8 Crowd-Favorite BBQ Recipes for Parties

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just looking for a tasty meal, these crowd-favorite recipes will make your event a hit.

From juicy grilled chicken skewers to smoky beef brisket, there’s something here for everyone. Each dish brings its own unique flavor and is sure to impress your guests.

A Quick Look at All Recipes

Recipe	Description
Grilled Chicken Skewers	Tender, marinated chicken with a hint of lemon.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders	Slow-cooked pork in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Smoky Beef Brisket	Rich, smoky flavor with a tender texture.
Grilled Corn on the Cob	Sweet, charred corn with a buttery finish.
BBQ Chicken Wings	Spicy, sticky wings with a bold BBQ glaze.
Veggie Kabobs	Colorful, fresh vegetables with a light seasoning.
Jalapeño Poppers	Creamy, spicy poppers with a crispy coating.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers	Zesty, grilled shrimp with a touch of garlic.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

This recipe features tender, marinated chicken pieces threaded onto skewers. The lemon and herb marinade adds a fresh, zesty flavor.

Why you’ll like it:

• Easy to prepare and cook
• Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
• Kids and adults love it

Main ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Herbs (like thyme and rosemary)

Quick method:

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
3. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Tip: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These sliders are made with slow-cooked, tender pork that’s been shredded and drenched in a homemade BBQ sauce. They’re a real crowd-pleaser.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfect for parties and gatherings
• Flavorful and easy to eat
• Can be made ahead of time

Main ingredients:

• Pork shoulder
• BBQ sauce
• Buns
• Onion
• Coleslaw

Quick method:

1. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Place in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Shred the pork and mix with more sauce.
5. Assemble sliders with buns, pork, onion, and coleslaw.

Tip: Add a bit of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for extra tang.

Smoky Beef Brisket

This smoky beef brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich, flavorful meat that’s incredibly tender.

Why you’ll like it:

• Deep, smoky flavor
• Tender and juicy
• Great for feeding a crowd

Main ingredients:

• Beef brisket
• Smoking wood chips
• BBQ rub
• Apple cider
• Butter

Quick method:

1. Rub brisket with BBQ seasoning.
2. Place in a smoker with wood chips.
3. Smoke for 6-8 hours at 225°F.
4. Wrap in foil and continue smoking until tender.
5. Let rest before slicing and serving.

Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish. The charred kernels add a smoky, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why you’ll like it:

• Easy to make
• Naturally sweet and smoky
• Kids and adults both enjoy it

Main ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Quick method:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush corn with melted butter.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often.
5. Remove from grill and serve hot.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder for a little kick.

BBQ Chicken Wings

These BBQ chicken wings are a classic favorite. The sticky, spicy glaze makes them irresistible.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfect as an appetizer or main dish
• Sticky and flavorful
• Always a hit at parties

Main ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Garlic

Quick method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange wings on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until crispy.
4. Mix BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, and garlic.
5. Toss wings in the sauce and serve.

Tip: Serve with a cool ranch dressing for dipping.

Veggie Kabobs

These colorful veggie kabobs are a great way to add some fresh, healthy options to your BBQ. The light seasoning enhances their natural flavors.

Why you’ll like it:

• Healthy and refreshing
• Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
• Perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike

Main ingredients:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil

Quick method:

1. Cut veggies into large chunks.
2. Thread onto skewers, alternating types.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Remove from grill and serve hot.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are a spicy, creamy treat that’s always a hit. The combination of jalapeños, cream cheese, and a crispy coating is irresistible.

Why you’ll like it:

• Spicy and creamy
• Perfect as an appetizer
• Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser

Main ingredients:

• Jalapeño peppers
• Cream cheese
• Bacon bits
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs

Quick method:

1. Cut jalapeños in half and remove seeds.
2. Mix cream cheese and bacon bits.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the mixture.
4. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Fry or bake until golden brown.

Tip: Serve with a cooling dip like sour cream or ranch dressing.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These zesty grilled shrimp skewers are a light and flavorful option. The garlic and lemon bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Why you’ll like it:

• Light and refreshing
• Quick to prepare and cook
• Perfect for a summer evening

Main ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Herbs (like parsley and dill)

Quick method:

1. Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. Mix garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs.
3. Marinate shrimp for 20-30 minutes.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.

Tip: Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad.

Get Ready to Grill

These recipes are sure to make your next BBQ a success. Whether you’re grilling for a small family gathering or a big party, there’s something here for everyone. For more grilling inspiration, check out our BBQ and grilling recipes.

Common Questions

How long should I marinate chicken for the best flavor?

For the best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer marination can make the meat even more tender and flavorful.

What is the best type of wood for smoking brisket?

Hickory and mesquite are popular choices for smoking brisket. They provide a strong, smoky flavor. Oak and cherry offer a milder, sweeter smoke.

Can I make pulled pork in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 275°F and cook the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.

How do I keep my grilled corn from burning?

Keep the grill at a medium-high heat and turn the corn frequently. Brushing the corn with a little oil can also help prevent burning.

What’s a good substitute for jalapeños in poppers?

If you prefer less heat, you can use mild banana peppers or mini bell peppers. They work well and still give a nice, crisp texture.

How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should also feel firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.

Happy grilling, and enjoy your delicious creations! Your friends and family will thank you.