From Guest List to Leftovers: How to Friendsgiving Like a Pro

Hey there, Friendsgiving hosts and guests! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s officially time to start thinking about the holiday that celebrates your chosen family, Friendsgiving.

Here at Sanderson Farms, we have some Friendsgiving tips to help you become the best Friendsgiving host or standout guest.

The first step to an unforgettable Friendsgiving gathering is to decide where and when the event is being held. If you’re the friend that has stepped up to host, make your guest list and send out Friendsgiving invitations early, whether it’s through a group chat, digital invite, or a traditional paper invitation.

For extra excitement, pick a Friendsgiving theme like celebrity chefs, cozy pajamas, or dressing as characters from your friend group’s favorite TV show. If there’s a favorite game or activity, include it. Are you regulars at trivia? Plan a round for guests to play while you gather.

Turkey may be the star of Thanksgiving, but Friendsgiving is your chance to try new things. Why not go for a whole roasted chicken? It’s flavorful, juicy, and way easier (and more affordable) to prepare than a giant turkey.

Here are some mouthwatering roasted chicken recipes to impress your guests:

Is your oven already claimed by sides and desserts? No problem! Whole chickens turn out perfectly on the grill, too. Try one of these grilled chicken recipes:

Make sure to reference our Chicken Grilling Tips & Tricks when prepping your grill.

Don’t know what to bring to Friendsgiving? Sides and appetizers are a great way to contribute to the meal and impress them, too. While classics like stuffing and green beans are always welcome, consider standing out with these crowd-pleasing chicken options:

Planning for a large group? Our new recipe multiplier allows you to scale the ingredients to suit your needs without changing the step-by-step directions, conveniently found at the top of each recipe page. To use it, simply select .5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, depending on how you’d like to scale the recipe. If you want to go back to view the original measurements, simply select 1x. The ingredient amounts should automatically adjust, but the directions will remain the same.

This makes Friendsgiving meal planning easy, especially for dishes like soups, casseroles, and sauces, which are especially easy to prepare in larger batches to feel a crowd. No matter how many friends come to your gathering, you can be confident everyone can fill their plate.

Stock up on food storage containers or aluminum foil before the big day so you’re not scrambling when the meal is over. For guests, bringing your own to-go containers is a thoughtful gesture. It takes one thing off your host’s list and helps ensure none of their hard work goes to waste.

With the above Friendsgiving tips, you’re bound to receive praises in the group chat. From organizing your guest list early to serving up a delicious chicken dinner and creative sides, your Friendsgiving is sure to stand out as the highlight of the season. Don’t forget to enjoy the process. After all, Friendsgiving is about having fun with your favorite people.

Once your table is set and your guests are digging in, snap a photo and tag @sandersonfarmschicken on Instagram. We would love to see your Friendsgiving table and all the delicious dishes you’ve created!