On the day I wrote this, one of the lowest temperatures in the country was 92°F (33.5°C) — and that was in Miami, Florida. Folks, this is not normal. Not at all. When Miami is cooler than New England or the Pacific Northwest, something is seriously amiss.
Here in Arizona, we had temperatures over 103°F (40°C) every day that week. This is the norm here and we are well prepared for it. But those in other parts of the country and planet are not, and it can be very dangerous, especially to the elderly. Be safe everyone, and make sure you hydrate.
There is no need to abandon picnicking, however; just move it indoors. (For friends below the equator, indoor picnics in the winter are a fun break from the monotony of snow and rain, and a reminder of beautiful weather to come!) This Picnic Chicken recipe is one of our favorites — crispy skin and lots of flavor, and so easy. Perfect with a side of potato salad and fresh green beans from the farmers market.
I paired this meal with a very nice rosé from Commanderie de la Bargemone — a perfect picnic wine, a very nice complement to the simplicity of picnic foods — the chicken, salads, and fruit. To read more, please visit the Provence WineZine.
~ David
Minimally adapted from a recipe by The Modern Proper.
Developed and maintained by Inspiratech LLC.
Design by Themeshift.
Chef Mimi
August 6, 2022 at 7:31 amGreat flavors. Moist thighs. Ew. What about… Tender chicken?!!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 6, 2022 at 8:09 amYeah, I too generally avoid using the word “moist” in these cases! And it is really tender!
Frank | Memorie di Angelina
August 6, 2022 at 8:19 amI wonder what the hot weather equivalent is for hibernate? Markopedia probably knows! In any event, that’s what I do during the dog days of summer, even in normal times. And as you say, these aren’t normal times. We’ve had more extremely weather last year and this than I can remember. Around here it’s not just extreme heat but severe storms. Not fun!
Anyway, there are some nice spicy flavors going on here. I was especially intrigued by the piment d’espelette which I hadn’t heard of. How does it compare with other chili powders?
Cocoa & Lavender
August 6, 2022 at 9:18 amActually, didn’t need to ask Markipedia — I knew this one! Estivation. And it’s pretty much what we do. So grateful for good a/c! Stay cool!
The Piment d’Espelette is a milder chile flake with more flavor than heat — it’s the reason I like it and use it so often. It’s only 4,000 on the Scoville scale, so pretty mild. I think you would like it, Frank!
John / Kitchen Riffs
August 6, 2022 at 8:30 amGreat chicken! I like the egg white wash that you’ve added — have never done that, and I want to try that. Great seasonings, too. And the weather! We always get hot weather during the summer, but it’s been going on and on and on and … well, you know. 🙂 We’re still walking outside most days, and it’s impossible to keep Mrs KR out of her garden, but we really are spending a lot of time indoors at the moment.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 6, 2022 at 9:20 amI did many versions of the egg white, John. If you whip it to soft peaks, you get a bit more texture but less crunch. I decided I like the crunch best!
Good for you and Mrs. KR! We haven’t walked outside for a couple of months. (But we love our dreadmill indoors!) Mark does get out early to do the gardening (while I make the cocoa…).
Velva
August 6, 2022 at 2:09 pmWe feel like we are cooking from the inside here in Florida-coupled with the humidity its a royal steam bath.
I like the idea of preparing a meal for a picnic inside-that’s one way to beat the heat.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated.
Velva
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:12 pmThe heat and humidity in Florida are unrivaled… I was astonished when you all had cooler temperatures than New England, because the humidity there is also beastly! We think the concept of indoor picnics is devinitely one to remember all summer long!
Fran @ G'day Souffle
August 6, 2022 at 3:07 pmStill waiting for the warmer weather here in chilly Adelaide! I like the way you have ‘Frenchified’ the recipe with the additon of Piment d’Espelette, and herbes de Provence!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:12 pmGlad you noticed the “frenchificaiton” of the recipe, Fran – it really adds nicely to the flavor. Stay warm!
Eha
August 6, 2022 at 4:30 pmBaked chicken with {Provencal herts – don’t think one needs a picnic to enjoy this ‘fingerlicking’ offering ! Actually I do have an outdoor lunch most days of the year here . . . well, this year you have the heat and we are freezing in the blustery winds . . . oh, love your plate . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:13 pmWe done out as oft4en as we can, Eha – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is nothing like fresh air!
Sherry M
August 6, 2022 at 10:11 pmisn’t it funny how the word moist has almost become a no-no? Love chicken for picnics! gotta have chicken… But no picnics for me till my busted foot is better.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:14 pmI hope your foot is getting better, Sherry! Yes, “moist” is a funny issue these days. My former boss could not stand the word! I asked her, “How am I supposed to describe a perfect cake? Damp?” She laughed but gave me no alternatives!
Ronit
August 7, 2022 at 10:29 amI’m all for indoor picnics, with the A/C on full force!
The chicken looks perfect. I’m intrigued by brushing the skin with egg white. I definitely looks like it helps the seasoning stick to it. Crispy skin is the best. 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:15 pmIt does help everything stick, Ronit – but mostly it just makes for really nice, crispy skin!
Christina | Christina's Cucina
August 7, 2022 at 11:47 amI think we must have had the lowest temperature that day then as we only hit the 90s recently. It’s been more mild than a usual July, which is nice. However, I agree, something is awry when we have cooler temps than the northern coasts of both sides of the country! Your picnic chicken sounds wonderful! Pass me a piece!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 7, 2022 at 1:16 pmIt was pretty recent, Christina – and Florida was 92° on the map and LA was 95°! I know there are major variations by neighborhoods, but that is still unusual! Glad you like the chicken!
Jeff the Chef
August 8, 2022 at 6:42 amA picnic sounds like a great idea! And I love chicken on a picnic. We’ve been having some hot weather – the hottest of the summer, I guess – but I’m so glad that for us, that means 90F and not 103F!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 11, 2022 at 8:46 amSomehow, I think 90° with high humidity equals – or supersedes – our dry 103°! I know you will love this chicken, Jeff – can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Pauline
August 9, 2022 at 4:23 pmLove the idea of an indoor picnic David , but we are celebrating our Winter and enjoying lunch outdoors, won’t be long and we will be complaining about the heat as well. I’ve never used egg white on chicken thighs, just some olive oil and herbs must try it. Yes moist is a word which is so appropriate at times with cooking, but I hesitate now as well. and the chilli powder sounds great. Must look out for it here. Take care from the heat.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 11, 2022 at 8:48 amPauline – so nice that you have such good winter weather for outdoor dining! Just like our winters here in Tucson, I think. We should all write blog posts about the word “moist!” 🙂 The Piment d’Espelette is really nice – and not too hot. I wonder if it is readily available down there…
Raymund
August 10, 2022 at 4:56 pmOMG 40°C, that is hot. In here our summer usually averages out at 25°C and the normal is around 18°C. Definitely an indoor picnic on AC is indeed needed for temperatures like that, or find a shade near the beach to let the cool breeze in. Anyways picnic or not that chicken is suitable in any weather
Cocoa & Lavender
August 11, 2022 at 8:48 amYour weather sounds ideal, Raymund – maybe we need to move to NZ! (For any number of reasons… :))
Karen ( Back Road Journal)
August 11, 2022 at 6:25 amCrispy chicken, nicely seasoned, eating in the cool house, I like how you enjoy to picnic. 😊
Cocoa & Lavender
August 11, 2022 at 8:50 amThanks, Karen – it is really fun to have indoor picnics – it keeps us from going summer stir crazy! xx
sippitysup
August 13, 2022 at 2:53 pmI’ve just returned from 3 weeks on the central coast of CA where it’s been in the 60s and 70 and foggy the whole time. I’m in temperature shock as I try to acclimate to nearly 90 in LA. An indoor picnic is exactly what I need where the only mild heat is in the chicken’s Piment d’Espelette . GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
August 14, 2022 at 6:14 amSounds like a nice trip, though — fog and all! Hope you are acclimated after your sojourn in Greece!
2pots2cook
August 17, 2022 at 6:03 amOh boy! It’s hot here, much hotter than we are used to with water reductions and all the side effects of it all. Indoor picnic is our way of enjoying this chicken thighs!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 18, 2022 at 5:55 amI really hope your heatwave ends soon, Davorka – it is so miserable to be in a situation like that!
Valentina
August 27, 2022 at 7:58 amI’m a wimp in extreme heat so an indoor picnic is just my speed. And fun! What a scrumptious chicken recipe. I’ve only used egg whites (or a whole egg) in this way for breads and other pastries (back when I used to make all of that). Brilliant for the chicken and along with everything else, it gives it such a delicious looking “crust.” :–) ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
August 27, 2022 at 8:24 amThanks, Valentina — I’m not a huge fan of heat and humidity combined. I melt when I am in LA! Funny that I live in the desert – somehow, the heat isn’t as bothersome. But I still don’t want to sit out in it during the summer! Indoors all the way!
John
September 3, 2022 at 4:16 pmAromatic, tender and beautifully moist. This sure is the perfect picnic food.
I don’t envy the heat you guys are enduring there right now. It’s even made the news here. That heat would seriously tip me over the edge. I’ll visit in the cooler months if that’s ok!
Cocoa & Lavender
September 4, 2022 at 7:35 amYes, you will definitely want to miss summer here — but fall, winter, and spring are beautiful!