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    Home / Roundups

    23 Summer Grilling Recipes That Bring The Party Straight To Your Backyard

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 24, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Summer grilling recipes are the easiest way to turn your backyard into the place everyone wants to be. There's something about food cooked over an open flame that instantly lifts the mood and sparks conversation. These recipes keep things simple so you can focus on good vibes instead of complicated cooking. No need for fancy gear or hours in the kitchen-just straightforward meals that bring people together. Perfect for weekends when you want to kick back and let the grill do the work.

    Grilled tomahawk steak with seared crosshatch marks served on a wooden board, surrounded by roasted potato slices.Pin
    Photo credit: The Kitchen Bucket List.

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    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled chicken thigh on a white plate with green beans and a side of barbecue sauce, garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden table.Pin
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs bring that smoky-sweet flavor you need when summer grilling recipes hit their stride. They're juicy, quick to throw on the grill, and basically begging to be the star of your cookout. Fire up your grill and give summer grilling recipes something to brag about.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers keep things light, fast, and full of flavor-perfect when you're knee-deep in summer grilling recipes. With a little char and a squeeze of citrus, they're ideal for cookouts that don't require a fork and knife. Your guests will be reaching for seconds before the first round's done.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer prove that summer grilling recipes don't have to involve babysitting a fire. These skewers get the char without the sweat, and they're done before the sun even starts to set. Bite-sized and bold, they're easy to pile on your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    BBQ Peri Peri Chicken

    Grilled chicken breast with rice and roasted vegetables on a plate, fresh salad with arugula and peppers, sauce in a jar, and utensils on a wooden table.Pin
    BBQ Peri Peri Chicken. Photo credit: Cooks with Soul.

    BBQ Peri Peri Chicken brings just enough kick to keep things interesting and totally fits the bill for summer grilling recipes. The marinade does the heavy lifting while you soak up compliments. Don't be surprised when the neighbors follow the smell to your yard.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Peri Peri Chicken

    Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

    Grilled chicken breast topped with avocado, tomato salsa, and chopped cilantro on a wooden board.Pin
    Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is like sunshine on a plate, which is exactly what summer grilling recipes are all about. The citrus and herbs cut through the heat while keeping the grill game strong. It's simple, fresh, and ridiculously easy to eat with your fingers.
    Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

    Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

    Grilled chicken breasts topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese, garnished with basil, served on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is where juicy grilled meat meets a punchy tomato topping-basically peak summer grilling recipes material. It's got enough flavor to skip the sauce and enough charm to steal attention from the burgers. Keep the napkins handy, because this one gets juicy.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    A plate of grilled barbecue chicken thighs garnished with chopped herbs, served on a white scalloped dish.Pin
    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are sticky, smoky, and way more exciting than plain old grilled chicken. This one's a no-brainer when you're hunting for solid summer grilling recipes that don't require a culinary degree or a 10-step marinade chart.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Rockfish Tacos

    Four fish tacos with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and sauce in corn tortillas, garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro.Pin
    Rockfish Tacos. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Rockfish Tacos take a quick turn on the grill and land right in soft tortillas-now that's summer grilling recipes doing their job. They're light, fast, and made for piling high with slaw and lime. Add a cold drink and call it dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Rockfish Tacos

    Grilled Pork Chops

    Three grilled pork chops garnished with rosemary and lime wedges are arranged on a white rectangular plate atop a marble surface.Pin
    Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    Grilled Pork Chops get a flavor upgrade with a bold marinade and the perfect grill marks-exactly what summer grilling recipes are meant to deliver. They've got that smoky edge and enough heft to hold their own next to any side dish. Big flavor, zero stress.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

    Grilled Chicken Nuggets

    A rectangular plate of grilled, seasoned chicken bites on a wooden board, with three dipping sauces and a bowl of toothpicks beside it.Pin
    Grilled Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Grilled Chicken Nuggets are proof that even picky eaters can get behind summer grilling recipes. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these nuggets skip the fryer but still pack serious flavor. Serve them up with dipping sauces and let the snacking begin.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Nuggets

    Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

    A plate of white rice topped with grilled chicken, chopped cucumber, tomato, olives, feta cheese, and herbs, with a fork and knife on the side.Pin
    Mediterranean Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is doing all the work with half the effort-perfect for summer grilling recipes that don't sweat the small stuff. It's tangy, herby, and pairs well with sun-soaked evenings and cold drinks. You won't miss the extra steps.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

    Grilled Flatbread Pizza

    Oval-shaped flatbread pizza topped with melted cheese and herbs, served on parchment paper, with parsley garnish nearby.Pin
    Grilled Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: The Buttered Gnocchi.

    Grilled Flatbread Pizza is what happens when you let summer grilling recipes into pizza night. It's smoky, crispy, and customizable with whatever toppings are hanging around. No oven, no problem.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Flatbread Pizza

    Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

    Grilled chicken thighs with barbecue glaze, garnished with chopped green onions and served with pineapple slices on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: The Cooking Duo.

    Grilled Teriyaki Chicken goes sweet and savory with a quick sear and sticky glaze-classic for summer grilling recipes that go beyond burgers. It's bold, glossy, and disappears fast. Make extra or regret it.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

    Pineapple Pork Skewers

    Grilled meat and vegetable skewers on a white plate garnished with chopped herbs and lime slices, surrounded by fresh peppers and herbs.Pin
    Pineapple Pork Skewers. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

    Pineapple Pork Skewers bring the sweet and smoky combo that summer grilling recipes dream about. Sticky marinade, juicy bites, and grill marks you'll be proud of-it's all here. Serve them up fast before they vanish.
    Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pork Skewers

    Grilled Beef Kebabs

    Grilled skewers with beef, mushrooms, red onions, and colorful bell peppers, garnished with chopped herbs, served on a white platter.Pin
    Grilled Beef Kebabs. Photo credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    Grilled Beef Kebabs are loaded with juicy steak and veggies, checking all the boxes for reliable summer grilling recipes. Charred edges, bold flavors, and barely any cleanup? Yes, please. They're built for casual cookouts and easy compliments.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Kebabs

    Summertime Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups Appetizer

    A blue plate with assorted vegetable rolls, surrounded by lemon wedges, herbs, a bowl of shredded meat, and a small bowl of orange dipping sauce.Pin
    Summertime Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups Appetizer. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

    Summertime Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups Appetizer are the sneaky MVP of summer grilling recipes. Smoky on the outside, creamy in the middle, and just the right size to pop in your mouth. Even the meat-lovers will fight over these.
    Get the Recipe: Summertime Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups Appetizer

    Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

    Six grilled kebabs on wooden skewers are arranged on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs. A bowl of cilantro and a jar of sauce are beside the plate.Pin
    Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab packs in herbs and spices and gets smoky on the grill-exactly what summer grilling recipes should be doing. They're juicy, hand-held, and completely irresistible. Go ahead and grab two.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

    Traeger Grilled Salmon

    Two cooked salmon fillets with herbs, surrounded by asparagus, roasted potatoes, lemon slices, and a small bowl of oil or sauce on a wooden surface.Pin
    Traeger Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

    Traeger Grilled Salmon brings big smoky energy with zero stress, so it fits right in with the rest of your summer grilling recipes. A quick rub and the pellet grill do all the hard stuff while you take the credit. Fancy without trying.
    Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Salmon

    Grilled Vegetable Medley

    A bowl of roasted vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, yellow and red bell peppers, garnished with parsley, on a table with a red-striped napkin.Pin
    Grilled Vegetable Medley. Photo credit: Sprinkled With Balance.

    Grilled Vegetable Medley skips the fuss and shows up ready to impress-just how summer grilling recipes should roll. These veggies soak up that smoky grill flavor like pros and still keep their crunch. Toss 'em with whatever seasoning's nearby and serve with anything.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Medley

    Tomahawk Steak Reverse Sear

    Grilled tomahawk steak with seared crosshatch marks served on a wooden board, surrounded by roasted potato slices.Pin
    Tomahawk Steak Reverse Sear. Photo credit: The Kitchen Bucket List.

    Tomahawk Steak Reverse Sear is the big showstopper every summer grilling recipe lineup needs. Slow-cooked, then seared to perfection, it practically demands applause. Go big or go back inside.
    Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak Reverse Sear

    Pinchos

    Grilled chicken skewers with a glazed coating are arranged on a wooden board, surrounded by slices of grilled bread.Pin
    Pinchos. Photo credit: GypsyPlate.

    Pinchos bring bold Puerto Rican flavor straight to your backyard and slam dunk the summer grilling recipes category. No fluff-just juicy meat on sticks with all the smoky goodness. They're street food energy in a backyard setting.
    Get the Recipe: Pinchos

    Grilled Chicken Kabobs

    A white plate with grilled chicken and vegetable skewers garnished with lime wedges.Pin
    Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

    Grilled Chicken Kabobs keep things colorful, fast, and fun, which is exactly what you want from summer grilling recipes. They've got marinade magic, grill char, and kid-friendly appeal. Serve with extra napkins and maybe a margarita.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

    Grilled Carrot Dogs

    Four hot dogs in buns with various toppings including jalapeños, onions, ketchup, mustard, cilantro, pickles, red cabbage, and mayonnaise, on a dark surface. A hand holds one hot dog.Pin
    Grilled Carrot Dogs. Photo credit: Ooh La La It's Vegan.

    Grilled Carrot Dogs are smoky, spicy, and not at all what you'd expect-perfect for shaking up summer grilling recipes. They look like hot dogs but pack veggie power with every bite. Weirdly awesome, and weirdly addictive.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Carrot Dogs

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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