Backyard grilling is more than just cooking—it’s a celebration of sunny days, good company, and bold, smoky flavours. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or throwing a last-minute BBQ, these easy grilling ideas will help you serve up delicious eats with minimal prep and maximum impact. Fire up the grill and turn your outdoor space into the ultimate summer kitchen!
Backyard Grilling Made Simple
Stick to Staples: Choose easy-to-grill proteins like sausages, burgers, or chicken thighs. They cook fast and satisfy every crowd.
Vegetable Magic: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn in olive oil and grill until tender and charred—serve as sides or build a veggie platter.
Marinades Matter: Use simple 3-ingredient marinades (oil, acid, herbs) to boost flavour without the fuss. Try lemon-garlic, honey-mustard, or balsamic-thyme.
Grill Packs FTW: Wrap chopped potatoes, peppers, and onions in foil with a drizzle of oil and seasoning. Toss on the grill for no-mess sides.
Skewer It: Build colourful kebabs with meat, shrimp, or halloumi cheese mixed with cherry tomatoes and onions—no utensils needed.
Recipe: Zesty Grilled Chicken Thighs
These citrus-marinated chicken thighs deliver juicy, flame-kissed flavour with just 10 minutes of prep.
Why You’ll Love It ?
Foolproof & Flavorful: Boneless thighs stay moist and cook quickly.
Fresh Ingredients: A bright marinade brings the heat and the zing.
Crowd-Ready: Double the recipe and feed a backyard full of friends.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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¼ cup olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Mix Marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Add chicken thighs to a resealable bag or bowl. Pour in marinade and toss to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill thighs for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 74°C (165°F).
Serve: Let rest briefly, garnish with parsley or lemon, and serve with grilled veggies or fresh salad.
Pro Tip: Always clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and help achieve those perfect grill marks.
Level Up Your Grill Game
Elevate your BBQ with a high-quality grill brush —because every great backyard chef needs the right tools by their side.