9 BBQ Recipes That Are Always a Hit

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, these 9 recipes will make your next cookout a hit.

From classic favorites like grilled chicken and pulled pork to unique twists like jackfruit tacos, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering options.

A Quick Look at All Recipes

Recipe	Description
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade	Herb-marinated chicken, juicy and flavorful.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders	Tender pulled pork in mini buns.
Smoky Grilled Corn with Chili Butter	Grilled corn with a spicy butter twist.
Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs	Sweet and sticky honey-glazed ribs.
Spicy Shrimp Skewers	Spicy shrimp with a kick of heat.
BBQ Jackfruit Tacos	Plant-based, smoky jackfruit in tacos.
Grilled Vegetable Kebabs	Colorful, char-grilled vegetable skewers.
BBQ Chicken Wings	Classic, saucy BBQ chicken wings.
Peach and Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin	Sweet and tangy glazed pork tenderloin.

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herb Marinade

This recipe features juicy chicken marinated in a mix of fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Why you’ll like it:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Fresh and aromatic flavors
• Kid-friendly and versatile

Main ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• Garlic
• Lemon juice

Quick method:

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix olive oil, herbs, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers.
5. Grill until golden and cooked through.

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

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These mini sliders are packed with slow-cooked, tender pulled pork and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. A crowd-pleaser for sure.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfect for parties and gatherings
• Slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Easy to customize with toppings

Main ingredients:

• Pork shoulder
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Mini buns

Quick method:

1. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Slow cook in a crockpot for 8 hours.
3. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
4. Toast mini buns and add pork mixture.
5. Top with coleslaw if desired.

Tip: Add a bit of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Smoky Grilled Corn with Chili Butter

Grilled corn on the cob gets a spicy upgrade with a chili butter glaze. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish.

Why you’ll like it:

• Simple and quick to make
• Perfectly balanced sweet and spicy flavors
• Great as a side or snack

Main ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Butter
• Chili powder
• Lime juice
• Salt

Quick method:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Mix butter, chili powder, lime juice, and salt.
3. Grill corn, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.
4. Brush with chili butter while hot.
5. Serve immediately.

Tip: Sprinkle with cotija cheese for extra flavor.

Honey Glazed Baby Back Ribs

These ribs are coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze, making them a favorite at any BBQ. They’re tender and full of flavor.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfectly caramelized and sticky
• Fall-off-the-bone tender
• Great for a hearty meal

Main ingredients:

• Baby back ribs
• Honey
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar

Quick method:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap in foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
4. Mix honey, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
5. Glaze ribs and grill until caramelized.

Tip: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Spicy Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers pack a punch with a spicy marinade. They’re perfect for those who love a little heat.

Why you’ll like it:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Full of bold, spicy flavors
• Great for a light, healthy meal

Main ingredients:

• Large shrimp
• Chili flakes
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil

Quick method:

1. Peel and devein shrimp.
2. Mix chili flakes, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Tip: Serve with a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat.

BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

Jackfruit takes on a meaty texture when grilled, making it a great plant-based option. These tacos are full of smoky flavor.

Why you’ll like it:

• Plant-based and satisfying
• Unique and flavorful
• Perfect for a vegetarian BBQ

Main ingredients:

• Young jackfruit
• BBQ sauce
• Taco shells
• Red onion
• Cilantro

Quick method:

1. Drain and rinse jackfruit.
2. Simmer jackfruit in BBQ sauce for 20 minutes.
3. Shred jackfruit with a fork.
4. Grill jackfruit until slightly charred.
5. Assemble tacos with jackfruit, onion, and cilantro.

Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

These colorful kebabs feature a variety of vegetables, all grilled to perfection. A great way to get your veggies in.

Why you’ll like it:

• Healthy and nutritious
• Vibrant and visually appealing
• Versatile and customizable

Main ingredients:

• Zucchini
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil

Quick method:

1. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Tip: Use a variety of colored vegetables for a vibrant look.

BBQ Chicken Wings

These classic BBQ chicken wings are a must-have at any cookout. They’re crispy, saucy, and totally addictive.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfectly crispy and saucy
• Easy to make and always a hit
• Great for snacking or a main course

Main ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• BBQ sauce
• Butter
• Hot sauce
• Garlic

Quick method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken wings dry and season with salt.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until crispy.
4. Mix BBQ sauce, butter, hot sauce, and garlic.
5. Toss wings in the sauce and serve.

Tip: Serve with a side of blue cheese dressing.

Peach and Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This pork tenderloin is glazed with a sweet and tangy peach and bourbon sauce. It’s a showstopper at any dinner table.

Why you’ll like it:

• Perfectly glazed and tender
• Rich and complex flavors
• Impressive and elegant

Main ingredients:

• Pork tenderloin
• Peach preserves
• Bourbon
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Quick method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Mix peach preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard.
5. Glaze pork and grill for another 5 minutes.

Tip: Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Get Ready to Grill

These 9 BBQ recipes offer a variety of flavors and options for your next cookout. Whether you’re looking for classic favorites or new ideas, 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. Overnight marination can also work well.

What’s the best way to keep BBQ food warm?

Use a warming tray or chafing dish to keep BBQ food warm. You can also cover it with aluminum foil and place it in a low-temperature oven.

Can I use frozen vegetables for grilled kebabs?

It’s best to use fresh vegetables for kebabs. Frozen vegetables can become mushy and won’t hold up well on the grill.

How do I know when my pork tenderloin is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork tenderloin is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C).

What’s a good side dish for BBQ chicken wings?

A classic side for BBQ chicken wings is a creamy coleslaw or a crisp, fresh salad. You can also serve them with mac and cheese.

How do I make a vegan version of the BBQ jackfruit tacos?

Use a plant-based BBQ sauce and serve the jackfruit in corn tortillas. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Happy grilling, and enjoy your delicious BBQ creations!