5 Kid-Friendly BBQ Recipes That Even Adults Will Enjoy

If you're tired of serving your little ones the same old hot dogs and hamburgers, we've got you covered with these kid-friendly BBQ recipes that even adults will love. Prepare to fire up the grill and please everyone at your next backyard gathering.

 

What Are the Benefits of Kid-Friendly BBQ Recipes?

 

 

Introducing kid-friendly BBQ recipes into your family's culinary repertoire can be a game-changer. By incorporating various nutritious ingredients such as lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and whole grains, you're serving delicious meals and promoting a balanced diet that contributes to your kids' overall well-being.

 

Moreover, kid-friendly BBQs can transform mundane family outdoor dinners into memorable occasions filled with laughter and shared moments. Grilling together encourages teamwork and collaboration, allowing children to participate actively in meal preparation.

 

5 Delicious and Easy Kid-Friendly BBQ Recipes

 

Embarking on a culinary adventure with your little ones doesn't have to be daunting, especially with BBQ. With these recipes in hand, you're not just igniting the barbecue; you're sparking a passion for wholesome cooking that will leave your family craving more.

 

1. Grilled BBQ Sauce Chicken Skewers

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts 

 

Tools:

• Wooden skewers

 

Instructions:

 

1. Whisk together BBQ sauce, olive oil, cumin, honey, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Place the chicken (cut into 1-inch cubes, boneless skinless) in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
3. Pour half of the marinade mixture onto the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Close the bag securely or place a cover on the dish, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature (375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C)), ensuring the grates are clean and oiled to avoid sticking.
5. Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto the wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes), leaving a small space between each piece. This allows for even cooking.
6. Position the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is displaying a delightful char on the edges.
7. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the skewers with the remaining marinade to add flavor and moisture.
8. Once done, take the skewers off the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.

 

2. Cheesy BBQ Sliders with Mini Buns

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• mini slider buns
• butter for toasting buns

 

Instructions:

 

1. Combine the ground beef or turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of cheese and seasonings.
3. Divide the meat mixture into small portions, shaping them into slider-sized patties. Aim for a thickness that ensures even cooking on the grill.
4. Preheat your grill to 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled to avoid sticking.
5. Place the slider patties on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. In the final minute of cooking, apply barbecue sauce to each patty, letting it achieve a slight caramelization.
6. While the patties cook, slice the mini slider buns in half. Lightly butter each half and toast them on the grill for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Once the patties and buns are ready, place a cheesy BBQ patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
8. Secure the sliders with the top halves of the buns and serve them hot off the grill. 

 

3. Veggie Kebabs with Zesty Marinade

 

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

For the Kebabs:

• 2 bell peppers
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 red onion
• 2 zucchinis
• Wooden or metal skewers

 

Instructions:

 

1. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Ensure the marinade is well combined.
2. Wash and chop the vegetables (bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and zucchini) into bite-sized pieces. Attempt to cut the pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
3. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the zesty marinade over the vegetables and toss them until they are evenly coated. 
4. Marinate the vegetables for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your grill to 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 232°C).
6. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different types of vegetables to create colorful kebabs.
7. Position the kebabs on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning periodically, until the vegetables reach a tender consistency and display a delightful char.
8. Optionally, you can baste the kebabs with the remaining marinade during the cooking process for extra flavor.
9. After the kebabs are cooked, take them off the grill and serve while they are hot.

 

4. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

 

 

Ingredients:

 

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for some heat (adjust according to preference)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Use paper towels to dry the chicken drumsticks thoroughly, eliminating excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, olive oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to form a marinade.
3. Coat each drumstick thoroughly with the marinade. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken and set aside for 30 minutes to one hour. For more flavor, you can marinate it longer, even overnight.
4. Ensure the grill grates are cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F or 190-200°C.
5. Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on the preheated grill. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Utilize a meat thermometer to verify doneness; the internal temperature should register at 165°F (74°C).
6. In the last 10 minutes of grilling, start basting the drumsticks with BBQ sauce. Generously coat the chicken, allowing it to caramelize. Rotate the drumsticks regularly to avoid burning.
7. Take the chicken off the grill and set aside a few minutes before serving.

 

5. Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad

 

 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon
• 1 cup feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Cut the watermelon into cubes or wedges, making sure they are about 1 inch thick. If necessary, remove any seeds.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for 375°F to 450°F (190°C to 232°C).
3. Place the watermelon pieces on the preheated grill. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until you see grill marks and the watermelon is slightly caramelized. Remove the pieces from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Combine the grilled watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves in a large serving bowl.
5. Pour the balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil evenly onto the salad. The balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the flavors of the salad.
6. Add salt and pepper to the salad according to your taste. Be mindful of the salt, as feta cheese can be salty.
7. Carefully mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined, not breaking the watermelon pieces.
8. Transfer the grilled watermelon and feta salad to a serving platter or individual plates.

 

A Culinary Adventure for the Whole Family

 

 

These delightful and easy kid-friendly BBQ recipes are sure to elevate family gatherings. The beauty of these dishes is they offer a perfect blend of flavors that appeal to kids' and adult taste buds alike. So, the next time you fire up the grill, consider these recipes to turn your family barbecue into a feast that caters to all ages.

 

Then, sit back and enjoy your al fresco dining. With the right outdoor dining furniture, the memories you make with your family will have a beautiful backdrop. So, go ahead and pick out the perfect pieces for your next family BBQ.

 

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