BBQ Recipes You Can Make Without Firing Up the Grill

You don’t need a grill to enjoy the bold, smoky flavors of BBQ. With the right recipes, you can get that same taste using your oven, stovetop, or slow cooker. It’s a simple way to bring BBQ indoors any time of year.

From pulled pork made in a slow cooker to BBQ chicken baked in the oven, there are plenty of ways to create that familiar flavor. These dishes use sauces, rubs, and cooking methods that bring out the best in the ingredients—no grill required.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something easy for dinner, these recipes work well for any setting. They’re full of flavor, easy to prep, and perfect when grilling outdoors isn’t an option.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Quick, crisp, and packed with smoky flavor, this chicken is a weeknight favorite. The air fryer makes it golden on the outside and tender inside without much effort. It’s a solid pick when you want something hearty without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

Loaded with cheese, BBQ meat, and all the best toppings, these nachos are perfect for game day or a casual dinner. Everything bakes on one tray, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s comfort food that feeds a crowd fast.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

Simple but flavorful, these wings come together with minimal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, giving you juicy wings that fall off the bone. Great for parties or lazy Sundays.

Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

Oven BBQ Chicken

Classic and always a win, this recipe brings the smoky-sweet flavors you want, baked to perfection. The sauce caramelizes just enough to give it a little extra something. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

These wings turn out crispy without any deep-frying, thanks to the air fryer. The BBQ sauce sticks just right, and the inside stays juicy. Great for snacking or pairing with sides.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Set it and forget it—these drumsticks come out tender with a rich, slow-cooked flavor. The BBQ coating melts into the meat over hours, making every bite worthwhile. Ideal for busy days.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

These meatballs have rice mixed in, which gives them their fun name and a unique texture. Grilling adds a smoky touch that balances well with BBQ sauce. They’re fun and filling, perfect for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

This sandwich brings together sweet onions, melty cheese, and BBQ pulled pork for a seriously craveable combo. It’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

A quick cook in the air fryer keeps these chops juicy while adding that crisp finish. The BBQ glaze seals in flavor without much mess. Great for busy nights when you still want something with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls, this shredded chicken is full of BBQ flavor and easy to make in batches. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, it’s a reliable go-to. A little goes a long way.

Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Oven BBQ Ribs

Low and slow in the oven gets these ribs perfectly tender with a caramelized outer layer. They come out saucy, sticky, and finger-licking good. No grill needed to enjoy that deep BBQ taste.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These sliders come together fast in the pressure cooker, giving you soft, shredded pork in a fraction of the time. Top them with slaw and serve on small buns for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal. Super convenient, big on flavor.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Spicy Barbecue Wings

These wings bring the heat and the smoke—perfect for those who like a little kick with their BBQ. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with sauce that sticks just right. Great for sharing (or not).
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Wings

Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Sweet, smoky, and just a touch bold, this chicken gets its unique flavor from a peach and whiskey blend in the sauce. It’s a fun twist on a classic BBQ style. Great for cookouts or something a little different.

Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Barbecue Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are quick to make and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The sauce caramelizes just enough to give you that sticky finish without overcooking. Perfect for casual meals with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Rich and smoky with a little tang, these shrimp offer a smooth twist on traditional BBQ. They cook quickly and pair well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. It’s an easy upgrade from basic grilled shrimp.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Barbecue Shrimp

Honey BBQ Wings

These wings strike the perfect balance of sweet and smoky, with a golden glaze that clings to every bite. They’re always a hit at parties or as a fun dinner option. Cook them up crispy and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Honey BBQ Wings

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

These drumsticks are juicy on the inside and sticky-crisp outside, thanks to the air fryer. The sauce gets thick and rich as it cooks, adding loads of flavor. Easy, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

Baking these chops in the oven keeps them tender while the sauce thickens into a flavorful coating. It’s a great way to enjoy a BBQ-style meal when the grill’s not an option. Simple and dependable.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven