16 Barbecue Recipes You Can Make Without a Grill

Enjoy smoky barbecue flavors from the comfort of your home.

birds eye view slow cooked baby back ribs
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Who says you can’t enjoy barbecue without a grill? Don’t let the absence of a grill (or grill pan) discourage you from enjoying a barbecue feast. To prove that you can bring the cookout vibes to the comfort of your home, we’ve rounded up our favorite barbecue recipes that can be prepared in an oven, slow cooker, or even an air fryer. Some of our favorites include this recipe for oven-baked Carolina-Style "Whole Hog" Barbecue Pork and these smokey Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches. But that’s not all; keep reading to explore our collection of recipes to satisfy your cravings for barbecue.

01 of 16

Carolina-Style "Whole Hog" Barbecue Pork

Carolina-Style "Whole Hog" Barbecue Pork on a plate with chips.

ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

“The flavor is amazing! So easy to make and so delicious! Chef John wasn't exaggerating when he said that if you haven't had whole hog pulled pork, you haven't really had pulled pork. The combinations of flavors and textures once everything has been pulled and blended together is simply incredible. This will be my go-to for pulled pork from now on.” — Jon Hennington 

02 of 16

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs with a knife and a bowl of sauce

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“These ribs are absolutely delicious! The method was very easy and resulted in perfectly cooked ribs. The texture of the meat is perfect and not overcooked like so many other recipes. The spice rub is so good I would suggest doubling or tripling the recipe to keep on hand for everything. I served them with Chef John's Barbeque Sauce and my husband was very impressed. He ate all of the leftovers the next day. Thanks, Chef John!” — Lacyanne

03 of 16

Oven Barbecued Beef Brisket

very close up of sliced oven barbecued beef brisket
thePINAYcook

“I made this for my son's wedding dinner. Made exactly as written. Melt in your mouth fork-tender and great flavor! My family likes a bit more heat so next time I will try with some crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper.” — Bonsai

04 of 16

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

1649627611Baked20BBQ20Chicken20Drumsticks.jpg

“This recipe was super easy and super tasty! My husband loved it to the point that he wanted me to freeze the extra sauce for later… Would definitely make this again!” — Amanda Tatro 

05 of 16

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs

“Oh my gosh! These were the most incredible ribs I have ever tasted, in or out of a restaurant… I couldn't get them out of the crock pot in one piece, they were so tender! Thank you so much for this recipe, it is definitely one of the best on this site! I would highly recommend trying this one.” — Brookiiee

06 of 16

Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

close up view of six BBQ drumsticks in a green baking dish

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

“This recipe is perfect! I made it for my family last night — they are not wild about dark meat and they loved it. One tip though: line the baking dish with aluminum foil to lessen the cleanup.” — Joanne 

07 of 16

BBQ Chicken Breasts in the Oven

BBQ Chicken Breast in the Oven recipe on a serving platter
France C

“I have my own food blog and love to cook. I don't mind making all my ingredients from scratch most of the time but there are many nights when I really appreciate a recipe like this one when I need a quick delicious meal that I don't have to fuss over… Thanks for this simple and delicious recipe!” — Sandra Mackay Henslee

08 of 16

Oven-Roasted Ribs

Oven-Roasted Ribs on a white platter

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“This recipe was super easy and super tasty! My husband loved it to the point that he wanted me to freeze the extra sauce for later! Would definitely make this again!” — Amanda Tatro

09 of 16

Simple BBQ Ribs

high angle view of saucy BBQ ribs served in a white baking dish

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

“Very simple and delicious. I used country style pork ribs, boiled for 45 min and then baked for an hour and 15 min. They were perfect. I will definitely make them this way again.” — Denise Dawson 

10 of 16

Air Fryer BBQ Baby Back Ribs

close up on a bunch of air fryer bbq baby back ribs sliced
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“Surprised how great these turned out! Moist and very flavorful!! Will definitely make these again! Thanks for sharing the recipe!” — Debbie Quinn

11 of 16

Instant Pot Crispy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Instant Pot(R) Crispy Barbecue Chicken Wings

“Absolutely delicious! I just bought my instant pot and started off easy. I didn’t think with it being so easy it would taste so amazing. I will be making these often, that's for sure. Cooked perfectly!” — Donna Holland

12 of 16

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Instant Pot(R) Pulled Pork Sandwiches

“First time using the Instant Pot for pulled pork and it came out Fabulous! The pork was juicy and tender! Will make again!” — Liz Dalton ‘Lizzie’

13 of 16

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

birds eye view of a plate of ribs

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“I am terrible in the kitchen — but when I make this dish I'm the best chef in town, lol! So easy! I followed the author's suggestion (in the comments) of substituting water with Pepsi and a little liquid smoke. Perfection! I have some cooking in the crock pot right now! I always cook on high for 4 hours — always perfect.” — Tina 

14 of 16

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

overhead angle looking down into a slow cooker of chicken barbecue
dotdash meredith food studios

“This was delicious! I was a little skeptical with the Italian dressing but I said it can’t hurt to try it. So happy I did, it was a big hit with my family. My grandson who only eats chicken nuggets and pizza also gave it a try which he never wants to try anything, he ate three plates! Yes three! I couldn’t believe it, I was brought to tears. I will definitely be making this again.” — Brigette Taylor

15 of 16

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Breast

“This was so good and super easy. I’ve shared this recipe with three friends so far. The leftovers were good enough to eat cold! I’ll definitely be making this again.” — Traci Harford

16 of 16

Basic Air Fryer Hot Dogs

close up view of two Basic Air Fryer Hot Dogs in toasted buns, next to three hot dog sausages, on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh herbs

BUCKWHEAT QUEEN

“These hot dogs were as good as cooking them on the grill. I have an inexpensive air fryer that does not have a preheat feature. I cooked the hot dogs first, then the buns. I scored the hot dogs before cooking for 6 minutes, turning them after 3 minutes. I buttered Martin's Potato Rolls and cooked them for 4 minutes. I also used parchment liners so there was no mess!” — Steph 

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