13 BBQ Dinners So Smoky and Tender Your Family Will Ask for Seconds

There is something about the smell of BBQ that pulls everyone into the kitchen. Sticky ribs, juicy pulled pork, sweet and smoky sauce on your fingers. The good news? You do not need a fancy smoker or a backyard pit to make BBQ dinners that taste like a summer cookout. Most of these recipes work in a regular oven, a slow cooker or a simple grill pan. So which one will you make first? Keep scrolling and pick your favorite..

Oven Baked BBQ Ribs That Fall Off the Bone

Let us start with the star of all BBQ dinners. These baby back ribs bake low and slow in the oven, wrapped tight in foil, until the meat is so tender it slides right off the bone. Then they get brushed with sauce and slipped under the broiler until sticky and caramelized. No smoker, no stress, just pure finger licking goodness. Would you eat these with a fork or with your hands?

You will need: 2 racks baby back ribs, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup BBQ sauce.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 275°F. 2. Pull the thin skin off the back of the ribs. 3. Mix the sugar and spices and rub them all over the meat. 4. Wrap each rack tightly in foil and bake for 2 and a half hours. 5. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly. 6. Rest 5 minutes, then slice between the bones.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, the King of BBQ Dinners

If you could only make one BBQ recipe for the rest of your life, would it be this one? Pork shoulder cooks all day in the slow cooker until it falls apart at the touch of a fork. Pile it high on a soft bun, add a scoop of creamy coleslaw and get ready for total silence at the table. Leftovers freeze beautifully too, so you can enjoy easy BBQ dinners all month.

You will need: 3 to 4 pound boneless pork shoulder, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 sliced onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, soft buns, coleslaw.

How to make it: 1. Rub the pork with sugar, paprika, garlic and salt. 2. Lay the onion in the slow cooker and set the pork on top. 3. Pour in the vinegar. 4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. 5. Shred the meat with two forks, drain most of the juice and stir in the sauce. 6. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Texas Style Oven Brisket Worth the Wait

Brisket has a reputation for being hard, but the oven makes it surprisingly easy. A simple salt and pepper rub, like they use in Texas, lets the beef shine. Low heat and a long cook turn a tough cut into tender, juicy slices with a dark peppery crust. Make it on a lazy Sunday and you will have BBQ dinners covered for half the week.

You will need: 4 to 5 pound beef brisket flat, 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 cup beef broth, BBQ sauce for serving.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 275°F. 2. Pat the brisket dry and press the rub all over it. 3. Set it fat side up in a roasting pan and add the broth. 4. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 5 to 6 hours, until a fork slides in easily. 5. Rest for 30 minutes. 6. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with sauce.

Sticky Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Quick question: are you team drumstick or team thigh? Good news, this recipe works for both. The secret to great BBQ chicken is patience. Cook the chicken over medium heat first, and only brush on the sauce at the end, so the sugar does not burn. You get juicy meat, crispy skin and a glossy, sticky glaze every single time.

You will need: 2 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 cup BBQ sauce.

How to make it: 1. Toss the chicken with oil and spices. 2. Grill over medium heat, or bake at 400°F, for 30 to 35 minutes, turning a few times. 3. Brush with sauce during the last 10 minutes. 4. Cook until the inside reaches 165°F. 5. Add one more coat of sauce and rest 5 minutes before serving.

Pulled Chicken Sliders for Easy BBQ Dinners

Mini sandwiches just taste better, right? These little sliders use chicken breasts cooked right in BBQ sauce, then shredded and piled onto soft Hawaiian rolls. Brush the tops with garlic butter and bake until golden. They are perfect for a weeknight, a game day spread or a birthday party. Kids love them, and grown ups always sneak a third one.

You will need: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 12 Hawaiian rolls, 6 slices cheddar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

How to make it: 1. Cook the chicken with sauce, honey and paprika in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours. 2. Shred it right in the sauce. 3. Slice the rolls in one slab and lay the bottoms in a baking dish. 4. Add the chicken and cheese, then the tops. 5. Brush with garlic butter. 6. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Tenderloin in 30 Minutes

Craving BBQ on a Tuesday but short on time? Pork tenderloin is your best friend. It is lean, cooks fast and soaks up a sweet and smoky glaze like a sponge. Sear it in a hot pan, slide it into the oven and dinner is ready in about half an hour. Slice it thick and serve it with corn on the cob and a crisp green salad.

You will need: 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400°F. 2. Rub the pork with sugar and spices. 3. Sear in an oven safe pan with oil until browned on all sides. 4. Brush with sauce. 5. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until it reaches 145°F inside. 6. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

Smoky BBQ Salmon With a Brown Sugar Rub

Who says BBQ has to be all about pork and beef? Salmon loves a smoky, sweet rub. The brown sugar melts into a light crust, the paprika adds a gentle campfire flavor, and the fish stays buttery and flaky inside. It is ready in about 15 minutes, which makes it one of the fastest BBQ dinners in this whole list. Try it with rice and grilled pineapple.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon oil, lemon wedges.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425°F or heat a grill to medium high. 2. Mix the sugar and spices. 3. Brush the salmon with oil and press on the rub. 4. Bake or grill for 10 to 12 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork. 5. Squeeze lemon on top and serve.

Giant Beef Ribs That Make BBQ Dinners Feel Like a Feast

Beef ribs are big, bold and seriously impressive. One bone can feed a hungry adult, and the meat turns rich and buttery after a long, slow cook. A simple rub of salt, pepper and garlic is all they need. Serve them on a big wooden board and watch everyone grab their phones for a picture first. Love big beef flavor? Our steak dinners at home are a great next step.

You will need: 4 to 5 pounds beef back ribs or short ribs, 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, BBQ sauce for serving.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven or smoker to 275°F. 2. Trim extra fat and pat the ribs dry. 3. Season them all over. 4. Cook bone side down for 4 to 5 hours, until very tender. 5. Rest 15 minutes, slice between the bones and serve with sauce on the side.

BBQ Chicken Pizza for a Fun Friday Night

Quick poll before you scroll: what is your favorite pizza night style? A) Classic pepperoni B) Margherita C) BBQ chicken D) Anything with extra cheese. If you said C, this one is for you. Sweet BBQ sauce replaces the tomato sauce, then come chicken, red onion, smoky gouda and fresh cilantro. It is a great way to use leftover chicken from any other recipe here.

You will need: 1 pound pizza dough, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, fresh cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 475°F with a pan or stone inside. 2. Stretch the dough into a round. 3. Spread the sauce over it. 4. Toss the chicken in a spoon of extra sauce and scatter it on top. 5. Add both cheeses and the onion. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, then top with cilantro.

Loaded Baked Potatoes Make BBQ Dinners on a Budget

Have you ever turned a humble potato into a full meal? Big fluffy russets get stuffed with pulled pork or chicken, melted cheddar, a drizzle of sauce and a dollop of sour cream. This is the smartest way to stretch leftovers, and it makes cheap BBQ dinners feel like a real treat. Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own.

You will need: 4 large russet potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, salt, 2 cups leftover pulled pork or chicken, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1 cup shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cooked bacon bits.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425°F. 2. Rub the potatoes with oil and salt and poke them with a fork. 3. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until soft. 4. Warm the meat with the sauce. 5. Split the potatoes, fluff the insides and fill with meat and cheese. 6. Bake 5 more minutes, then add sour cream and onions.

Honey BBQ Shrimp Skewers Ready in 15 Minutes

Shrimp cook in just a few minutes, which makes these skewers perfect for nights when everyone is starving. A honey BBQ glaze with a squeeze of lime gives them a sweet, tangy, smoky flavor that tastes like vacation. Serve them over rice, tuck them into tacos or eat them straight off the stick. Be honest, how many skewers could you eat in one sitting?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 red bell pepper and 1 red onion cut into chunks, wooden skewers soaked in water.

How to make it: 1. Mix the sauce, honey, lime and paprika. 2. Toss the shrimp in half of it. 3. Thread shrimp, pepper and onion onto the skewers. 4. Grill or broil 2 to 3 minutes per side. 5. Brush with the rest of the glaze and serve right away.

Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs Grandma Always Made

This retro recipe sounds odd, but trust us, it works. Grape jelly melts into BBQ sauce and turns into a sweet, tangy, glossy glaze that people cannot stop eating. It was a church potluck hit decades ago, and it still disappears just as fast today. Serve the meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes for dinner, or with toothpicks at a party. Did your grandma make these too?

You will need: 2 pounds frozen meatballs, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, 1 cup grape jelly, 1 teaspoon chili powder, cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving.

How to make it: 1. Add the meatballs to a slow cooker. 2. Whisk the sauce, jelly and chili powder and pour it over. 3. Stir to coat. 4. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring once or twice. 5. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends, the Candy of BBQ Dinners

Last but definitely not least, burnt ends. These sweet, sticky cubes of pork belly are so rich and tender that BBQ fans call them meat candy. Cook them low and slow, then toss them with butter, honey and sauce for a final glaze. So tell us, which of these BBQ dinners are you making first: A) ribs B) pulled pork C) brisket D) burnt ends?

You will need: 3 pounds pork belly, skin removed, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes, 3 tablespoons BBQ rub, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven or smoker to 250°F. 2. Toss the cubes with the rub and spread them on a rack. 3. Cook for 3 hours until deep red brown. 4. Move them to a pan with the sauce, honey and butter. 5. Cover and cook 1 more hour. 6. Uncover, cook 10 minutes to thicken the glaze, then serve.