The 100 Best Barbecue Recipes You’ll Ever Have

Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken

Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to add tea to perk up a barbecue sauce.—Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
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Barbecued Burgers

I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches

Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it's easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas

Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Friends shared this three-ingredient marinade years ago, and it’s been a favorite since. Serve the steak with salad and grilled potatoes for a quick meal. —Beverly Dietz, Surprise, Arizona

Grilled Marinated Ribeyes

These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario

Peachy Baby Back Ribs

It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled huli huli chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

Barbecued Beef Brisket

A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

BBQ Bacon Burger

Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho

Honey Chipotle Ribs

Nothing's better than having a sauce with the perfect consistency for slathering. Here's one that'll ensure a lip-smacking feast. Make the sauce up to a week ahead. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Grilled Barbecued Chicken

It's fun for me to have my family together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The moist and plump pieces always bring enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida

BBQ Brats

In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin

Favorite Barbecued Chicken

What better place to find a fantastic barbecue chicken than Texas, and that’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We’ve served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce

Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother’s North Carolina roots. — Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida

Pork with Peach Picante Sauce

When fresh peaches are in season, I cook these pork ribs for family and friends. I love the recipe because I only need six ingredients, the slow cooker does the work for me and the ribs turn out tender and tasty. —Connie Jenista, Valrico, Florida

Grilled Maple Pork Chops

Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota

Dr Pepper Drumsticks

If you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, Illinois

Mushroom Bacon Turkey Burgers

If you ask me, a good burger needs mushrooms on top, but they tend to slide around and fall off. I decided to put mushrooms right into the patties—problem solved! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York

Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce

I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

Honey Pulled Pork Subs

Honey and ground ginger are the flavor boosters behind my no-stress sandwiches. A bottle of barbecue sauce ties it all together in a pinch. —Denise Davis, Porter, Maine

Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue

I am originally from North Carolina (where swine is divine) and this recipe for the slow cooker is a family favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ‘cue is the best BBQ he has ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada

Honey BBQ Chicken

I grill everything—veggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn't be easier. —Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon

Calgary Stampede Ribs

"More, please!" is what I hear when I serve these zippy, finger-licking ribs to family or guests. The first time my husband and I tried them, we pronounced them the best ever. The recipe has its roots in the Calgary Stampede, an annual Western culture festival and exhibition in our province. —Marian Misik, Sherwood Park, Alberta

BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs

For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding

To me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food and is simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken

I love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio

BBQ Country Ribs

I created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a magazine. The original called for much more oil. I usually triple the sauce and keep some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas

Italian Turkey Burgers

Seasoned with oregano and Parmesan cheese, these plump burgers are a delicious change-of-pace entree. I like to serve them on crusty Italian bread with warmed spaghetti sauce, but you can also use hamburger buns. -Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

Quick & Easy Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs

A friend of mine who loves barbecue gave me her recipe for ribs. Use just enough of the spice mixture to rub over them before baking, and sprinkle on the rest later. —Jennifer Ross, Arlington, TN

Barbecued Chicken Pizzas

So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California

Tangy Barbecue Wings

I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri

"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Barbecue Sauce with Mustard

Say no to ho-hum barbecue. Add some zing to chicken or pork with our sauce. —Charlie and Ruthie Knote, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington

Delicious Oven Barbecued Chicken

A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois

Tasty Pork Ribs

I like to serve these tender, country-style ribs over rice. The tantalizing aroma and zippy Cajun barbecue sauce are sure to make this dish a favorite at your house.—Michelle Rominger, Albia, Iowa

Barbecued Beans

Most members of my family would agree that no picnic is complete until these delicious beans have made their appearance. Preparing them in a slow cooker makes them easy to transport to any gathering. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Chicken

Springtime brings back memories of rhubarb that grew beside my childhood home. When I found ruby red stalks in the store, I created this recipe for them. My family gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad.

Grilled Glazed Drummies

My family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland

Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Sweet and savory with just a hint of heat, these dynamite burgers are packed with flavor. Pineapple and bacon may sound like an unusual combination, but you'll find they're the perfect match. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York

Sloppy Joe Dogs

There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. ‐Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Maple-Glazed Salmon

I have a few good recipes for family-favorite, heart-healthy salmon, but this one is always a hit. I serve it this way at least once a week and sometimes more! —David Krisko of Becker, Minnesota

Flank Steak Pinwheels

The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Because the steaks are flattened, marinade isn’t need. Instead, they’re filled with a colorful stuffing of red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops

My mother has fixed this recipe for years and now I prepare it for my family. The chops are delicious with scalloped potatoes and home-baked bread. —Teresa King, Whittier, California

Honey-Beer Braised Ribs

Braised in beer with a sweet honey finish, these tender, flavor-rich ribs will be the talk of the table. Serve them with baked potatoes, green beans and a salad for a memorable meal. —Terry Serena, McMurray, Pennsylvania

Beef Barbecue

We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beef roasts. When we're not in the mood for pot roast, I fix these satisfying sandwiches instead. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'm work. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'm at work. Then I just slice i thinly and serve it on rolls. —Karen Walker Sterling, Virginia

Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs

For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado

Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken

The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Rhubarbecue

This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lemony Grilled Salmon Fillets with Dill Sauce

Grilled lemons add a smoky tartness to a butter sauce made to enjoy with grilled salmon. A touch of dill adds a fresh, clean finish. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

Honey-Garlic Pork Chops

These chops are so simple to prepare yet taste really special. Honey, lemon and garlic form a classic combination that fits perfectly with grilled pork. I like that I can marinate the chops the night before or even in the morning. Then in the evening, just start up the grill and dinner's ready in no time.—Helen Carpenter, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Red-Eye Barbecue Sauce

I made this recipe for an assignment in culinary school—my first time making barbecue sauce. I have to say, it was the best barbecue sauce I had in a long time! The hint of coffee livens up the sweet barbecue sauce perfectly. —Evan Haut, Canton, Ohio

Saucy Grilled Pork Chops

My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota

Bacon Cheeseburgers with Fry Sauce

In Utah, fry sauce is the beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I wanted to add honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Peach-Glazed Ribs

For a fruity alternative to the usual barbecue sauce for ribs, try this slightly spicy recipe at your next picnic. The peaches add just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely color to this special sauce. —Sharon Taylor, Columbia, South Carolina

Cherry Barbecue Sauce

You can use fresh or frozen cherries to make this flavorful barbecue sauce. It tastes phenomenal on ribs and chicken! —Ilene Harrington, Nipomo, California

Peachy Pork Ribs

These meaty ribs are great picnic fare. First bake them to make them tender, then simply finish them off on the grill with a fruity basting sauce.—Tom Arnold, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marinated Steak with Grilled Onions

This marinade is magic —it will make even economy cuts of beef tender and delicious. —Gail Garcelon, Beaverton, Oregon

Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa

This super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin

BBQ Yumburgers

If you top them with extra barbecue sauce, you get both onions and sauce inside and out of these burgers. My husband loves to add cheese, too. —Donna Hoye, Whitmore Lake, Michigan

Barbecued Strawberry Chicken

When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lieutenant William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy

Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

When my kids were small, I'd stuff leftover chicken into these oven-baked quesadillas. I often grab rotisserie chicken instead. —Pam Martin, Canandaigua, New York

Skillet Chicken with Barbecue Onion

Barbecue chicken is a sure bet with guests, but it’s also messy at times. My recipe lets you savor that flavor without a pile of napkins. —Evelyn Cleare, Miami, Florida

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Sweet Barbecued Pork Chops

I often prepare a double recipe of these tangy bbq pork chops, then freeze half to keep on hand. They're so easy and taste so fresh, family and friends never guess this quick entree was frozen! —Susan Holderman, Fostoria, Ohio

Loaded Pulled Pork Cups

Potato nests are simple to make and surprisingly handy for pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and other toppings. Make, bake and collect the compliments. —Melissa Sperka, Greensboro, North Carolina

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri

Texas-Style BBQ Sauce

We love a barbecue sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina

Country-Style Grilled Ribs

A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, sprinkle with celery seed, coats these tender ribs. Chili powder and hot pepper sauce contribute to the zesty flavor. —Marilyn Beerman, Worthington, Ohio

Glazed Chicken Wings

I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba

Stacey's Famous BBQ Chicken

This chicken is topped with a sticky, finger-lickin’ sauce that everyone—including my kids—loves. I make it in big batches now and give jars of it to family and friends. —Stacey Nerness, Spencer, Iowa

Pork and Beef Barbecue

It's the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a little lettuce and tomato for a crisp contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, Michigan

Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Slow-Cooked Pork Barbecue

You need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri

Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits

There’s nothing like juicy meat over steaming grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah

Berry BBQ Sauce

On weekends, I jazz up our favorite BBQ sauce with blackberries and blueberries. They make a marvelous spread for basting and saucing grilled baby back ribs. —Janet Hix, Austin, Texas

Barbecued Beef Ribs

These tender, slow-cooked beef ribs with a tangy sauce are a cinch to make. They’re great for picnics and parties. —Erin Glass, White Hall, Maryland

Barbecued Pork Chop Supper

I start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois

Contest-Winning Barbecued Chicken

When our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, Georgia

Oven-Barbecued Salmon

Late last summer, the South Carolina heat drove me indoors and away from my grill. So I changed my favorite grill recipe to be made in the oven with just as tasty results. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Tangy Spareribs

I still remember coming home from church to the smell of these ribs baking in the oven alongside baked potatoes. They have an old-fashioned homemade barbecue sauce that clings to every morsel. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana

Contest-Winning Barbecued Pork Chops

Sherry, honey, barbecue and steak sauces combine to give these chops a beautiful glaze and dressed-up flavor. The sauce works well on chicken breasts, too. —LaJuana Holland, Amarillo, Texas

Sweet & Tangy Barbecued Chicken

My family loves to grill in the summer, and this is our go-to recipe when hosting friends and family. Every bite is full of flavor and the chicken is always tender and juicy. —Joy Yurk, Grafton, Wisconsin

Barbecued Basil Turkey Burgers

My husband built me a patio planter for herbs, so I made a turkey burger featuring fresh basil. We add toppings like provolone, red onion and tomatoes. —Denise Miller, Greeley, Colorado

Farm-Style BBQ Ribs

Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe like this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and friends. When I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker, it got even better. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, Oregon

Bandito Chicken Wings

These golden wings make a mouthwatering hot appetizer. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio

The Best Baby Back Ribs

I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah

Baby Back Ribs

Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Fruit-Glazed Pork Chops

Here’s a fast and simple way to grill chops in half an hour. Other fruit preserves can be easily substituted. These are also nice broiled in the oven. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Apple Barbecue Chicken

My husband and I had just moved to Dallas when I first made this recipe. Everything was new—new city, new home—but this dish felt familiar and comforting. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas

Sweet and Savory Ribs

My husband, Randy, and I love barbecue ribs, but with our busy schedules, we rarely have time to fire up the grill. So we let the slow cooker do the work for us. By the time we get home from work, the ribs are tender, juicy and ready to devour.—Kandy Bingham, Green River, Wyoming

Spicy Barbecued Chicken

This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee

Root Beer BBQ Ribs

The slow cooker does a great job of creating super tender and juicy ribs. The yummy sauce has a mildly sweet flavor. —Mairyn S., Sandy, Utah

Slow-Cooker BBQ Ham Sandwiches

Friends love these barbecue sandwiches and often ask me to make them. We double the crowd-pleasing recipe and serve them at potlucks. —Dana Knox, Butler, Pennsylvania

Grilled Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Pork shoulder roast is rubbed with seasonings and grilled, creating a crispy exterior that's lip-smacking good! The meat is delicious by itself but can also be topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee

Grilled Bean Burgers

These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey