Introduction to Budget-Friendly Barbecue

June is a great time to fire up your grill and move at least some of your daily or weekly dinner duties to the backyard. Cooking outdoors is usually cooler, tends to have a better view, and is generally a lot more fun for both the cook and those he or she is trying to feed.

Choosing the Right Protein

Chicken is often a prime choice when it comes to proteins to cook on gas or charcoal because it’s cheaper to feed a crowd with than beef or seafood. It’s also a lot more forgiving since it doesn’t require a lot of technique so long as you 1) cook over a moderate heat, 2) use an instant read thermometer to know when it’s done, and 3) remember to let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving so it can reabsorb some of its juices.

The Benefits of Chicken Thigh

While chicken breast is often a favorite choice because it’s leaner and has a milder, more subtle flavor, it’s also more expensive than other parts of the bird. Without a whole lot of fat to protect it from flames or heat as you grill it, it’s really easy to overcook and dry out. That’s why I almost always opt for chicken thigh when I’m planning a cookout. It’s true that, as a fattier meat, dark-colored thigh packs more calories onto your plate than chicken breast. Still, it’s so much juicier and incredibly flavorful.

Grilled Chicken with Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Grilled boneless, skinless chicken thigh builds the foundation for this summery budget meal for four. A scratch, ketchup-based barbecue sauce sweetened with brown sugar and spiced up with hot sauce and vinegar adds the perfect mix of tang and sugar, and because our recipe makes a lot of it, there’s plenty left over for dipping.

Corn-Tomato Salad

We serve it with a corn salad made with fresh kernels off the cob, salty feta, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a simple four-ingredient dressing (if you don’t count the salt and pepper) that can be whisked together in seconds.
For salad:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn, rinsed and drained if frozen, and steamed, boiled or grilled if fresh
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (about a handful), thinly sliced, optional
  For dressing:
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Grilled Barbecue Chicken

Chicken thighs are not only cheaper than chicken breast, but they’re also juicier and have a richer flavor. The homemade barbecue sauce that goes on top is spicy-sweet — brush it on while you’re cooking and also serve on the side for dipping.
For chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon dry rub of choice
  For barbecue sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon barbecue rub
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon each garlic and onion powder

Roasted Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than regular potatoes, and they’re also so easy to cook. In this recipe, you just slice, sprinkle with spices, and bake.

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• Olive oil, for coating
• Salt and paprika, for seasoning

Strawberry-Pecan Blondies

I used strawberry jam and pecans for this recipe, but it’s easy to customize with your favorite flavors. Try almonds and blueberry jam or pistachios and raspberry jam. Perfect for a simple dessert — or breakfast.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jam

Conclusion

It’s a feast fit if not for a king or queen (that’d require steak) at the very least a member of a royal family — especially since you’ll probably get some leftovers out of it. Also impressive: It rings up 28 cents under our budget of $25.

FAQs

Q: What is the main protein in this budget-friendly barbecue meal?
A: The main protein is grilled chicken thigh.
Q: Why is chicken thigh preferred over chicken breast in this recipe?
A: Chicken thigh is preferred because it is juicier, has a richer flavor, and is less expensive than chicken breast.
Q: What are the key ingredients in the homemade barbecue sauce?
A: The key ingredients include ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue rub, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Q: Can the corn salad be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, the salad is equally delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled, if you want to make it ahead.
Q: How long does it take to prepare each component of the meal?
A: Nothing on the menu takes more than 30 minutes to prepare.
Q: What is the total cost of the meal?
A: The total cost of the meal is $24.72, which is under the budget of $25.