The Great All-American Picnic: Chicago

By Yelena Jenkins

Picnic with the FamPicnic with the Fam

Everyone enjoys spending a gorgeous day outside with great company and tasty food; which is why nothing says summer like a good old-fashioned American picnic. So instead of shopping the day away on Michigan Avenue, head to these top 5 spots and wow your friends with serene settings and an impressive picnic spread.

All American Picnic Must Haves:

  • Large comfortable blanket
  • Disposable plates, cups, napkins and silverware
  • Backpack or basket to transport items
  • Plenty of classic picnic food, such as:
    • Sandwiches, ribs or fried chicken
    • Steamed or creamed corn
    • Potato or macaroni salad
    • Soft drinks and lemonade
    • Dessert: brownies, cookies or cupcakes

 

1. Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park - Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605

Buckingham FountainBuckingham Fountain

There are a number of stunning spaces in Grant Park that lend themselves to picnicking. The first spot is the Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in America. The waterworks show makes great viewing, and nearby grassy fields offer plenty of space to spread out a blanket and food.

 

2. Prairie Garden, Grant Park - Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605

Another great picnic spot in Grant Park is the Prarie Garden. The 3 acres of oval plots are covered in wildflower blooms that will almost make you forget that you're in the city. This setting is so beautiful and fragrant you won't want to leave.

 

Check out the all the best picnic spots across the country:

3. Warren Park - 6601 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
Chicago is full of great picnic parksChicago is full of great picnic parks

Sitting on nearly 90 acres, activity-laden Warren Park is the largest park in Chicago. After ravishing your fabulous feast, hit the paved paths that wind throughout the park for a leisurely stroll in the afternoon sun.

Cut the Calories:

Have a healthy picnic by subbing out some of the traditionally heavy picnic food with lighter fare. Make sandwiches on whole wheat bread, skip the mayo and pile on plenty of fresh veggies. You can also create amazing Cajun chicken breast strips that rival the fried variety but are guaranteed to still keep you trim.

4. Northerly Island - 1300 S. Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Fried Chicken: A true picnic classicFried Chicken: A true picnic classic

This peninsula juts into Lake Michigan, providing a serene seaside setting for a picnic. The Charter One Pavilion hosts concerts during the summer, so you can enjoy good music while you much.

 

5. Chicago Botanic Gardens - 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022

Technically, the Chicago Botanic Gardens are just outside Chicago. But the rolling acres of manicured gardens, trails and lawns make it a picturesque spot to host a picnic. During summer months you can listen to the Carillon bell concert while lounging on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion, overlooking the water.

 

Chicken Breast Strips (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Louisiana hot sauce, etc.)
  • 3 tablespoons ground red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of finely ground breadcrumbs

 

Preparation:

  • Cut each chicken breast into four long strips
  • Mix eggs together in a large bowl; add 1 teaspoon hot sauce and mix
  • Mix the breadcrumbs, ground red pepper and salt together
  • Place each chicken breast in egg and hot sauce mixture, coating thoroughly
  • Transfer chicken breast from wet mixture and cover with breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly.
  • For extra flavor, coat each breaded breast in egg a second time and re-batter with breadcrumb mixture.
  • For extra spice, add a few squirts of hot sauce to the chicken before cooking
  • Cook either in a stovetop pan, griddle, or in the oven.
  • Enjoy chicken strips with ranch or a honey mustard dipping sauce, and enjoy!

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