Photo: Taste Recipes
Barbecued Picnic Chicken
Make the sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce a few days before your cookout so the flavors meld together. If you don’t have a basting brush, slather on the sauce with a few sprigs of rosemary.
Go to Recipe
Big John’s Chili-Rubbed RibsWhen my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
When it comes to
barbecue ribs, sometimes the sauce makes all the difference. The glaze for these grilled racks has a bit of Asian influence with soy sauce and fresh ginger.
Pork Chops with GlazeRosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Made with brown sugar, ketchup and rosemary, the glaze is just right for these grilled pork chops. Make sure to let the meat stand for a few minutes after coming off the grill to let the juices redistribute.
Mushroom Bacon BitesThis is the perfect appetizer for most any occasion. The tasty bites are easy to assemble and brush with prepared barbecue sauce. When we have a big cookout, they're always a hit...but they make a nice little "extra" for a family dinner, too. —Gina Roesner, Ashland, Missouri
We love barbecue recipes that use the grill for everything from appetizers to salads and desserts. These bacon-wrapped morsels are easy to assemble and will make your party guests go wild for more.
Smoked Pork ButtReady to become a pitmaster? Here's how to smoke a pork butt in your own backyard.
You always want to cook a pork butt, also known as pork shoulder, low and slow so the meat has time to become fall-apart tender. While it doesn’t take too much time to prepare the pork, plan on a long cooking time. You won’t regret the results!
Grilled Glazed DrummiesMy family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Chicken wings are the perfect barbecue recipe for parties and cookouts. Instead of Buffalo-style sauce, try this sweet honey-ginger glaze. Here’s a really good primer on
how to grill chicken wings.
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
This spicy, deep-brown sauce clings to everything, from chicken legs to pork chops. Make extra and store it for later. Better yet: Give some to friends or as party favors when your guests leave the cookout.
BBQ Chicken SandwichesImagine a barbecue chicken sandwich so delicious you can hardly wait to have it again. Well, here it is: Our recipe features a delightful homemade sauce and uses shredded cooked chicken to save you time.
When you don’t have time for a whole grill routine but crave the taste of barbecue, make these easy and quick sandwiches with pre-cooked chicken and a really great homemade sauce. Plus, you can make extra and freeze for another time.
Kansas City-Style RibsOur family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Look for well-marbled country-style pork ribs at your grocery store or butcher; they stay beautifully moist during this long cook time. And make a big batch of the dry rub to keep handy for future grilling nights. It’s great on pork, beef and chicken!
Barbecued BurgersThis barbecue burger makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner or special addition to your summer grilling spread.
Burgers are the quintessential
cookout food, and these will be the hit of any backyard barbecue. The secret: A small amount of quick-cooking oats and an egg will help bulk up and keep those beef patties from crumbling on the grill. Baste them with barbecue sauce to take them to a whole new level.
Cherry Barbecue SauceForget cherry pie, cherry barbecue sauce is your new cherry-season favorite. It's tangy, fruity and colorful, and it goes beautifully with ribs or chicken.
Fresh or frozen cherries add depth, fruitiness and color to barbecue sauce. It’s dynamite on pork ribs, loin or chops, and even chicken.
Grilled Marinated RibeyesThese juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Marinate ribeye steaks in this tangy marinade before throwing them on the grill. It’s just as good for leaner steaks like strip, flank or flat-iron, too.
Can-Can ChickenHere's a tasty take on the popular beer-can chicken. Once the bird is on the grill, the work's basically done. And cleanup is a cinch—a must for a guy like me. —Steve Bath, Lincoln, Nebraska
Beer-can chicken is one of the easiest ways to make a juicy and flavorful bird. Use a savory dry rub to add even more flavor.
Grilled Flank SteakThis grilled flank steak recipe is a family favorite. It uses a four-ingredient marinade that's savory, lemony, garlicky and finishes with a hint of sweetness. Here's how to grill flank steak that's perfectly tender and infused with unforgettable flavor.
Grilled Maple Pork ChopsPork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
This simple marinade of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar can turn regular midweek pork chops into something special. Serve with your favorite salad for a fantastic summer meal.
Honey Chipotle RibsNothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
There is nothing beer can’t do: Guinness stout and a few smoky chipotle peppers give this sauce some pop. Grill the ribs over indirect heat and then put them right over the fire for some caramelization.
Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted ChickenI love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio
The secret ingredient here: Apple butter! It works well with jarred barbecue sauce to create a gorgeously grilled bird.
North Carolina-Style BBQ SauceBlending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother’s North Carolina roots. — Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida
North Carolina is known for its vinegar-based barbecue sauce. This recipe uses two different vinegars, and it doesn’t disappoint. Here’s everything you need to know about other
regional barbecue sauces.
Key West Flank SteakMy husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains. —Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
The citrusy marinade adds excellent zinginess to this grilled flank steak. Serve with black rice, beans and plantains for a delicious Key West-inspired meal.
Barbecued Beef BrisketYou don’t need a smoker to make a juicy, tender barbecue brisket. Simply set your grill up to cook with indirect heat, and close the lid to create this crowd-pleasing entree.
You need some extra time to grill a brisket, but with this sweet and tangy sauce, it’s worth the effort. Cut the meat against the grain for best results, and serve with extra sauce and soft rolls.
Ultimate Grilled Pork ChopsSoaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
The way to a great pork chop: Brine overnight and use a rub. These thick pork chops are juicy, full of flavor and perfect for the summer grilling season.
Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued ChickenSpringtime brings back memories of the rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida
Rhubarb, apricot and chipotle peppers give this sauce a spicy-sweet edge. You’ll love it on chicken, but it’s equally as good on pork ribs, pork chops and pork tenderloin.
Quick Barbecued BeansBarbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Barbecue recipes aren’t only for meats and other proteins. Throw these simple, classic baked beans on the grill for great smoky flavor.
Dr Pepper BBQ SauceThis intriguing Dr Pepper barbecue sauce hits just the right balance of sweet and savory. It's ideal for topping your favorite barbecue meats, or you can triple the batch and package it into jars for gifts.
This is one of those sauces you’ll want to slather on everything, from sliced brisket to ribs. Make ahead of time and store in the fridge to make grilling day a little easier.
Beer-Can ChickenElevate your grilling game with a beer can chicken recipe. All you need is dried seasonings and a can of your favorite beer to make the most flavorful and moist chicken your grill has ever seen.
While you don’t need a beer-can chicken stand, it does add extra security for keeping that whole chicken upright on the grill. The beer adds flavor and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Teriyaki Shish KabobsWhen I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
You’ll love how the fresh vegetables and pineapple chars and caramelizes on the grill. While this recipe is for beef, the homemade teriyaki recipe is just as good on pork and chicken.
Southwest SteakLime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes kick things up. My husband and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. —Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia
This is a really simple recipe for marinated and grilled flank steak. The lime juice helps tenderize the meat, while chili powder and red pepper flakes add just enough heat.
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenThis huli huli chicken recipe will bring island flavor to your backyard. These grilled chicken thighs are marinated and finished with a sweet and savory sauce.
Let boneless chicken thighs soak up a delicious brown sugar, soy sauce and ginger marinade before throwing on the grill. The glaze is great on pork chops, too!
Grilled Vegetable PlatterThis recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Just when you thought you could only grill meat and seafood. Gather all the pretty summer vegetables, brush with olive oil or use a marinade, and cook until that natural sweetness comes through.
Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
You’ve heard of sauces and marinades that use coffee or espresso, so why not tea?
Apple juice and sweet tea make a delicious sauce for grilled chicken (or any protein).
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp SkewersI had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Turn fresh rosemary sprigs into skewers for this easy grilled shrimp dish. Pair with couscous and a bright salad to complete the meal.
Campers Favorite DipOur family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches, especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
This dip is the perfect appetizer for cookouts, picnics and camping (even backyard camping). Layer cream cheese, chili and cheese in a disposable aluminum pan and slip on the grill for extra smoky flavor.
Grilled Beef and Blue Cheese TacosEveryone loves the tangy sauce that goes with these sizzling steak tacos. For an authentic feel, I like to wrap the tortillas in foil and steam them while the steak and onions are cooking. —Lois Szydlowski, Tampa, Florida
To make these tacos, grill flank, skirt or sirloin steak along with red onions, then toss in a delicious marinade after everything is sliced, and top with blue cheese. Wrap the tortillas in foil and steam on the grill while the steak rests.
Grilled Brats with Sriracha MayoI am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington
If you boil fresh brats in beer before the grill, it will reduce the fat a bit. Or just throw them over the fire and keep them juicy. The spicy sauce is great with traditional condiments like relish.
Tuna Teriyaki KabobsI love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
When making skewers, keep the proteins and vegetables on separate sticks so they can cook more evenly. And reserve some of the light teriyaki marinade for drizzling after everything comes off the grill.
Grilled Sausages with Summer VegetablesAfter 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Everything for this meal can be made on the grill, making cleanup a breeze. The sausages have a good snap, and the vegetables have just enough char to match their natural sweetness. You can easily increase or decrease the ingredients according to how many people you’re feeding.
Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork TenderloinI have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Skewers of pork tenderloin and dried figs with a tangy glaze easily come together. Sprinkle them with blue cheese crumbles and fresh basil for even more flavor.
Loaded Baked PotatoesThese loaded baked potatoes are creamy, rich and easy to customize. Enjoy them as a side or a main dish!
The Best Baby Back RibsGrilling ribs soon? Learn how to grill ribs as we share our step-by-step recipe and secret to grilling the best-ever baby back ribs.
Dry rub sticks better to marinated ribs, and both add tons of flavor to the meat while it's on the grill. Use both direct and indirect heat for moist and tender ribs.
80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love
Can't get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one's for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
Grilled Corn in HusksIf you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor.
—Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
The trick to grilling corn in the husk is soaking it really well before putting it on the grill. When you tear into it, the kernels are soft, a little smoky and super sweet. Use lots of butter after!
Rosemary Lamb ChopsMy father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Dijon mustard and fresh herbs is a wonderful combination for grilled lamb loin chops. It’s OK to use French-cut lamb rib chops, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Firecracker Grilled SalmonLet this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Save some of this delicious firecracker marinade for drizzling on the salmon after it comes off the grill. For a party or group, get a full side of salmon for the whole ooh-ahh wow effect.
Smoked BrisketThis smoked brisket recipe is always a crowd favorite—it really melts in your mouth! —Jodi Abel, La Jolla, California
A true smoked brisket takes a few days to prepare and hours smoked over wood to perfect. But it’s always so worth it! The meat gets meltingly tender, just what you want for sandwiches and a side of coleslaw.
Sesame Ginger Beef SkewersMy family loves the flavors of these zippy kabobs. They're perfect for a laid-back cookout in the backyard. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Marinate strips of flank steak in a sweet and zippy glaze, then thread on wooden skewers and grill. It’s the perfect barbecue recipe for parties, picnics and summer potlucks.
Lime and Garlic Grilled Pork ChopsThese juicy chops are a sizzling good reason for the summer grill. The pork is so tender and with a zing from lime, garlic, cilantro and ginger, it tastes so amazing. —Deborah Yasbah, North Middletown, New Jersey
Use frozen limeade concentrate as the marinade base for these zingy grilled pork chops. This fresh
pepper mango salsa is the perfect accompaniment.
Grilled Huli Huli Turkey DrumsticksI'm never one to do things traditionally, so when it came time to hosting Thanksgiving, I went in a completely tropical direction. Borrowing my favorite Hawaiian chicken recipe, I used turkey legs instead and never looked back. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Taking cues from Hawaiian huli huli chicken, these giant turkey legs make a statement! Let the drumsticks sit in the quick and easy marinate overnight for the best flavor.
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterGrilling corn in the husks is so easy. There's no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The chipotle-lime butter is a fantastic addition to grilled corn. Remember to soak the corn, husk and all, before throwing it over the coals.
Texas-Style BBQ SauceThis bold and tangy Texas BBQ sauce has all the right moves with ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar.
Made with pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar, you can have a sweet and spicy Texas-style barbecue sauce in minutes. It’s perfect for all proteins, including beef, pork and chicken.
Peach-Glazed RibsFor a fruity alternative to the usual barbecue sauce for ribs, try this slightly spicy recipe at your next picnic. The peaches add just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely color to this special sauce. —Sharon Taylor, Columbia, South Carolina
Instead of the usual barbecue sauce, blend peaches, soy sauce, brown sugar and honey for this sweet and spicy glaze. Start basting when the ribs have started caramelizing over the fire, then really add it on right before serving.
Sweet Horseradish Glazed RibsIf you like to prep ahead of camping, roast these ribs, wrap them and finish with a sweet, savory sauce at your campfire or grill. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Horseradish adds such a great peppery kick to barbecue sauce, and it’s a surprisingly good pairing with apricot preserves and honey. You can roast them ahead of time and finish on the grill to save time.
Favorite Barbecued ChickenJuicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that's impossible to resist.
The trick to this barbecued chicken is grilling the meat skin-side down first, and then adding sauce once you flip it. Then simply baste as it continues cooking for sticky-sweet barbecued chicken.
Red-Eye Barbecue SauceI made this recipe for an assignment in culinary school—my first time making barbecue sauce. I have to say, it was the best barbecue sauce I had in a long time! The hint of coffee livens up the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly. —Evan Haut, Canton, Ohio
Coffee adds so much depth to this sauce, and harissa and cayenne bring the heat. It’s perfect for steak especially. If you don’t have adobo seasoning on hand, it’s easy to make with spices you have in your cupboard.
Honey Barbecue ChickenA basic rub and a delightful made-from-scratch barbecue sauce help this honey barbecue chicken shine.
Country Ribs in the OvenThis country-style ribs recipe is a delicious and foolproof meal to keep the whole family happy. Barbecue guests will eat them up too!