Your Ultimate Summer Party Menu, Delivered

Stick with this crowd-pleasing menu from The Kitchen for enjoyable seasonal entertaining.

Related To:

Grilled Butterfly BBQ Chicken with Macaroni Salad

The Kitchen

A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Photo: David M. Russell/BSTV

Photo by: David M. Russell ©2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

David M. Russell, 2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

The key to enjoyable summer entertaining is to keep the party simple, from the ingredients you shop for to the dishes and drinks you serve. On this morning's all-new episode of The Kitchen, the cast came together to create the ultimate, one-stop guide for seasonal bashes, featuring recipes for crowd-pleasing dips, a bold chicken dinner and, because "it's five o'clock somewhere," of course, a fruity cocktail from Geoffrey Zakarian.

Since most summer soirees take place outside, perhaps around the pool or picnic table, keep the appetizer spread easily accessible with a trio of dips. Jeff Mauro's Strawberry and Mango Guacamole comes together with just a handful of ingredients, letting the fresh fruit complement the spicy jalapeno add-in. For a classic mayonnaise-based option, stick with Geoffrey's 20-minute Bacon and Egg Dip, a play on classic deviled eggs. In her Roasted Garlic and Frozen Veggie Dip, Sunny Anderson adds the warm flavor of roasted garlic to a cream cheese-laced mixture of processed vegetables for rich results.

When it comes to the main course, chicken is a perennial people-pleaser, and Katie Lee's all-in-one recipe for Grilled Butterfly BBQ Chicken with Macaroni Salad (pictured above) is a must-try pick. To guarantee bold flavor in the meat, she seasons the chicken with a mixture of chili powder and garlic powder before grilling it until juicy and slathering it in barbecue sauce. The macaroni salad celebrates the traditional flavors of the beloved dish, which includes a tangy, sweet dressing spiked with yellow mustard and a pinch of sugar.

Watermelon Margarita with Espelette Salt

The Kitchen

A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Photo: David M. Russell/BSTV

Photo by: David M. Russell ©2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

David M. Russell, 2015 Watershed Visual Media, LLC

You know a margarita will quench your thirst come happy hour, and GZ's Watermelon Margarita with Espelette Salt (pictured above) is a next-level twist on a classic, with a fruity mix-in and spicy salt garnish.

Tune in to an all-new episode of The Kitchen on Saturday at 11a|10c.

Next Up

Save the Seeds After Carving Your Pumpkin — Here's What to Do with Them

Learn three new ways to flavor this fall-favorite snack.

Piece of Cake Summer Party

Throw a great summer party with our easy tips for pleasing a crowd. We'll show you how to upgrade your favorite dishes and let your guests customize their cocktails with these new ideas for food, drinks and more!

Upgrade Your Fun in the Sun

A cool way to elevate your summer skin care routine.

Bug Off! Two Tips for a Bug-Free Party

Keep pesky insects away from your outdoor spread.

How to Enjoy a Summer Staycation at Home

Enjoy a vacation at home with the help of Food Network's The Kitchen. The co-hosts are sharing international recipes and how-tos for easy spa treatments.

Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Crudites Platter

Carrots and celery have had their day in the sun.

Potato Salad 2 Ways: What's Your Favorite?

Mayonnaise-based dressings or vinaigrettes, Yukon golds or sweet potatoes? The Kitchen co-hosts explore two ways to doctor up the classic potato salad.

These Stuffed Tomatoes Are Perfect for Late Summer

Enjoy as a snack or serve as an appetizer!

Make Your Own Spa with Refreshing Frozen Towels

They'll keep guests cool at your next outdoor party.

Set the Perfect Summer Table

Three amazing tips to transform your table for a party.