Best Backyard Summer BBQ Hosting with Sanderson Farms

For many, summer plans may look a little different this year. According to Monster, around 52% of people are choosing to stay close to home.

But the best vacation doesn’t have to be somewhere far away; it can be a fun-filled season right from your backyard. All you need is a grill, a great spread (that’s where we come in!), and few people to share the moment with.

This guide shares creative summer hosting ideas and easy grilled chicken recipes for your stay-at-home-summer plans, making you the hosting hero of the house and the group chats.

Staying in town to save this summer doesn’t mean you have to skip happy hour excitement. Bring the experience to your own backyard with a “Clucktail Hour” setup. Think cold beverages paired with flavorful Sanderson Farms chicken appetizers.

Starting the evening with the right food and drink pairings can make all the difference when it comes to creating a memorable summer gathering. Whether you’re having your neighbors over or just a family night on the patio, Sanderson Farms chicken serves as a blank canvas for flavor combinations.

Clucktail Hour Pairings:

• For “Taco Tuesdays,” Chicken Tacos and a spicy margarita are a classic duo that never disappoints.
• For a traditional Southern dish, Easy Baked Chicken Wings and a smooth sweet tea can bring out a beautiful balance that feels familiar and special.
• Finally, for a fancier evening, Chicken Crostinis and a crisp Pinot Grigio take things to a slightly more sophisticated evening.

Set out the appetizers, pour the drinks, and let your guests settle in. No matter which Sanderson Farms “Clucktail Hour” combo you choose, you’ll be winning before dinner is served.

Dinner is served! Well…almost. First, let’s talk charcuterie. Consider a chickuterie board “the charcuterie board’s feathered friend”.

Here’s the beautiful secret: it doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect or overthought. The magic happens when you throw together some 100% natural Sanderson Farms chicken appetizers, add fresh celery, carrots, an assortment of crackers and pretzels, and suddenly you look like a hosting genius. It really is that simple

What to add to your chicken charcuterie board:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe brings heat and flavor that anchors the board.
• Handheld Chicken Pies offers something heartier and nostalgic.
• Chicken Tarts add an elegant touch that makes the whole spread feel intentional and well-planned.

Simple. Impressive. That’s your winning hosting move.

A grilled main course is the star of the show that brings any great summer gathering to life. And honestly, it’s much easier than most people think to pull off something truly impressive.

Sanderson Farms chicken is lean, high-protein, and genuinely affordable, which means you can feed your guests without breaking the bank. Plus, our 100% natural chicken with no added salt means every flavor you add to the equation gets noticed.

Easy grilled chicken recipes to serve:

If you’re using wooden skewers for any of your dishes, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling your skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill and affecting your final result.

Additionally, brush your grill grates with vegetable oil before you start cooking, which helps prevent your food from sticking and makes cleanup easier. These two small moves create a big impact.

Sanderson Farms is always up to date on the best ways to prepare and serve chicken. Visit the Sanderson Farms website to learn more.

Sanderson Farms has been perfecting chicken for 75 years and we’re here to make your backyard this season’s hottest destination. Good company and a little creativity will turn this summer into one you’ll never forget. So, grab your tongs and have Sanderson Farms Chicken at the center of your summer hosting plans.

Ready to become a hosting hero? Find Sanderson Farms chicken using our store locator and tag us @sandersonfarmschicken to show us your summer spread .