Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by preparing a special meal for the incredible mom in your life? If you’re looking to make this Mother’s Day truly memorable, why not fire up the grill and create a delightful feast? Grilling is not only a delicious way to prepare food, but it also adds a touch of excitement and a unique flavor to your dishes. Follow these simple tips and tricks to grill like a pro and make this Mother’s Day an unforgettable culinary experience.

I suggest grilling boneless chicken breast, vegetables and fresh pineapple on Mother’s Day. Start by prepping your pineapple and marinating it. Note: Boneless chicken parts cook much faster than barbecuing chicken halves. So this meal will come together quickly. Plus, by grilling your vegetables, chicken and fresh pineapple your menu is nearly complete. You might want to serve this meal with rice, baked potatoes, and yummy whole grain bread. Perhaps you will ask other members of your family to assist with preparing these items.

How do you grill chicken without drying it out?

You may be worried about tough, dry chicken breast being the result of your efforts. This can be prevented…

The most accurate way to cook grilled chicken breasts is to use a meat thermometer. That way you know when the chicken is cooked through without overcooking and therefore drying out the chicken breast. Another good tip is to marinate the chicken. Chicken breasts that are marinated or brined are also often juicier and more tender than plain grilled breasts. Plus, the chicken marinade/brine will result in tastier chicken. It’s also important to allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute through the meat and not run out onto the cutting board.

The marinade is super simple and can be made with any of your favorite herbs and spices. You could even use something like taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, etc. Similarly, use any veggies you and your family enjoy eating.

Preheat your grill (a wood/ gas grill/charcoal grill is always my preferred way of grilling but a grill pan works well too) on medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Place chicken on the grill and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. I flip my chicken 2-3 times during cooking to ensure even browning.

How long to grill chicken?

Chicken breast should be cooked to 165ºF internal temperature for it to be safe from any Salmonella. I prefer taking chicken off the grill at 155ºF as the temperature will continue rising as it rests.

30-minute easy grilled chicken and vegetables Serves 4

30-minute easy grilled chicken and vegetables

This easy grilled chicken and vegetables recipe takes 30 minutes to make and is a delicious, healthy family dinner plus it is great for meal-prep.

For the marinade for chicken and vegetables:

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

4 garlic cloves crushed

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chili flakes

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

black pepper to taste

For grilling:

4 large chicken breasts. skinless and boneless and flattened

2 bell peppers seeds removed and sliced into thick strips

Broccolini

12-16 spears asparagus, woody ends trimmed

2-3 large zucchini sliced into thick slices

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the grill on medium high.
2. Season the chicken with salt and allow to sit while you make the marinade.
3. Combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and the other half over the vegetables. Allow to marinade for a few minutes.
4. If you are using a griddle pan preheat it on medium high.
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until cooked to 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill, cover with foil and allow to rest while you grill the vegetables.
6. Grill the vegetables until they are starting to char and are cooked to your preference.
7. Remove from the grill and serve with the chicken and lemon wedges for squeezing.
8. Allow the chicken to rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to remain moist.

Notes:  Vegetable amounts are just a guide, use as much or as little as you wish. Also feel free to swap out vegetables you prefer such as sweet peppers, mushrooms, par-cooked baby potatoes, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories: 305, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 733mg, Potassium: 1004mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 2565IU, Vitamin C: 113.1mg, Calcium: 45mg and Iron: 1.7mg.

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple a delicious dessert for Mother’s Day! It is so easy and really yummy. Hot sauce gives it an extra kick and cuts the sweetness. Serve these but be warned, they go quickly!

1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored and cut into 3/4-inch slices or wedges

3 tablespoons melted butter

¼ teaspoon honey

1 dash hot pepper sauce

salt to taste

Directions:

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Place pineapple pieces in a large resealable plastic bag. Add butter, honey, hot pepper sauce, and salt.
3. Seal the bag and shake to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
4. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Grill pineapple rings until heated through and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Nutritional information per serving:  Calories 46, Total Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 8mg, Sodium 23mg, Total Carbohydrate 5g, Dietary Fiber 1g,Total Sugars 4g, Vitamin C 19mg, Calcium 6mg, and Potassium 44mg.

Focus on Quality Time and Appreciation

Lastly, while the food is undoubtedly important, remember that Mother’s Day is ultimately about spending quality time with the special mom in your life. Show your appreciation, share stories, and create lasting memories together. Grilling provides the perfect opportunity to gather, bond, and express your love for mom.

This Mother’s Day, embrace the art of grilling and create a culinary experience that will make mom feel cherished and loved. By following these tips, you can grill like a pro and craft a Mother’s Day meal that she will remember for years to come. From perfectly seared meats to flavorful grilled vegetables and tantalizing grilled pineapple dessert, the grill offers endless possibilities for creating a memorable feast.

So, fire up the grill, embrace your inner grill master, and make this Mother’s Day an extraordinary one. Cheers to all the amazing moms out there, and may your grilling adventure be filled with delicious flavors, heartwarming moments, and beautiful memories. Happy Mother’s Day!

Sources for this article NC Extension Food and Nutrition educational program. For more information about the Foods and Nutrition please contact Louise L. Hinsley, Extension Agent, Family Consumer Science at the Beaufort County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension, 155 Airport Road, Washington, 252-946-0111.