4th of July Party Idea + Chicken Salad with Cranberries

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine. 

If you have been following me for a long time, and I know a LOT of you have, you will know that I’m cheap.

I love a good deal, and if it has pockets… even better. 

If I can save some money Imma do it, and I’m going to rush to tell you all about it to. So now is the time my friends, RUN to Walmart right now.

Need to throw a 4th of July party but don’t have a lot of funds? Walmart. Do you love fried chicken? Walmart. Do you love eating fried chicken and being patriotic, ESPECIALLY on the 4th? Walmart.

If you’re like me, sometimes I just flat out don’t feel like cooking. I know, crazy right?! But it’s the 4th and everyone is expecting a huge epic spread and… I just don’t wanna.

I mean it’s hot… and in Florida, the bugs are already swarming. No thank you!

But you know what… don’t worry cause we got you covered, how about fried chicken?

Think about it… 8 pieces of fried to perfect crispy, juicy, chicken. A pound of mac and cheese. Some cherries because they are both festive and delicious. Just place everything in the middle of the picnic table, everyone can serve themselves… you get a moment to actually ENJOY the food and the party you have created because you know why? YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO COOK IT. #4thofJulyCooking

Let me repeat:

NO COOKING.

Do you know how many meals I have had to cook during this pandemic? 1057. I counted 1057 meals. 

Do you know how many DISHES 1057 meals made? Enough to make me pick up a rotisserie chicken from Walmart at the hot deli counter and call it a day cause I was there already and had to feed them THAT day too.

#quarantinecooking amiright?!

Eat one chicken now, shred up any leftovers and use it in chicken salad tomorrow, or chicken parmesan spaghetti casserole, or bbq pulled chicken sliders… the ideas are endless. You know you can shred up leftover fried chicken too right?!

That’s what I do, I buy an extra 8-piece to snack on cold, then I’ll take the skins off and dice or shred up the meat to use in other recipes. So easy.

Are you like me and tend to over buy for parties?! Even if it is just our central unit enjoy the 4th at home… I just can’t help it! Plus, I HAD to decorate, duh. I got my cute patriotic plates from Walmart too! #SemiHomemade we love that!

I just love how “real” their sides are too.

The mashed potatoes are made with real potatoes, milk, and butter. That’s it. All made and grown in the USA.

The signature macaroni and cheese is made with semolina pasta, 5 kinds of cheese, and milk. Again, all ingredients are made and raised in the USA. 

When I got home, I spread everything out on our kitchen nook table and dug in. 

A little impromptu date-lunch for Jeremy and me! 

Okay, okay I know I have gotten ahead of myself, but I was just so excited to get this written up and tell you.

I think we can all agree this virus/pandemic/quarantine just came out of nowhere and what we knew as normal life just isn’t anymore.

When I say GO GO, RUN to Walmart, I don’t mean that literally. Well… you CAN. But, I want you to be safe.

I’ve still been going once a week to do my essential shopping trip. It just has to be done where I am.

I plan ahead of time.

Got my list? Check. Does hair need to be washed today? No. Better go tomorrow cause when I get home, I’m stripping down in the garage and heading straight for that shower. 

We live out in the country and delivery is not a thing out here. So, I have to be safe. I have to wear my mask and get into that store to get those essential items for my family.

While I was there, I saw the 8-piece fried chicken and other items at the hot deli. It was right there when I walked in. I’m so glad I saw it too because like a lot of us, I’m fed up with constantly cooking and cleaning up.

Plus it is perfect for our little July 4th party I’m throwing just for the three of us. #WalmartHotDeli yesss!

So, I picked a couple of packs of them up since I was there anyway. 

We love leftovers. I love them for lunches and normally it’s an easy fix for a meal super quick.

How to use leftover fried chicken

With the leftovers, I decided to make chicken salad with cranberries. YUM.

I know it sounds fall-ish but I love cranberries year-round. And, let’s face it, it’s what I had in the pantry. 

How to make Chicken Salad with Cranberries

Place two cups of diced or shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add dried cranberries, walnuts, scallions, celery, and parsley, set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, apple cider vinegar, oregano, whole grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. 

Toss the chicken mixture with the dressing until coated. Serve!

While I was in Walmart I picked up some croissants at the deli section as well. I think it makes the chicken salad look extra fancy… and extra delicious. 

So, as you can see we got a ton of meals out of the hot deli section at Walmart. I think this is an amazing value!

What kind of 4th of July party will you throw with an 8-piece fried chicken from the Walmart hot deli??