Simple Grill Recipes That Make Dinner Easy And Fun

2 weeks ago

You do not need fancy tools or a huge yard to cook great food outside. With a few simple grill recipes, you can get dinner on the table fast, even on busy weeknights.

This post gives you a small set of trusted ideas you can use again and again. You will see quick weeknight dinners, fun weekend grilling for family and friends, and easy sides that cook right next to your main dish.

If you want more ideas later, you can always browse basic beginner recipes on sites like Serious Eats grilling essentials, but this guide will keep things simple so you feel ready to fire up the grill tonight.

Simple Grill Recipes For Fast Weeknight Dinners

On weeknights, you need food that is quick, forgiving, and does not use a ton of ingredients. These three ideas, chicken, burgers, and foil pack veggies, all cook in about 30 minutes or less, from prep to plate.

5-Ingredient Grilled Chicken Breasts With Easy Marinade

Chicken breasts are a go to for simple grill recipes because they cook fast and take on flavor easily. You only need five basic ingredients that you probably already have:

Oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic (fresh or powder)
Lemon juice or vinegar

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same speed. You can cover them with plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a small pan. Aim for about the thickness of your thumb.

Whisk oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Coat the chicken on both sides. Even 15 minutes of marinating helps, and you can let it sit in the fridge for a few hours if you have time.

Heat the grill to medium. Lay the chicken on the grates and leave it alone until you see good grill marks and the edges turn white and opaque. Flip once. The chicken is done when it feels firm but still springs back a little when you press it with tongs, and the thickest part is no longer pink inside.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside. Serve with foil pack veggies and you have a full meal with almost no cleanup.

If you want more beginner friendly chicken ideas, check out the list of simple recipes in Allrecipes beginner grilling collection.

Juicy Weeknight Burgers With Basic Pantry Seasoning

Burgers do not need a long ingredient list to taste good. Start with ground beef, a little salt, pepper, and one extra flavor, like onion powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Gently mix the seasoning into the meat. Stop as soon as it looks combined. Overmixing makes burgers tough. Shape the meat into patties that are a bit wider than the buns, because they shrink as they cook.

Press a small dent into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burger stay flat instead of puffing up into a ball.

Grill the burgers over medium to medium high heat. When the first side has a nice brown crust and you see juices pooling on top, flip once. Do not press down with the spatula. That just squeezes out all the juice you worked for.

You can use the same method for turkey burgers or plant based patties. Just oil the grates well and be gentle when flipping so they do not break apart.

Quick Grilled Veggies In A Foil Pack (No Fancy Gear)

Foil pack veggies are perfect when you want an easy side that does not stick or burn. You only need:

Chopped bell peppers
Zucchini or yellow squash
Onions
Oil, salt, and pepper

Toss the chopped veggies with oil and seasoning in a bowl. Lay a large sheet of foil on the counter, pile the veggies in the center, then fold the foil over and seal the edges tightly. You can use a second layer of foil if the pack feels thin.

Set the foil pack on the grill next to your chicken or burgers. Turn it once or twice while everything cooks. The veggies are done when they are tender, smell sweet, and have a few browned spots.

For extra flavor, sprinkle in taco seasoning or dried Italian herbs before sealing the pack. Serve the veggies right from the foil. That means fewer dishes and a fast, colorful side.

Fun Weekend Simple Grill Recipes For Family And Friends

Weekend grilling can still be simple. You can prep most of these ideas ahead, then relax while everyone hangs out outside. Kebabs, hot dogs, and grilled fruit keep both kids and adults happy without a lot of work.

For more laid back ideas, you can peek at the huge list of easy weeknight and weekend grills on What’s Gaby Cooking easy grilling ideas.

Mix-And-Match Grilled Kebabs With Chicken, Steak, And Veggies

Kebabs are a fun way to use whatever you have in the fridge. The basic formula is simple:

Pick a protein: chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu
Add colorful veggies: peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms
Use one easy marinade for everything

Cut all the pieces to about the same size so they cook evenly. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 to 30 minutes so they do not burn on the grill.

For easier cooking, put similar items on the same skewer. For example, all chicken on one skewer and all peppers on another. Meat often needs more time than veggies, so this trick keeps you from overcooking one thing while you wait for another.

Simple flavor ideas that work well:

Lemon garlic: oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
BBQ style: oil, a little store bought BBQ sauce, and extra black pepper

Grill over medium high heat until the edges are slightly charred and the meat is cooked through. Serve the skewers on a platter and let everyone grab what they like.

Easy Hot Dogs And Sausages With Creative Topping Ideas

Hot dogs are one of the easiest simple grill recipes for a crowd. A few small touches make them feel special.

Lightly score the hot dogs or sausages with shallow diagonal cuts. This helps them cook evenly and gives more edges to crisp up. Grill over medium heat, turning often, until the skins blister and darken in spots. Toss the buns on the grill for a minute so they warm and toast.

Set up a small topping bar so guests can build their own. A few fun combos:

Classic: ketchup, mustard, relish
Spicy: jalapeños, hot sauce, and diced onions
Loaded: melted cheese, grilled onions, and pickles
Fresh: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and mayo

Kids can keep it simple, adults can pile theirs high, and you do not need a fancy main dish to make everyone happy.

Super Simple Grilled Fruit Dessert (Peaches, Pineapple, Or Bananas)

Grilled fruit tastes like dessert without much work at all. Peaches, pineapple, and bananas all grill well.

Cut peaches in half and remove the pits, or slice pineapple into rings. Brush the cut sides with a little oil or melted butter and sprinkle on a bit of sugar or drizzle of honey.

Place the fruit on the grill after you finish cooking dinner, when the heat has dropped a bit. Grill until you see dark grill marks and the fruit smells sweet and caramelized.

Serve warm fruit with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon. Dessert is done with almost no extra dishes.

Beginner Tips To Make Any Simple Grill Recipe Turn Out Better

A few small habits make every recipe in this post work more often than not. You do not have to be perfect with temps and tools to put great food on the table.

You can also pick up more friendly tips and product tests on sites like Grillin With Dad, which focuses a lot on easy backyard cooking.

Basic Grill Setup: Heat Zones, Clean Grates, And Oil

Think of your grill as two zones. The hot side is right over the flames or coals and gives you grill marks and fast searing. The cooler side is away from the fire and lets food finish gently without burning.

Preheat the grill for about 10 to 15 minutes so the grates get hot. Use a grill brush to scrape off any stuck bits. Then fold a paper towel, dip it in oil, and use tongs to wipe the grates. This helps stop food from sticking.

You do not need to obsess over exact numbers. Medium heat usually feels hot when you hold your hand a few inches over the grate for a couple of seconds before you have to pull it away.

Know When Food Is Done Without Stressing About Exact Numbers

You can grill well even if you do not know every ideal temperature by heart. Look for simple signs.

Chicken is done when it is white all the way through, the juices run clear, and it feels firm but not rock hard.
Burgers are done when the outside is browned, the center springs back when pressed, and no raw meat shows if you peek inside.
Veggies and fruit are ready when the edges are browned or slightly charred and a fork slides in easily.

A basic meat thermometer is handy if you have one, but you can rely on sight and touch while you learn.

Let meat rest on a plate for a few minutes before cutting. This short pause helps the juices stay inside, so each bite tastes better.

Conclusion

Simple grill recipes can carry you through busy weeknights and relaxed weekends without a lot of effort. With basic chicken, burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, and foil pack veggies, you can feed a crowd or your family with very little stress.

Pick one idea from the weeknight section and one from the weekend section to try this week. Notice which parts you like best, then repeat them and tweak flavors as you go.

Grilling should feel fun, not fussy. Grab your tongs, light the grill, and enjoy the satisfaction of putting fresh, hot food on the table with your own hands.

Related post:

Simple & Tasty Grill Recipes: FAQs:

What are the easiest foods to grill for beginners?

Start with foods that cook fast and tell you visually when they are done.

Great beginner choices include:

Burgers
Hot dogs or sausages
Boneless chicken thighs
Shrimp skewers
Vegetable slices like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn

These all cook in under 20 minutes, do not need complex prep, and are forgiving if you slightly overcook them. Burgers and sausages, for example, still taste good if they go a little past ideal doneness, which takes some pressure off while you learn.

How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?

The two biggest helpers are thickness and time.

Pound chicken breasts so they are an even thickness, or use thighs which stay juicier. Soak the chicken in a simple marinade with oil, salt, and an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

On the grill, cook over medium heat, not high. Flip once, and use a thermometer if you have one. Pull chicken off the grill at 160°F, then let it rest for 5 minutes so it reaches 165°F off the heat. This short rest keeps the juices in the meat instead of on your cutting board.

What are some simple 3-ingredient grill recipes?

You can get great flavor with very few ingredients. A few ideas:

BBQ chicken thighs: Chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, salt
Garlic shrimp skewers: Shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic
Grilled corn: Corn on the cob, butter, salt
Steak bites: Steak cubes, soy sauce, black pepper

Season, rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then grill over medium to medium-high heat. The key is not to crowd the grill, so each piece gets enough heat and color.

How long should I preheat the grill for quick, simple recipes?

Give the grill enough time to heat, even for basic meals.

Gas grill: Preheat on high for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed
Charcoal grill: Let coals heat until covered in light gray ash, usually 15 to 20 minutes

A hot grill helps food brown faster, which adds flavor. It also helps prevent sticking, since the surface is hot enough to sear the outside of the food quickly.

What basic seasonings work well for most grilled foods?

You do not need fancy rubs to get good flavor.

For most simple grill recipes, a mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works very well. Add paprika if you like a mild smoky taste, or a pinch of chili powder for heat.

For vegetables, olive oil, salt, and pepper are usually enough. For meats, you can add a little brown sugar to help with browning, but watch the heat so it does not burn.

How do I stop food from sticking to the grill grates?

Start with a clean and hot grill. Old burnt bits grab on to food, and cold grates do not sear well.

Before you cook, brush the grates with a grill brush. Then lightly oil the grates using tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in oil. You can also coat your food with a thin layer of oil before seasoning.

Once you place the food on the grill, let it sit until it naturally releases when you try to lift it. If it clings, give it another minute or two.

What are some quick, simple marinades for grilling?

Keep it simple with a basic formula: oil + acid + salt + flavor.

A few easy combos:

Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic
Soy sauce, olive oil, honey, black pepper
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried Italian herbs, salt

Mix, taste, then adjust salt or acid. Marinate vegetables for 15 to 30 minutes, and meat for 30 minutes to a few hours in the fridge. Pat food dry before grilling so it can brown.

Can I grill frozen food, or should I thaw it first?

For the best texture and even cooking, thaw first when you can. Frozen meat can stay raw in the center while the outside burns.

There are a few exceptions. Frozen veggie burgers, some frozen sausages, and par-cooked frozen items are often made to go straight from freezer to grill. In those cases, use medium heat and give them a bit more time, turning often.

If you need to grill meat that is still a bit frozen, use lower heat, cook it longer, and check the center with a thermometer.

What are some easy grilled side dishes that go with simple recipes?

A few simple sides can turn basic grilled meat into a full meal. Try:

Grilled corn with butter and salt
Foil packet potatoes with oil, salt, and herbs
Grilled veggies like zucchini, onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Toasted bread brushed with olive oil and garlic

These sides all cook on the grill, so you do not have to run back and forth to the kitchen. They also reuse the same seasonings you already have out, which keeps prep simple.

How do I know when grilled burgers or steaks are done without overcooking them?

A thermometer is the easiest way to get repeatable results.

Burgers: 160°F for ground beef
Steaks: About 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium

If you do not have a thermometer, press the meat gently with your finger or tongs. Rare feels soft and squishy, medium feels like the base of your thumb when you press your thumb and middle finger together, and well done feels firm. With practice, you will learn the feel that you like most.