Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ Ideas
There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy outdoor get togethers. We’ve put together some of our favorite ideas from recipes to gear to help you host a fun BBQ to celebrate summer or just a great excuse to get together!
Barbecue Spiced-Rubbed and Sauced Chicken
This recipe can be found in The Barbecue Bible Personalized Leather Book by Steven Raichlen. This book is full of great grilling recipes and also makes a great gift for someone who loves to BBQ!

RECIPE NOTES
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Method: Direct grilling
INGREDIENTS
For the chicken:
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts, each cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup of barbecue rub
- 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce
- Oil for the grill grate
For the veggies (pick your favorite):
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut in quarters or sixths
- 2 to 3 bell peppers cut into 1 ½- to 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup small to medium cremini mushrooms
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons barbecue rub
You’ll also need:
- 2 to 3 hardwood chunks or 1 ½ cups wood chips, soaked and drained; flat metal skewers, instant-read meat thermometer; basting brush.
RECIPE STEPS
1: Set up your grill for direct grilling and heat to high. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well. Add wood chunks or chips to the fire (or smoker box if using a gas grill).
2: Season the chicken pieces on all sides with the rub. (Optional: Lightly oil the chicken pieces to help the rub adhere to the chicken.)
3: Place all the veggies in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, then season with the barbecue rub.
4: Slide the chicken pieces and veggies onto the metal skewers. Place the chicken and veggies on separate skewers as they have different cooking times.
5: Grill the veggies 2 to 3 minutes a side for a total of 5 to 6 minutes. Grill the chicken on each side for 2 to 3 minutes. Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional 1 to 2 minutes per side.
6: Remove the grilled veggies and chicken skewers from the grill. Use a grill glove to hold the skewer when removing the chicken and the veggies since the metal skewers will be hot. Optional: Sprinkle the chicken kebabs with additional barbecue rub, if desired.
7: Serve immediately.
Personalized Wood Cutting Board
Our personalized maple cutting board is a versatile board for summer entertaining. It can be used for grilling, a charcuterie board or even a serving board. Our board was featured in USA Today as a must-have board for good reason!
Limoncello Collins
If you are looking for a delicious summer cocktail, we are totally inspired by this Limoncello Collins recipe we found on foodandwine.com. We suggest our personalized Tritan drinkware to serve your drinks for outside entertaining. They look like real glass but are shatter-resistant.