rock Your Cookout Menu appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

You’re about to learn about my favorite pork chop marinade. This works for thinner chops as well as thick-cut pork chops, making it a great choice for big flavors during a busy weeknight.

Everyone knows that a good marinade is a must when cooking bone-in pork chops – trust me, this recipe is the best way to cook tender pork! 

The good news is that you only need a few marinade ingredients to whip up the simple marinade, so that’s a total bonus as well!

Scroll to the bottom of this post to get all the details from the recipe card to get started! 

Marinated Pork Chops

Pork chops are an old family staple, but I was always afraid that the grill would dry them out. 

After coming up with the best grilled pork chop marinade, I’m pleased to announce that the pork chops turned out incredibly moist — my husband declared them his favorite chops ever!

The Jack Daniels marinade features a few spices for heat, plus molasses for deep, rich flavor. 

Recipe Video

In fact, these marinated pork chops were so addicting that I had to come up with a few more Jack Daniels recipes!

This bacon mac and cheese has certainly become a favorite, but the salted caramel fudge brownies were the most surprising creation! 

They have just enough smoky flavor to make each bite a little more interesting.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Pork – Look for bone-in chops that are 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick. I don’t recommend boneless pork chops, as they tend to dry out on the grill.
  
• Whiskey – Of course, I recommend a bottle of Jack for Jack Daniels recipes! 
  
  Feel free to swap in your favorite whiskey, or use apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free version of these marinated pork chops (but the alcohol does cook off either way).
  
• Molasses – This provides richness to the Jack Daniels marinade and complements the smoky flavor. Find it near the maple syrup or in the baking aisle.
  
• Chili Pepper Paste – I use Gourmet Garden, which can be found in the produce section with the herbs. 
  
  You could use any of the varieties in the international aisle, though they may be a bit hotter.

Remember that when it comes to making the best pork chop marinade, have fun with the flavors! The first time you make this recipe, follow the recipe card, but the next time?

Try other tastes! You can add fresh herbs, spicy brown mustard, dark brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and any other simple ingredients that you like! 

Grilled Pork Chop Marinade Tips

• The longer, the better! Let the meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but up to overnight. 
  
  Extra time allows the chops to really soak up the flavor, plus it helps to tenderize the meat as well. I just add the delicious marinade and the pork into a resealable bag, and give it time. 
  
• Make a Jack Daniels glaze. Simply double the recipe, then use half for the grilled pork chop marinade and cook the other half on the stove. 
  
  Bring to a boil, then simmer until the Jack Daniels marinade reduces by half. I like to brush it over the chops while they cook, then serve the rest on the side for dipping.
  
• Don’t have a grill? You can prepare these marinated pork chops in a cast iron skillet or cast iron pan. 
  
  Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops on both sides. Then, place the skillet in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Nothing pairs better with grilled pork chops than a refreshing cole slaw! You could also make a big batch of potato or pasta salad for a large cookout.

And when summer fruit is at its peak, try my Orange Honey Rainbow Fruit Salad.

Jack Daniels Recipes FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Pork Chop Recipes

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👉 Snag your copy today and bring the heat to your summer table!

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Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops Recipe + Video

These Marinated Pork Chops are soaked in a fabulous mixture of Jack Daniels whiskey and spices. Perfect on the grill or in the oven!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Grill

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Marinate Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 807cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons molasses
• ½ cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili pepper paste I used Gourmet Garden
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 pounds bone in pork chops ½” – ¾” thick

Instructions

• Combine ingredients (except pork chops) in a medium size bowl. Whisk to combine.
• Add pork chops to a gallon size resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over pork chops. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to overnight.
• Preheat grill to medium high. Place pork chops on grill and sear on both sides. Remove to indirect heat and cook until done.
• Place the pork chops on the grill and sear both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Move the pork chops away from the flame. Cook over indirect heat with the grill closed until they are somewhat firm to the touch or until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of a chop, away from the bone, registers 145°F, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer the pork chops to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can prepare these in a cast iron skillet. Place pork chops in a preheated skillet over medium high heat. Sear on both sides. Place skillet in oven 350°F for 3-5 minutes until cooked through.

You can double the recipe for the marinade and cook half of the sauce until it is thick. I brush it on the pork chops while they cook over indirect heat and also serve it along side them. You could also prepare this grill sauce. I make the grill sauce by the bucket. It is so good and tastes amazing on everything. We even use it to dip our fries in.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 807cal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 235mg | Sodium: 765mg | Sugar: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 3mg

Originally published June 2013, updated and republished April 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Jack Daniel’s Marinated Pork Chops Recipe + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

I love being able to make my own condiments when I want something special.  This homemade pineapple BBQ sauce is my favorite homemade BBQ sauce recipe that I literally add to just about anything.

I’m talking cooked chicken breasts, pork ribs, chicken wings, pork tenderloin, popcorn chicken – even egg rolls! 

The delicious flavors of this Hawaiian BBQ sauce elevate any dish and it is perfect for summer cookouts and your next BBQ party.

Wow all your friends and make your own BBQ sauce with a tropical twist. Everyone’s taste buds will thank you! 

It’s always fun to be able to make something unique like my homemade pesto mayonnaise or my vanilla bean honey butter.

Pineapple Barbecue Sauce

This pineapple bbq sauce works wonderfully with pulled pork in the crockpot. It’s really the only thing that needs to be done before you add the pork.

Or, if you’re having burgers on the grill, it takes only a few minutes to make a batch of this barbecue sauce with pineapple to top your burgers.

How to make pineapple barbecue sauce

1. Mix all of the ingredients except the cornstarch and hot water together in a small saucepan.
   
2. Mix the cornstarch and water together.
   
3. Stir until smooth.
   
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan.
   
5. Cook until it’s the desired thickness.

Pineapple Sauce Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Balance the sweetness: Canned pineapple can still be quite sweet, so it’s important to balance it with other ingredients like ketchup or citrus juice. 
  
  Taste as you go and adjust the flavors to your liking.
  
• Experiment with different spices: Adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder can give your pineapple bbq sauce a unique depth of flavor.
  
• Add some heat. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to make the barbecue sauce with pineapple a little spicy. Add as much or as little as you’d like. 

Pineapple BBQ Sauce Recipe FAQs

Storing Pineapple BBQ Sauce

The easiest way to store this sauce if you have leftovers is to pour it into a jar with a tightly fitting lid. I often use Mason jars for this reason.

It will stay good for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. When you want to use the rest of it, just heat it up slowly in a saucepan.

If you want to keep this for longer than a few days, just transfer it to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Then, you can freeze it for up to three months.

When you want to use it again, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat it slowly on the stove. Or, brush it on your choice of meat.

More homemade barbecue sauce recipes

If you enjoyed my pineapple barbecue sauce, why not try one of these next!

What is a season of grilling without your own signature BBQ sauce? We keep coming back to use this sauce again. It is amazing!

KC BBQ Sauce boasts multiple layers of heat and sweet! Check out my very own version of this favorite Kansas City BBQ Sauce.

Simple Barbecue Ranch Sauce sauce is really simple and perfect for dipping or topping your favorite burgers, the Simple Barbecue Ranch Sauce is creamy and has a nice cooling element to it.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Sauce Recipes

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Ready to level up your summer cooking? This exclusive collection of 30 reader-favorite recipes is packed with potluck legends, no-bake treats, and BBQ showstoppers.

👉 Snag your copy today and bring the heat to your summer table!

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Pineapple Barbecue Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Looking for a pineapple barbecue sauce recipe? Learn how easy it is to make your own condiments with this barbecue sauce recipe.

Course Sauce

Cuisine Asian

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 13 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 about 2 cups

Calories 227cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/8 cup ketchup
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons hot water

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
• Add cornstarch and water.
• Cook until desire thickness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 227cal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 594mg | Sugar: 50g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published March 2021, updated and republished July 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Pineapple Barbecue Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken

It just doesn’t get much easier than this grilled chicken recipe!! The delicious marinade is only five easy ingredients and yields the juiciest grilled chicken ever.

Since grilling season is upon us, it feels apt to kick it off with one of my favorite grilled chicken recipes!

There is just something about the flavors of honey and balsamic together that I just adore with chicken.

Add in a little garlic, and you have a slam bang marinade that you can pull together out of your pantry at a moment’s notice and pairs unbelievably with chicken.

My deck smelled incredible while this was smoking away, and the kids both demolished this. A guaranteed hit for anyone’s family!

Recipe Tips

• I use thin sliced chicken breasts (chicken cutlets) for this recipe, but you can also achieve the same thing with regular chicken breasts. Just slice them in half horizontally for the same effect.
• This recipe would also work beautifully with boneless chicken thighs.
• To easily oil the grill grates. First brush off any remaining food particles. With the grill off, wad up a bunch of paper towels and grab them with grill tongs. Dip the paper towels in oil (to lightly coat) and rub the grill grates until coated. You don’t want the grate dripping in oil. That can cause flare ups.

Tools You’ll Need for Grilling Chicken Breasts

• Large Bowl- to marinate the chicken.
• Kitchen Tongs – I love this set of 3. I use every pair of them. They are so handy and grip amazingly well!
• Grill Tongs –  use your favorite ones or grab one of these.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other favorite grilled chicken recipes 

Best Ever Grilled Margarita Chicken

Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken  

Grilled Crispy Chicken Sandwich   

Simple Asian Honey Grilled Chicken with Marinade

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Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken! This recipe is SO simple, and it makes the juiciest grilled chicken ever, using just 5 basic ingredients!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Grill

Prep Time 2 hours hours

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -5

Calories 329cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic about 1 large clove
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced (4 to 5 breasts)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• MIX: the marinade. In a medium bowl, stir together ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper.
• COAT: the chicken. Add 1 ½ pounds thin sliced chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat evenly. Cover and MARINATE for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• PREHEAT: the grill. Lightly oil the grates and heat the grill to medium high.
• GRILL: the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• REST: the chicken for a few minutes. SPRINKLE with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts.

Serving Ideas: Slice over salads, rice bowls, or pasta for a quick meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 329cal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 200mg | Sugar: 19g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published June 2018.

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

I love cooking with Jack Daniels!  It reduces down and adds such a fantastic flavor.  The first dish we made were Jack Daniels Pork Chops.  They were soooo good that Chad didn’t eat anything else for a week.

Jack Daniels Marinade

I knew the flavor of whiskey would be fabulous in a marinade recipe, so that’s how this Jack Daniels marinade and glaze came to be. 

I’m telling you, this whiskey glaze is sooo amazing.  It features Jack’s smoky/sweet flavor with a kick from chili paste to kick things up a bit.  It can be used on pork, chicken and even steak if you want! I even drizzle it over air fryer nachos! 

The ultimate Jack Daniels recipes came soon after this one.  A whiskey pulled pork sandwich and a dessert with Jack Daniels – these brownies!!  Did I say I love cooking with Jack?  Oh yes I do, and you will too. 

What is your favorite spirit to cook with? Dinner’s Ready, now go get your grill on!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Fabulous Homemade Sauces

🔥 TSRI’s Sizzlin’ Summer Ebook
Ready to level up your summer cooking? This exclusive collection of 30 reader-favorite recipes is packed with potluck legends, no-bake treats, and BBQ showstoppers.

👉 Snag your copy today and bring the heat to your summer table!

Buy the Ebook Now

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Jack Daniels Marinade + Grilling Sauce

Jack Daniels marinade gives incredible flavor to pork and chicken, and this whiskey marinade recipe can also be used as a grilling sauce!

Course Pantry Staple

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2 cups

Calories 356cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• medium sauce pan
• whisk
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups for liquids

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons molasses
• 1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Whiskey
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste I used Gourmet Garden
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

• Add all ingredients except cornstarch and water to a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to combine.

  Bring mixture to a boil, whisking frequently. If you want to use this for a marinade ONLY, remove the pan from heat, allow mixture to cool to room temperature, then use as desired.

To Make a Grilling Sauce

• To thicken the whiskey marinade to use as a grilling sauce:

  Whisk cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl, then add to the boiling marinade mixture. Whisk to combine and allow to boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened.
• Remove from heat and use as desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 356cal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 437mg | Sugar: 30g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published July 2013.

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Jack Daniels Marinade and Grill Sauce appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Looking for a “Little Kick”?  Well, we found it!  Mr. W has been talking about salsa and spicy food all week, I thought this was the perfect fit for him.  Feeling a little snug in my shorts, turkey was a great option.

This burger was easy to make and packed a little punch of flavor and spice.  Mr. W NOT being a lover of anything green, I chopped the jalapeno super fine.  However it was still a tad bit crunchy.  The next time I make this I will precook the jalapeno.  That is what the final recipe reflects.

Em, my darling Em.  She loves spicy food, could be from all the spicy food I ate while I was pregnant. However as soon as this was put in front of her she threw it on the floor.

The chips that were served on the side though, they went in her mouth one after the other.

Em begged for a taste of Daddy’s hot sauce that he was dipping in.  After she had it she kept giving her chips back to him for more hot sauce.  It was adorable.  UNTIL, I saw her eyes get red.  Mommy said “Ok, Em.  I think that is enough hot sauce for today”.

Fantastically flavorful and spicy burger light on the calories, perfect summer lunch.  Enjoy!

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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“Little Kick” Jalapeno Turkey Burgers

Jalapeno Turkey Burgers have a little kick of spice and everything nice. They're juicy, cheesy, and extra scrumptious, ready in 15 minutes!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Grill

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 236cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• small skillet
• large bowl
• grill

Ingredients

• 2 jalapeno peppers seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
• 2 tablespoon light beer or water
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce I used Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
• 4 slices 2% pepper Jack cheese
• 4 Sandwich Thins or rolls
• 4 tablespoons salsa

Instructions

• In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic and chopped jalapeno.

  Cook jalapeno and garlic until soft. Remove from skillet and transfer to bowl.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked jalapeno, garlic, parsley, beer, hot sauce, salt, pepper and cayenne.
• Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Divide mixture into 4 equal amounts. Shape into 4 patties.
• If grilling indoors, prepare grill according to manufacturers instructions. I just put my burgers on the grill for 3-5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 165° and juices run clear.

  Top with cheese; grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve on rolls with salsa. You can add sour cream and lettuce if you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 236cal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 493mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published July 2011.

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The post “Little Kick” Jalapeno Turkey Burger appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

With all the cooking I have been doing, I have so many left overs.  My husband and daughter do not like all the food that I do, so we do not always eat the same lunch.  Dinner is different.  However, I was looking to make something AMAZING out of the left overs and decided on this incredible dish.

Sundried Tomato Grilled Chicken

The chicken I had grilled for so many dishes last week was calling to me. The tender white meat with those tasty grill marks on the outside.  Fabulous grilled chicken.

I decided to make the Ranch Sauce out of some fat-free plain yogurt and Hidden Valley ranch mix.  It came out amazing, I liked it well enough to use on my regular salads actually.  35 calories for more than a 1/4 cup.  That is twice the serving I get in my Kraft Light Done Right Ranch bottle, for 1/4 of the calories.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with a wrap.  It is the perfect carrying case for your food, use a low carb one and you are getting great fiber too!

I surprised myself with the powerful flavors, the deep tomato flavor, the hint of toasted nuts all over perfectly grilled chicken with crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy ranch sauce on top to provide a delicious tang to your wrap!  Oh delightful!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Sundried Tomato Grilled Chicken Wrap

Sundried Tomato Grilled Chicken Wrap has deep tomato flavor; Toasted nuts on grilled chicken with romaine and creamy ranch sauce.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 126cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• small pan
• small bowl
• cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons sliced almonds
• 3 ounces Grilled Chicken cold left overs, sliced
• 4 Rosemary Basil Sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon olive oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
• 1/2 cup romaine lettuce chopped
• 2 low-carb tortilla I prefer LaTortilla Factory
• 2 Servings Yogurt Ranch Sauce

Instructions

• In a small pan, add almonds and toast lightly over medium heat, stirring frequently. As soon as you can smell them, they are done. Look for light golden brown color. Remove almonds from pan and transfer to a small bowl.
• Return pan to heat, add olive oil and warm. Once oil is warm, add grilled chicken and lightly brown on both sides. Add tomatoes until warm. Remove from pan. Chop chicken into bite sized pieces as soon as they are cool enough to handle.
• Lay your 2 tortillas on a cutting board, or clean work surface. Add 1 tablespoon of Yogurt Ranch Sauce to each tortilla.
• Divide chicken, almonds and tomatoes between two tortillas and scatter chopped chicken and warm tomatoes.
• Add lettuce and 1 tablespoon yogurt ranch sauce to tortillas.
• Fold tortillas and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 126cal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 65mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published July 2011.

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Sundried Tomato Grilled Chicken Wrap with Ranch Sauce appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.