Summer’s here and the grill’s hot, but tired of the usual burger routine? This list gives you 11 new ideas for delicious main dishes you can cook on the grill, skipping the buns and franks. Get ready to surprise your friends and family at your next barbecue.
![Beer boiled brat on a white plate with fries.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beer-boiled-brat-on-a-white-plate-with-fries-1024x576.jpg)
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
![Chicken satay with peanut sauce on a white platter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chicken-satay-with-peanut-sauce-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Thread tender chicken cubes onto skewers and bathe them in a fragrant spice marinade. Grill them to juicy perfection, then dip them into a rich and creamy peanut sauce bursting with nutty flavor. This flavorful combination makes chicken satay a perfect finger food appetizer or a light summer main course.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Miso Glazed Chicken
![Miso glazed chicken with rice on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Miso-glazed-chicken-with-rice.jpg)
A simple marinade made with savory miso paste coats the chicken, caramelizing on the grill for a mouthwatering glaze. Every bite is a delicious balance of sweet and savory, making this unique dish a surefire crowd-pleaser at your next summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
![Image shows a white tray filled with chipotle grilled corn on the cob sitting on green grass.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chipotle-grilled-corn-cobs-on-a-white-tray.jpg)
Summer isn’t complete without smoky grilled corn. This recipe takes it up a notch with a fiery chipotle butter. The heat of the chipotle peppers adds a kick to the juicy corn, while the creamy butter keeps it balanced. It’s a simple side dish with a bold flavor that will add a festive touch to any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Kefta Kebabs
![Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefta-kebabs-on-skewers-on-a-white-platter.jpg)
Skip the burgers and explore the world of flavorful kebabs. Kefta kebabs are ground meat kebabs seasoned to perfection. These flavorful kebabs are a guaranteed hit, so be prepared to share the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Miso Glazed Salmon
![Image shows a Bite of miso glazed salmon with rice on a fork with the rest of the plate in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bite-of-miso-glazed-salmon-with-rice-on-a-fork.jpg)
Transform your backyard into a gourmet restaurant with this miso glazed salmon. The rich and savory miso glaze coats the salmon, caramelizing beautifully on the grill. Every bite is packed with flavor, making this impressive dish perfect for a special summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
![Grilled chicken foil packet with a fork holding a serving.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Grilled-chicken-foil-packet-with-a-fork-holding-a-serving.jpg)
Leave the pots and pans behind and let the grill do the work with these convenient chicken foil packets. Juicy chicken pieces cook alongside fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese, all sealed in a single packet. It’s a mess-free meal packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Beer Boiled Brats
![Image shows a beer boiled brat on a bun with sweet potato fries on a plate and more brats in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beer-boiled-brat-on-a-white-plate-with-fries.jpg)
Give your brats a beer bath for a burst of flavor! Simmering them in beer infuses the brats with a rich, malty taste that complements the savory goodness of the sausage. This simple technique keeps them incredibly juicy, making them the perfect handheld indulgence for your next summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
![Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens over rice on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Orange-Ginger-Grilled-Cornish-Hens-over-rice-on-a-white-plate.jpg)
Looking for a unique and flavorful main course for your summer dinner? Look no further than orange ginger grilled Cornish hens. The citrusy and warm flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a juicy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Orange Ginger Grilled Cornish Hens
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
![Kefir Marinated chicken on a blue plate with sides.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kefir-Marinated-chicken-on-a-blue-plate-with-sides.jpg)
This refreshing and flavorful chicken dish is perfect for a hot summer day. The kefir marinade adds a tangy touch and keeps the chicken incredibly moist. The bright citrus flavor from the lemon juice makes it a light and satisfying meal, ideal for a summer lunch or a light dinner on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Lime Marinated Chicken
![Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lime-marinated-grilled-chicken-sliced-on-a-red-plate-over-rice.jpg)
The simple marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for cutting through the summer heat. Grill the chicken until juicy and tender, and enjoy it on its own or nestled in a fresh salad for a light and refreshing summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Chicken
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
![Image shows a skewer of lemon marinated chicken held diagonally with green grass in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lemon-marinated-chicken-kebabs-on-a-skewer-with-green-background.jpg)
Turn your grill into a summer centerpiece with these lemony chicken kebabs. These kebabs are a crowd-pleasing combination of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a refreshing citrus kick, perfect for a fun and festive summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs