I used to crave Chili’s baby back ribs like it was a personality trait—until I got smart with my grill. These bbq recipes bring the same smoky flavor and sticky fingers without the restaurant wait or microwaved sides. They’re bold, messy, and borderline addictive in the best way. Plus, you get to crank up the flavor without fighting someone for the last wet wipe. Honestly, once you go homemade, those chain ribs start to feel like a breakup you should’ve had sooner.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
The skin crisps up fast, so you’re not babysitting the grill all day. Big flavor, no drama, and enough to feed whoever shows up hungry. Great if you’re aiming for something that feels like effort without actually being one.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
These are easy to pick up and disappear just as fast. You get BBQ flavor in a crispy little shell, no fork needed. Perfect if you’re trying to keep things fun and low-mess.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
These skewers handle last-minute grilling without turning into a project. You can mix up the veggies based on whatever’s about to expire in your fridge. Great call when you’re short on time but still want to show up with something grilled.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Sweet, sticky, and easy to flip, these cook fast and don’t leave a pile of dishes behind. Handy when you’re grilling for a few without planning a whole thing. Add them to your list of weeknight BBQ recipes that don’t feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Homemade Mici
These sausage-shaped bites grill quickly and bring something different without getting weird. You don’t need special tools or fancy ingredients—just a grill and an appetite. Nice change-up when you’ve done too many burgers.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mici
Grilled Marinated Beef Kabobs
Marinated beef stays juicy, even if you forget about it for a second on the grill. Skewers make it easy to serve and even easier to eat. Great when you want solid BBQ food that still looks like you tried.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Marinated Beef Kabobs
Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
You’ll get tender, smoky meat with zero babysitting. Just let the smoker do its thing and use that time to actually relax. It’s solid for feeding a group without hovering over the grill all night.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
Lamb Shish Kebab
These pack serious flavor and grill fast, so you’re not stuck flipping patties for an hour. Easy to prep ahead, and the skewers help with crowd control. Good call if you’re tired of the usual BBQ recipes and want something with a little edge.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shish Kebab
