Your Grill Called—It’s Time to Celebrate Barbecue Day

National Barbecue Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy some bold, smoky flavors. From classic ribs and burgers to grilled veggies and sauces, there’s something for everyone. It’s a fun way to enjoy good food outdoors with friends and family.

Barbecue recipes come in all styles—slow-cooked, grilled fast, sweet, spicy, or smoky. You can stick with trusted favorites or try something new with a twist. No matter your choice, it’s all about making food that brings people together.

Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or a simple dinner, barbecue recipes are built for sharing. These ideas are great for all levels of experience and can be adapted based on what you have on hand. Fire up the grill and make the most of the day.

Spicy Barbecue Wings

These wings bring the heat with a smoky, spicy barbecue glaze that clings to every bite. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for game day or backyard hangouts. The spice level can be adjusted depending on your preference. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese for cooling contrast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Wings

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Let the slow cooker do the work—these chicken legs come out fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich BBQ flavor. A few hours of low and slow cooking builds incredible flavor and keeps things mess-free. Great for busy days or feeding a crowd without hovering over the stove. Just pair with some slaw or cornbread and dinner’s set.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

These foil-wrapped potatoes soak up smoky flavors while grilling to tender perfection. Add onions, garlic, or cheese for extra flavor—everything melts together beautifully. They’re a simple side that works with just about any main dish. Crisp on the edges and soft in the center, every bite delivers.
Get the Recipe: Barbecued Potatoes on the Grill

How to Make Barbeque Turkey Sliders

Shredded turkey tossed in tangy barbecue sauce and stacked onto mini buns makes these sliders a quick, crowd-pleasing option. They’re great for leftover turkey or when you’re looking for something a little different. Add pickles or slaw for extra texture. Perfect for casual dinners or parties.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Barbeque Turkey Sliders

Oven BBQ Chicken

No grill? No problem. This recipe brings all the smoky-sweet BBQ flavor to your oven. The chicken comes out juicy with a sticky glaze that caramelizes just right under the broiler. It’s a low-fuss way to get that cookout vibe indoors.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken

Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Shrimp tossed in a creamy, smoky barbecue sauce makes for a bold and rich dish. The flavors are big, and the sauce clings to every bite. Serve it over rice, grits, or even pasta for a hearty meal. Quick to prepare and impressive enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Barbecue Roasted Almonds

These almonds are coated in a smoky BBQ seasoning and roasted until crisp. They’re perfect for snacking, party bowls, or even gift jars. The sweet, salty, and slightly spicy blend makes it hard to stop at one handful. A great alternative to plain roasted nuts.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Roasted Almonds

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

This tangy vinegar-based sauce packs a punch with a hint of heat and no sugar. It’s perfect for pulled pork or drizzling over grilled meats. Light and sharp, it cuts through rich flavors beautifully. A pantry staple if you love that classic Carolina taste.
Get the Recipe: Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

Crispy on the outside, juicy inside—these pork chops are coated in a bold BBQ rub and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. No need to heat up the oven or grill. They’re quick, flavorful, and great with roasted veggies or a side of mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

BBQ Green Beans

These green beans get a smoky makeover with a tangy BBQ glaze and optional bacon bits. They’re tender-crisp with just enough char to make them feel special. A fun side dish that adds something different to the table. Great with grilled meats or as part of a hearty spread.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Simple, juicy chicken grilled and brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce until sticky and charred. It’s a summer essential that never goes out of style. Great on its own, in sandwiches, or sliced over salads. A classic cookout must-have.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Sweet peaches and smooth whiskey add depth to the smoky sauce coating these juicy chicken pieces. The flavor is rich, a little sweet, and totally addictive. It’s a bold option for grilled or baked chicken. Perfect when you want something a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Oven BBQ Ribs

These ribs cook low and slow in the oven, getting tender enough to pull apart easily. A generous slather of BBQ sauce finishes them off under the broiler for that sticky, caramelized edge. You won’t miss the grill one bit. Ideal for rainy-day rib cravings.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Crispy skin and juicy meat—these drumsticks cook up fast in the air fryer with a thick coating of barbecue sauce. A quick flip halfway through gives even browning. They’re great as a snack, main dish, or party platter. No fuss, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Honey BBQ Wings

Sticky, sweet, and smoky—these wings hit all the right notes with a homemade honey BBQ glaze. The sauce caramelizes in the oven or air fryer for that perfect finish. Great for game nights or casual dinners. Don’t forget the napkins.
Get the Recipe: Honey BBQ Wings

Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are smoked low and slow until deeply flavorful and tender. The smoke adds a rich depth that works perfectly with a light rub or BBQ sauce. Great for cookouts or anytime you’ve got the smoker going. Always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

The air fryer makes these drumsticks crispy outside and juicy inside, all in less than 30 minutes. Tossed in BBQ sauce, they’re full of bold flavor without the mess of grilling. A perfect quick dinner or meal prep option. Kid-approved and easy to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Cocktail sausages simmered in a smoky-sweet bourbon BBQ sauce make for the ultimate party appetizer. They’re rich, bold, and easy to keep warm in a slow cooker. Just set them out with toothpicks and watch them disappear. A great blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

These chops bake up juicy and flavorful with a thick coating of BBQ sauce that caramelizes as it cooks. A quick sear or broil at the end adds extra depth. Serve with mashed potatoes, salad, or grilled veggies for a full meal. A no-hassle option for hearty weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

Barbecue Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce lets you adjust the sweetness, heat, and smokiness just the way you like. Great for brushing on grilled meats, mixing into pulled pork, or serving on the side. It stores well in the fridge and beats the bottled stuff every time. Just a few pantry staples bring it all together.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

This air fryer version keeps things quick and simple while locking in flavor. The skin crisps up nicely while the inside stays juicy. Toss it in BBQ sauce near the end for that sticky finish. A great shortcut to a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken