Planning a cookout but don’t have a grill? No problem! There are plenty of delicious meaty mains you can make without one. From crispy fried chicken to juicy oven-baked ribs, these recipes are perfect for any gathering. You can use your oven, air fryer, or slow cooker to create these mouthwatering dishes. Enjoy the convenience of indoor cooking while still serving up flavorful, hearty meals. Let’s explore some grill-free options that will make your next cookout a hit.
Air Fryer New York Steaks
Air fryer New York steaks are a quick and delicious option for a grill-free cookout. Season the steaks with your favorite spices, then cook in the air fryer until your desired doneness. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer New York Steaks
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk fried chicken is a classic favorite for any cookout. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk to tenderize and infuse flavor, then coat in seasoned flour. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy this juicy and flavorful dish with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Oven BBQ Ribs
Oven BBQ ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. Season the ribs with a dry rub, then bake them low and slow until they’re tender. Finish with your favorite BBQ sauce and bake a little longer for a sticky, delicious glaze.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer. Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then bake until juicy and tender. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Blackened Chicken Thighs
Blackened chicken thighs are packed with bold flavors. Coat the chicken thighs in a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then sear in a hot skillet until crispy. Finish in the oven and serve with corn on the cob or a cucumber salad.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
Oven baked ranch chicken is a simple and flavorful option. Coat chicken breasts in ranch seasoning and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and juicy. Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
Blackened Shrimp
Blackened shrimp is a quick and tasty dish perfect for cookouts. Toss shrimp in a blend of spices and sear in a hot skillet until cooked through. Serve with rice or on top of a fresh salad for a light and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp
Crispy Pork Chops
Crispy pork chops are a satisfying grill-free option. Coat pork chops in seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake or pan-fry until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of apple sauce and roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops
Oven BBQ Pork Chops
Oven BBQ pork chops are tender and flavorful. Season pork chops with a dry rub, bake until cooked through, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake a little longer. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic cookout meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Slow cooker pot roast is a hearty and easy dish for cookouts. Season a beef roast with herbs and spices, then cook in the slow cooker with vegetables until tender. Serve with the cooking juices for a rich and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are a fun and easy dish. Season the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ rub, cook in the air fryer until crispy, then toss in BBQ sauce. Serve with corn on the cob and a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air fryer turkey breast is a healthy and flavorful option. Season the turkey breast with herbs and spices, then cook in the air fryer until juicy and tender. Slice and serve with cranberry sauce and a fresh green salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Slow cooker pork roast is a tender and flavorful dish. Season a pork roast with garlic, herbs, and spices, then cook in the slow cooker until it falls apart. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast
London Broil
London broil is a flavorful and tender beef dish. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and herbs, then broil in the oven until cooked to your liking. Slice thinly and serve with roasted vegetables or a baked potato.
Get the Recipe: London Broil
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish. Mix ground beef with cheese, bacon, and seasonings, then bake until cooked through. Slice and serve with a side of fries or a simple green salad.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Air fryer BBQ chicken is an easy and healthy alternative to grilling. Season chicken pieces with your favorite BBQ rub, cook in the air fryer until crispy, then toss in BBQ sauce. Serve with coleslaw and baked beans for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken