20 Delicious BBQ Recipes Easy for Beginners

Carmen Eldridge

April 8, 2025

Get ready to fire up your grill and get cooking! Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, these 20 mouthwatering BBQ recipes are sure to become new favorites. From classic pulled pork sandwiches to sweet and tangy honey garlic chicken skewers, we’ve got something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of BBQ and share our top picks for beginners. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect smoky flavor, master the art of low-and-slow cooking, and discover new ways to get creative with your grill. So grab a plate of your favorite sides, because it’s time to get fired up and start grilling!

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Skewers

Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these mouthwatering skewers, combining the classic flavors of honey, garlic, and BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or potluck.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and BBQ sauce.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve hot.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Savor the flavors of slow-cooked pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a soft bun.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ mixture over it.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly.
7. Spoon the pulled pork onto the buns and top with coleslaw, if desired.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Grilled BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Grilled BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this sweet and savory grilled shrimp recipe. The combination of tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce is a perfect match for any backyard gathering.

Ingredients:

– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Brush the shrimp with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes

Simple BBQ Beef Brisket

Simple BBQ Beef Brisket
This simple recipe yields tender, smoky brisket with a rich BBQ flavor. Perfect for a casual gathering or family dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 beef brisket (2-3 pounds)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and cover the pot with foil.
6. Bake for 2-1/2 hours, then remove the foil and brush with BBQ sauce.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Quick BBQ Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

Quick BBQ Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
Quick BBQ Ranch Chicken Foil Packets: A flavorful and easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4-6 pieces
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 aluminum foil sheets, heavy-duty

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken pieces in the center of each foil sheet, leaving a 1-inch border around.
4. Brush chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Spoon the BBQ-ranch mixture over the chicken, dividing it evenly among the packets.
6. Fold foil over the chicken, sealing edges tightly.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Easy Grilled BBQ Corn on the Cob

Easy Grilled BBQ Corn on the Cob
Easy Grilled BBQ Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for outdoor gatherings or everyday meals.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Get ready to elevate your burger game with these mouthwatering BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! Juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sweet BBQ sauce come together in a flavorful and fun-sized treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices of bacon
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce
– 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into 12 small patties.
3. Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, followed by a patty, a few strips of bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Top with lettuce, tomato, and onion (if using) before placing the top bun.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Smoky BBQ Grilled Salmon

Smoky BBQ Grilled Salmon
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this mouth-watering Smoky BBQ Grilled Salmon recipe!

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush both sides of salmon fillets with the BBQ mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place salmon on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. If desired, add wood chips or chunks to create a smoky flavor.
7. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes total

Easy BBQ Baked Beans

Easy BBQ Baked Beans
Perfectly sweet and tangy, these classic baked beans are a crowd-pleaser at any outdoor gathering or family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously smoky flavor in no time!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or baking dish, combine the soaked beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the bean mixture and stir to combine.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the top.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken

Grilled BBQ Pineapple Chicken
This recipe combines the classic flavors of grilled chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and a hint of BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 ripe pineapples, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for an additional 30 seconds to caramelize.
6. Serve chicken with grilled pineapple and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Simple BBQ Ribs with Dry Rub

Simple BBQ Ribs with Dry Rub
This recipe yields tender, flavorful ribs with a sweet and smoky dry rub that’s perfect for any backyard barbecue.

Ingredients:

– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs (this will help the rub penetrate evenly).
4. Generously apply the dry rub to both racks of ribs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down.
6. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Flip the ribs over and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned.

Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your snack game with this creative recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or a fun twist at your next gathering.

Ingredients:

– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or cook in a skillet with olive oil until cooked through.
4. Slice cooked chicken into strips and toss with BBQ sauce.
5. Split baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and top each half with chicken strips, BBQ sauce, and desired toppings.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Easy Grilled BBQ Sausage and Peppers

Easy Grilled BBQ Sausage and Peppers
A classic summer combination that’s ready in no time! This recipe brings together juicy sausages, sweet bell peppers, and tangy barbecue sauce for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any backyard gathering.

Ingredients:

– 4 grilled BBQ sausages (such as Italian sausage or Chorizo)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place sausages on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toss bell peppers and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill alongside sausages for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
4. Brush sausages with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
5. Serve sausages hot with grilled peppers and onions.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

BBQ Turkey Meatballs with Sauce

BBQ Turkey Meatballs with Sauce
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The combination of juicy turkey, tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy texture will have you hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each meatball.
6. Spray or brush with cooking spray or oil.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
8. While the meatballs are baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
9. Serve the warm meatballs with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce spooned on top.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite!

Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with these mouth-watering, BBQ-flavored chicken quesadillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist at your next gathering.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce until well combined.
3. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half with cheese.
4. Add 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch (4 quesadillas).

Grilled BBQ Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled BBQ Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these savory and smoky grilled mushrooms. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they’re sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients:

– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Brush the mushroom caps with the sauce mixture on both sides.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop nice grill marks and are tender.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes

Easy BBQ Pork Chops with Apples

Easy BBQ Pork Chops with Apples
This sweet and savory recipe combines tender pork chops with caramelized apples, all smothered in a rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless pork chops
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the pork chops over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Add the sliced apples and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the pork chops with the BBQ sauce and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.
6. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

BBQ Ranch Grilled Veggie Skewers

BBQ Ranch Grilled Veggie Skewers
BBQ Ranch Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Get ready to grill up a flavorful and colorful treat with these BBQ Ranch Grilled Veggie Skewers! Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a healthy snack, this recipe combines the sweetness of grilled vegetables with the tanginess of ranch seasoning and BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup zucchini
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
– 1/4 cup red onion
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ranch seasoning
– 1 tbsp BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch seasoning, and BBQ sauce.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the vegetable skewers.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes

Simple BBQ Tofu with Mango Salsa

Simple BBQ Tofu with Mango Salsa
This sweet and tangy recipe combines the flavors of grilled tofu and tropical mango salsa for a delicious and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together BBQ sauce and olive oil. Add tofu cubes and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Grill tofu for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Serve grilled tofu with Mango Salsa spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Pulled Chicken Stuffed Peppers

BBQ Pulled Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Transform classic stuffed peppers into a tangy, smoky treat with the addition of BBQ pulled chicken. This twist on a comfort food favorite is sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the bell peppers by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet with BBQ sauce over medium heat until shredded and tender.
4. Stuff each roasted bell pepper with the BBQ pulled chicken, onion, and garlic mixture.
5. Return stuffed peppers to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Summary

Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in some delicious BBQ treats! This collection of 20 mouth-watering recipes is perfect for beginners. From classic favorites like pulled pork sandwiches and ribs, to innovative twists like honey garlic chicken skewers and bacon-wrapped shrimp, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a veggie fan, these easy-to-follow recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So grab your apron and get grilling with these tasty BBQ recipes!

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