As soon as the warm weather arrives, it's time to light up the grills and enjoy the pleasures of outdoor cooking. There's always room to improve your Barbecue skills with these delectable recipes, regardless of your experience level. We have you covered with various grilling dishes that will please your visitors and palate, ranging from tasty veggies and sweets to tender meats. Now that you have your gas grills or grills-and-smoke combo let's get cooking!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The aroma of lemon and herbs combined with nicely grilled chicken is captivating. This very simple dish is certain to impress a large group of people.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 lemons, juiced and zested

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

• Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestion:

Serve the grilled lemon herb chicken with grilled vegetables and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a light and refreshing meal.

Smoked BBQ Ribs

No BBQ is complete without a rack of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. This recipe mixes the savory and sweet flavors of homemade BBQ sauce with the rich taste of smoked ribs.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons paprika

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wood chips for smoking (hickory or applewood work well)

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill for indirect cooking, targeting 225°F to 250°F. If using a gas grill, place a smoker box or aluminum foil pouch filled with soaked wood chips over one of the burners.

• Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dry rub.

• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the dry rub all over the ribs, coating them evenly.

• Place the ribs on the grill away from direct heat, close the lid, and let them smoke for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones.

• During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and let them cook until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.

• Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving suggestion:

Serve the smoked BBQ ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread for an authentic taste of Southern comfort.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

These vibrant vegetable skewers prove that veggies can taste just as good when cooked over an open flame, proving that grilling isn't exclusively for meat enthusiasts. Plus, they provide your BBQ buffet with a bright splash of color.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

• 2 zucchinis, sliced

• 8 cherry tomatoes

• 8 button mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

• Whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

• Thread the bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating the vegetables.

• Brush the vegetable skewers with the olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.

• Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.

• Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

Serving suggestion:

Serve the grilled veggie skewers as a colorful side dish or a vegetarian main course. Pair them with a creamy dip or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.

Grilled Pineapple Dessert

Grilling is not limited to savory foods; it can also make delicious desserts, such as this pineapple grilled and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. It's the ideal sweet finale for any BBQ dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together.

• Place the pineapple rings on the grill and sprinkle them with the brown sugar mixture.

• Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are caramelized and have grill marks.

• Remove the pineapple rings from the grill and serve them warm, either on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving suggestion:

Serve the grilled pineapple dessert as a light and refreshing end to your BBQ meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled fruits like peaches or mangoes for a colorful fruit salad.

Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

A BBQ classic, these delicious barbecued chicken drumsticks will surely please both adults and children. They are really simple to make and taste delicious.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

• Whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

• Place the chicken drumsticks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

• Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.

• Grill the chicken drumsticks for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy and caramelized.

• Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Service Suggestions:

For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve the barbecue chicken drumsticks with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans.

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FAQs

Do you have any tips for beginner grillers?

Start with a clean grill to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.

Invest in a good meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking your food.

Experiment with different types of wood chips to add unique flavors to your grilled dishes.

How can I tell if my grill is preheated and ready for cooking?

For gas grills, preheat the grill with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. Wait until the coals are covered with a layer of gray ash for charcoal grills before adding your food.

What are some essential grilling tools I should have on hand?

Tongs, spatula, grill brush, meat thermometer, basting brush, and heat-resistant gloves are all essential grilling tools every griller should have in their arsenal.

How can I clean my grill for next time?

After each use, brush the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any food residue. For a deeper clean, heat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes to burn off any leftover debris, then scrub the grates with a mixture of warm, soapy water and a grill brush.

What are 5 foods good for grilling?

Burgers, steaks, chicken, seafood, and vegetables are all excellent grilling choices. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to create flavorful dishes that impress your friends and family.