It's Grilling Season! 20 Favorite Recipes to Throw On The Grill (and Smoker)

From smoky poor man's burnt ends, grilled pineapple pork tenderloin to grilled chicken skewers, Moroccan chicken thighs and smoked chuck roast, these 20 grill and smoker recipes are your go-to all season long.

When the weather turns and the smoker comes out of the garage, I stop thinking about weeknight shortcuts. This is the list I actually cook from all summer - the recipes that are worth firing up the grill for, from a properly smoked brisket flat to beer can chicken with skin that actually cracks to quick grilled skewers you can have on the table in 20 minutes.

Before you dive in, two technique posts worth bookmarking: The Two-Zone Grilling Method is the one concept that fixes most grilling problems in one read, and What Temperature to Grill Steak is the reference I pull up every single time. If you're working on pork, How to Grill Pork Chops has the cut guide and grill times you need.

And if skewers are your thing - from Middle Eastern beef kofta to Hawaiian teriyaki pineapple - I have a whole dedicated roundup for that:
👉 15 Best Kebab & Skewer Recipes From Around the World

Smoker Recipes

Tex Mex Smoked Chuck Roast

One 4-to-6 pound chuck roast, a simple Tex-Mex rub with real ancho and chipotle, and a slow braise with lime and beef broth turns 20 minutes of prep into shredded beef so good it's the only taco filling you'll want all summer.

👉 Tex Mex Smoked Chuck Roast ->

Smoked Brisket Flat (Pellet Smoker)

How to Smoke a Brisket Flat That Eats Like a Whole Packer - A full packer brisket gets all the glory, but the flat is where most backyard cooks should start. Deep smoke ring, proper bark, slices that hold together - this is the method that gets you there without a 14-pound commitment.

👉 Get the Smoked Brisket Flat Recipe →

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Smoked Beer Can Chicken - The beer isn't the secret. The vertical position is - and a two-temperature method that finally gets the skin actually crispy, not just golden-looking.

👉 Get Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Grilled BBQ Ribs (Foolproof 2-Step Foil Method)

Make tender, juicy grilled BBQ ribs using this easy 2-step foil method that locks in moisture before finishing over smoky heat. Ready in about 3 hours using simple pantry spices and your grill, this foolproof approach delivers consistent, fall-apart ribs without needing a smoker
👉 Get the Grilled BBQ Ribs Recipe →

Smoked Pork Butt (Boston Butt)

Smoked low and slow at 225°F over hickory wood, this Boston butt transforms into fall-apart pulled pork in 10-14 hours with minimal hands-on effort. One simple dry rub, a pellet or charcoal smoker, and a thermometer are all you need.

👉Smoked Pork Butt (Boston Butt)

Smoked Pig Shots

These addictive pig shots layer smoked sausage and bacon into little cups stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling. Make them on the grill, in the smoker, or in the oven - but they're especially irresistible when they pick up smoky BBQ flavor. They disappear fast at every party.

👉 Pig Shots (Grill, Smoke or Bake)

Smoked Tri Tip

This recipe walks you through a bold Santa Maria-style dry rub, low‑and‑slow smoking (or oven roasting), and a high-heat reverse-sear finish that locks in every drop of juice. It's a showstopper centerpiece for weekend cookouts or anytime you want to impress a crowd.

👉Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tip, Smoked

Smoked Poor Man's Burnt Ends

You don't need a full packer brisket to make incredible burnt ends. This recipe uses chuck roast, smoked low and slow and finished with BBQ sauce until caramelized, sticky, and deeply smoky. Works beautifully on a pellet, charcoal, or electric smoker.

👉Poor Man's Burnt Ends

Grill Recipes

Grilled Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy Moroccan Chicken recipe is bursting with warm spices and fresh flavor. A quick lemon-herb marinade keeps the chicken juicy whether you bake, pan-sear, or grill it. You can use either chicken thighs or chicken breasts - the recipe is highly adaptable.

👉 Moroccan Chicken Thighs in Lemon Herb Marinade (Bake, Pan-Sear or Grill)

How to Grill Pork Tenderloin

👉How to Grill Pork Tenderloin (So It's Actually Juicy Every Time)

Grilled Pork Tenderloin In Herb Sauce

Juicy, marinated pork tenderloin is seared over direct heat, then finished over indirect heat for a perfectly cooked center. A bright, fresh chimichurri sauce cuts through the richness and adds herbaceous summer flavor in every bite.

👉 Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Herb Sauce

Grilled Chicken Wings

👉 Grilled Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Sriracha Chicken Drumsticks on the grill, then smothered in a sweet and spicy sticky sauce! Amazing crunchy crust and lots of flavor from delicious combo of sauces and seasonings. With just a few simple steps, these yummy legs recipe turns out excellent every single time.

👉 Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Salsa

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa cooks quickly, stays nice and juicy. Plus, it's an easy dish when you're craving something bold, sweet and tropical. Whether you grill it or roast it - the end result is a delicious tenderloin that's crispy on the outside and juicy & tender on the inside.

👉 Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

When you don't feel like standing over the grill, these BBQ chicken thighs deliver fall-apart, saucy, smoky flavor straight from the slow cooker. Finish them under the broiler or on a hot grill grate for a beautiful caramelized glaze.

👉 Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Skewers & Kebabs (Grill or Oven)

Shish Kebabs with Marinated Beef and Vegetables

Marinated Beef Kebabs
Classic shish kebabs with marinated beef cubes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion grilled until lightly charred on the outside and tender inside. A go-to backyard BBQ recipe the whole family asks for every summer.

Beef Kofta Skewers

Beef Kofta
Seasoned ground beef shaped around skewers and grilled until juicy with crispy charred edges. Serve them with warm flatbread, creamy yogurt sauce, and fresh herbs for a dinner that feels straight off a Middle Eastern street-food grill.

Chicken Fajita Skewers

Chicken Fajita Skewers with Citrus Marinade
All the bold, zesty flavors of sizzling fajitas - on a stick. A bright citrus marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy, and the colorful peppers and onions make these as gorgeous as they are delicious. Works on the grill or in the oven.

Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Tandoori Grilled Chicken Skewers
Yogurt and warm Indian spices create ultra-flavorful chicken skewers that bake on a rack and finish under the broiler for charred, tandoori-style edges - no outdoor grill needed. Perfect for weeknights or rainy days when you still want that smoky grilled flavor.

BBQ Chicken Kebabs

BBQ Chicken Kebabs
Sticky, saucy, and smoky BBQ chicken on skewers that caramelize beautifully on the grill. These are a cookout essential and pair perfectly with corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad.

Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet pineapple, juicy shrimp, and a sweet chili glaze come together for a bright, tropical skewer that cooks in just minutes on the grill. Serve them as a main or pass them as an appetizer at your next cookout.

Grilled Chicken and Bacon Shish Kebabs

Grilled Chicken and Bacon Shish Kebabs

Chicken and Bacon Shish Kebabs on the grill! Perfectly seasoned chicken pieces weaved in between bacon and grilled over indirect heat before crisping up with direct heat. The BBQ sauce fully coats the skewers for maximum flavor!

Jerk Chicken Thigh Skewers

Jerk Chicken Thighs Skewers
A flavorful, spicy grilled dish made by marinating boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is cubed, marinated for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight), threaded onto skewers-often with bell peppers and onions-and grilled over medium-high heat for 12-20 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165F.

Publishing Soon

22. Souvlaki Skewers (publishing soon)

A popular Greek street food consisting of marinated, grilled chicken-threaded on skewers and served hot. They are famously marinated in lemon, olive oil, and oregano, then grilled until tender, often served with tzatziki, pita bread, and salads.

23. Air fryer Korean chicken skewers with Gochujang Sauce (publishing soon)

A quick 30-minute dish. Simply marinate cubed chicken thighs for at least 20-30 minutes, thread onto skewers, and air fry at for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway until caramelized and fully cooked.

24. Thai Chicken Satay Skewers in the Secret Peanut Sauce

Marinated chicken thighs on skewers, roasted at high heat and hit with a quick broil for that charred, caramelized edge - zero grill required. The coconut peanut sauce with red curry paste and lime is silky, a little spicy, and built for pouring over everything. Jasmine rice, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro - it comes together like a full Thai satay platter on a weeknight.

Get the Chicken Satay Skewers

Love kebabs? Don't miss 10 Best Kebab & Skewer Recipes From Around the World - chicken, beef, shrimp, and caprese skewers, grilled or oven-baked.

Tips for Grilling and Smoking All Summer Long

• Preheat your grill or smoker: Always allow 10-15 minutes of preheating so grates are hot, clean, and ready to sear - this prevents sticking and gives you better grill marks.
• Set up two heat zones: Create a direct (high heat) zone for searing and an indirect (lower heat) zone for finishing. This is essential for thick cuts like pork tenderloin and tri-tip.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Don't guess - use an Instant Read Thermometer:  to hit safe, perfect internal temperatures every time.
• Rest your meat: Let grilled and smoked meats rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
• Soak wooden skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling so they don't burn over the flame.