21 Simple BBQ Recipes for Laid Back Cooking

Backyard barbecues are even better with a menu full of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes. This collection includes juicy grilled meats, fresh summer sides and simple desserts to complete the meal. Keep scrolling to find your next BBQ favorite.

Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

A plate with grilled chicken breast topped with yellow sauce and chopped herbs, served alongside steamed green beans. — Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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This easy chicken recipe delivers the signature balance of sweet and tangy Carolina barbecue flavors. It's a dependable choice for cookouts, picnics, and casual summer meals that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Grilled Chicken

Zesty Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Sliced steak topped with chimichurri sauce, served with a side of arugula and cherry tomatoes, and extra chimichurri in a small bowl. — Zesty Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This flavorful grilled steak starts with a simple marinade that keeps every bite tender and juicy. Finished with a bright chimichurri topping, it brings fresh, herby flavor to any relaxed backyard barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri

Juicy Herb-Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

A plate of skillet pork chops garnished with fresh rosemary and orange slices, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans—a perfect school night dinner. — Juicy Herb-Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

A citrusy homemade marinade gives these bone-in pork chops plenty of fresh flavor while helping them stay juicy on the grill. They're an easy main dish that fits perfectly into any laid-back BBQ menu.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Herb-Marinated Bone-In Grilled Pork Chops

Classic Creamy Deli-Style Macaroni Salad

This picnic favorite combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables in a creamy, tangy dressing. Also known as deli macaroni salad, it's the kind of comforting side dish that disappears fast at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Shrimp Pineapple Skewers are served hot with white rice, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped herbs, all beautifully arranged on a white plate. — Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Pineapple Skewers. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple cook quickly on skewers for an easy summer favorite. The bold chili and lime marinade creates a delicious balance that's perfect for appetizers or weeknight grilling.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Refreshing Lychee Iced Tea with Bright Lemon

A tall glass of orange-yellow iced summer beverage, garnished with lychee, mint, and a lemon twist, with a red-striped straw. A pitcher of this refreshing drink sits in the background—perfect for non alcoholic summer drinks lovers. — Refreshing Lychee Iced Tea with Bright Lemon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This fruit-infused green tea is wonderfully refreshing on warm afternoons. Lychee tea offers a lightly sweet twist that's perfect for picnics, cookouts, or simply relaxing outside.
Get the Recipe: Lychee Iced Tea

Smoky Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter

Grilled broccolini topped with dollops of orange sauce, served on a white plate with lemon slices on the side. — Smoky Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Grilling gives broccolini a lightly charred finish that pairs beautifully with savory tomato butter. This simple vegetable side adds fresh color and flavor to any barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter

Flavorful Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Lemongrass

Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Lemongrass wit a dip on the side place on the baking sheet pan. — Flavorful Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Lemongrass. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Also known as Vietnamese lemongrass pork, this recipe is infused with fragrant herbs before hitting the grill. Serve it with the traditional dipping sauce for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Lemongrass

Bold Bourbon BBQ Hamburger Sliders

These bite-sized burgers are coated in a sweet and spicy bourbon barbecue sauce that delivers big flavor. They're ideal for game days, parties, or casual cookouts where guests can grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Bold Bourbon BBQ Hamburger Sliders

Creamy S'mores Icebox Cake

A slice of layered dessert with toasted marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate pieces, and graham cracker crumbs on a plate. — Creamy S'mores Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This no-bake frozen dessert captures all the nostalgic flavors of classic s'mores in a chilled treat. It's an easy gluten-free option that's perfect for ending a warm summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy S'mores Icebox Cake

Hearty Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

A large casserole dish of molasses baked beans in a rich tomato sauce, topped with chopped herbs, sits on a red and white checkered tablecloth next to bowls of salt and paprika. — Hearty Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Rich molasses and smoky bacon turn simple canned beans into a satisfying barbecue side. This comforting dish isn't overly sweet, making it a perfect partner for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Molasses Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

Easy Spicy Avocado Coleslaw

A bowl filled with coleslaw made of shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs, tossed in a creamy dressing. — Easy Spicy Avocado Coleslaw. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Fresh cabbage and carrots are tossed in a smooth avocado dressing with a little kick of heat. This modern take on classic coleslaw brings a cool, creamy contrast to smoky barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Avocado Coleslaw

Gourmet Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burger

Rich wagyu beef, smoky bacon, and bold blue cheese come together for an elevated burger experience. It's a restaurant-worthy sandwich that's surprisingly easy to enjoy at home.
Get the Recipe: Gourmet Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burger

Smoky BBQ Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Glaze

This tender pork tenderloin is coated in a rich barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. It's simple enough for busy evenings while still feeling special for backyard gatherings.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad

Inspired by the classic appetizer, this creamy potato salad is loaded with cheese, bacon, and a spicy kick. It's a crowd-pleasing side that brings extra excitement to any summer barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad

Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Beef

Slow cooking transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with plenty of tangy barbecue flavor. It's an easy make-ahead meal that's equally welcome at potlucks, game days, and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Beef

Creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Rich, cheesy pasta takes on irresistible smoky flavor while crispy bacon adds extra indulgence. This comforting dish works equally well as a hearty side or satisfying main course.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars

Everything you love about strawberry cheesecake is transformed into a smooth, refreshing frozen dessert. Also known as cheesecake popsicles, these no-churn treats are ideal for hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars

Tangy Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken is finished with Alabama's famous white barbecue sauce for bold, tangy flavor. It's a fresh alternative to traditional barbecue that's sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Grilled Alabama BBQ Chicken

Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Grilled corn ribs are a fun and flavorful twist on classic corn on the cob. Paired with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they make an unforgettable appetizer or side dish for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Classic Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

Tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and juicy pineapple are coated in flavorful huli huli sauce before grilling. These tropical-inspired kabobs bring bright, sunny flavors to every cookout.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs