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Sweet, tangy, and smoky sauces turn grilled or baked proteins into irresistible bites. Recipes balance heat, sweetness, and savoriness for deep, memorable flavor. Meats, vegetables, and even plant-based proteins take on rich, backyard-style taste. Every dish feels indulgent, casual, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella

Two slices of bbq pork pizza on a white plate.
BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Sweet roasted corn, spicy jalapeños, smoky mozzarella, and tender BBQ pork create a pizza bursting with flavor. Perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. Quick to make, this dish delivers bold taste with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella

Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

Four slices of pizza on a table.
Best BBQ Chicken Pizza. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Homemade dough, fresh toppings, and smoky BBQ sauce come together for a crowd-pleasing pizza. Full of flavor yet simple to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Each slice balances sweet, tangy, and cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

Pork chops in a cast iron skillet with bbq sauce on the chops.
BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven. Photo credit: Litlle House Big Alaska.

Tender pork chops roast in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that keeps them juicy and flavorful. Quick and easy, they make a satisfying weeknight meal. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

A white bowl filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a wooden table with a soft drink can and a glass in the background.
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper glaze coats juicy meatballs for a deliciously addictive appetizer or main dish. Minimal effort in the slow cooker makes entertaining stress-free. Perfect for game days or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Two glazed and baked chicken drumsticks on a white plate, with another plate of chicken partially visible on a red and white checkered cloth—perfect for those who love BBQ recipes and bold flavor.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Crispy-skinned chicken drumsticks cook quickly in the air fryer while staying juicy inside. Coated in smoky BBQ sauce, they’re an easy, flavorful option for weeknight meals or gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Image shows A person is holding a toothpick with a little smokie over a bowl filled with more bbq bourbon little smokies.
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cocktail sausages are bathed in a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual appetizers. Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors hit every bite.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Ninja Woodfire Grill Wings with Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Crispy, smoky wings get an upgrade with a whiskey-infused BBQ glaze. Quick to prepare, they’re perfect for backyard cookouts or game day celebrations. Bold flavor and a hint of sweetness make them irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet pan of nachos - topped with pulled pork, cheese, veggies, etc.
BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Layers of smoky BBQ sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings come together on one sheet pan. Quick to assemble and perfect for sharing, these nachos are a crowd favorite. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Grilled chicken flatbread pizzas on a marble countertop.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and onions top a crispy flatbread for a quick, satisfying meal. Great for weeknights or casual gatherings. Flavorful, hearty, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Open-faced sandwich with pulled pork and purple coleslaw on a toasted bun.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Tender pulled pork simmers in the Instant Pot for a fast, flavorful BBQ option. Perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or meal prep. No smoker needed—juicy, saucy pork is ready anytime.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mustard-based BBQ grilled chicken combines with fresh vegetables, bacon, and feta for a vibrant summer salad. Homemade dressing ties everything together. Perfect as a main course or light dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Slow-roasted ribs bake to tender perfection in tangy BBQ sauce. Simple preparation makes them weeknight-friendly. Rich, smoky flavor hits every bite without the need for a grill.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

BBQ Burgers

A cheeseburger topped with avocado, crispy onion strings, and a secret burger sauce.
BBQ Burgers. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Juicy beef patties pair with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a two-ingredient secret sauce for ultimate summer burgers. Quick to cook and full of flavor, these burgers will be a hit at any cookout. Perfect for backyard grilling or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Burgers

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy drumsticks cook in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures maximum flavor and tender meat. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Pulled pork, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheddar elevate classic grilled cheese into a decadent sandwich. Quick to assemble and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacks. Crispy bread seals in the savory goodness for every bite.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Oven BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken in a paper tray with a salad.
Oven BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Juicy chicken bakes to perfection in a tangy, smoky BBQ sauce. Simple preparation makes it ideal for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Every bite is tender, flavorful, and full of backyard-style charm.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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