17 BBQ recipes for people who like to cook with one hand and hold a drink with the other

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You don’t need two hands to make something decent, and these 17 BBQ recipes prove it. They’re made for multitasking, low-effort grilling that still ends up on everyone’s plate. One hand on the food, one hand on the cold one—life’s about balance, right? These are built for casual cooks who want to feed people without breaking a sweat.

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Grilled lime-garlic chicken breasts with visible char marks on a white rectangular plate, with vine tomatoes in the background.
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Whether you’re flipping a burger or holding a drink, Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts are the perfect one-handed meal. The chicken is juicy, tender, and loaded with tangy lime and garlic that really pop. It’s quick and easy, making it the go-to option when multitasking is key. Grab a bite, take a sip, and keep going without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Quick Smoked Tomatoes are a perfect addition to any BBQ meal, giving you a delicious side that doesn’t demand a lot of attention. They cook up tender with a smoky aroma that complements almost anything. These tomatoes pack a punch without taking too much of your focus while cooking. All the good taste without the hassle or mess.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you need something simple yet tasty, Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers hit the mark. With savory caramelized onion flavors, these burgers are juicy and fulfilling in every bite. They bring great flavor in a no-fuss package, making them perfect for eating with one hand. Get that juicy bite, and you’re set for the next task.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad offers a perfect balance of textures, with smoky grilled asparagus and creamy potatoes. It’s not overly complicated, yet it brings a mix of crunch and heartiness that’s easy to enjoy. This salad makes for a great side that lets you focus on your main meal while still eating well. One less thing to worry about while you’re enjoying your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a BBQ that’s full of bold, robust flavors, Texas-Style Carne Asada is a must-try. It’s easy to enjoy with one hand while you manage other tasks, giving you tender beef with a perfectly seasoned crust. The marinated beef is grilled to perfection, giving you that rich, meaty bite that satisfies without taking too much time. No need for fuss, just great, flavorful food.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip

Four pieces of grilled fruit skewers on a slate plate with a bowl of cherry dip.
Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip are a fun and easy way to add a sweet, juicy touch to your meal. These skewers are quick to make, easy to eat, and they won’t slow you down while you’re handling other things. The cherry dip adds a nice, sweet balance to the smoky fruit that you can dip and enjoy with just one hand. It’s a quick snack or dessert that doesn’t interrupt the flow of your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re craving something flavorful and tender, Korean Galbi Ribs bring the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These ribs cook up quick, leaving you with minimal work and plenty of time to enjoy your BBQ. A quick grill and they’re ready to go, making them perfect for holding a drink in the other hand. Enjoy tender, flavorful meat without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Traeger Smoked Garlic

Close-up of roasted garlic cloves.
Traeger Smoked Garlic. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

With Traeger Smoked Garlic, you’re getting a smoky, rich addition that’s perfect for any BBQ spread. It’s an easy recipe that lets you focus on other things while it cooks slowly to develop a deep, savory flavor. It adds a great depth to your meal without demanding much from you in terms of effort. You’ll enjoy the subtle, smoky notes that add character to your meal with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips are perfect when you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful bite that’s easy to manage. The beef is tender and juicy, making each piece enjoyable without the need for much attention. These tender beef tips are packed with great, mouthwatering flavor and are easy to grab with one hand. A fulfilling option for any BBQ meal, without the hassle of excessive prep.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Looking for a light yet fulfilling dish? Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes brings a fresh, smoky sweetness from the grilled peaches that mix well with the juicy tomatoes. It’s the perfect combination of textures that don’t require a lot of effort but taste amazing. You won’t have to put your drink down to enjoy this one; it’s easy to eat while you’re enjoying the rest of your BBQ. A simple yet fulfilling side that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter make it easy to enjoy steak with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The steak is perfectly tender with a smoky char, and the garlic butter adds richness without overpowering. They’re juicy and tender, requiring little work, which makes them ideal for holding a drink in the other hand while you eat. Grab your drink, grab your steak, and enjoy the full meal without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is an easy, no-fuss dish that packs a punch with simple ingredients. Perfect for those who want something quick and flavorful without needing too much prep. It’s a simple way to make corn stand out, even without much hands-on time. If you’re looking for something hearty but not overly complicated, Bacon Fried Corn is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something that has a little kick, Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle fits the bill. It’s easy to whip up and doesn’t require much attention. The griddle makes it a breeze to cook everything quickly, so you can get back to doing your thing. Plus, the combination of pork and green beans makes it satisfying without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Smoked Cream Cheese

Two slices of smoked cream cheese on a white plate.
Smoked Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Cream Cheese might sound a little different, but it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves smoky flavors. It’s super easy to prep and doesn’t require much effort to get it just right. Whether you’re snacking or looking for a side, this recipe will hit the spot. You’ll get all the goodness of cream cheese with a smoky twist that makes it hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This dish is the kind of recipe that comes together in no time with minimal mess. It’s light yet satisfying and doesn’t take up too much of your focus while grilling. The combination of the grill and Mediterranean flavors creates a really nice balance. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is perfect when you need something quick that still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Smoked Pulled Pork

Two cast iron skillets with smoked pulled pork in them.
Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving something comforting and easy to handle, Smoked Pulled Pork will get you there. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to throw something on the smoker without needing constant attention. Once it’s done, you can serve it up however you like with minimal effort. This recipe brings that smoky richness without you having to put in a ton of work.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers are great for anyone who loves a little heat with a hint of sweetness. They’re easy to grill and don’t require a lot of setup. The skewers make it simple to handle, so you don’t need a second hand to manage. Plus, the combo of sweet and spicy keeps things interesting without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

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