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Flavor-Packed Labor Day Family BBQ Recipe

Labor Day family BBQ recipe - featured image

A quick and easy family-friendly BBQ recipe featuring juicy grilled burgers, marinated chicken, and flavorful veggies, perfect for Labor Day gatherings with kid-friendly tips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680g) ground beef, preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 pound (450g) hot dogs or sausages, sliced (optional)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into strips
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, left whole
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning
  • Fresh hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
  • Leafy lettuce and sliced tomatoes
  • Cheese slices (cheddar or American)
  • Ketchup, mustard, and your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade by whisking together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Add chicken thigh chunks to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. In a separate bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt and pepper, form into six patties about ¾ inch thick, and set aside.
  4. Toss bell peppers, onion rings, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a grill basket or thread onto skewers.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  6. Grill chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), avoiding flare-ups.
  7. Grill burger patties for about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness; add cheese slices in the last minute if desired. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Grill veggie skewers or basket for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and caramelized.
  9. Toast buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Assemble plates with burgers, chicken, veggies, buns, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sauces as desired.

Notes

Do not press the burger patties while grilling to keep them juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours. Keep marinade away from direct flame to avoid flare-ups. Let meat rest for 5 minutes after grilling. Kids can help with prep tasks away from the grill for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Labor Day BBQ, family BBQ, grilled burgers, marinated chicken, kid-friendly grilling, backyard BBQ, easy BBQ recipe