Summer is our favorite time to whip up our favorite marinades and throw an easy dinner on the grill. I know you’re going to love these 10 easy grill recipes for venison, chicken, and more!

As the warm weather rolls in and the days grow longer, grilling season is HERE and grilling is one of our favorite things to do as a family. Grilling dinner outside while our daughter, Madi, and Sadie (our family pup) play outside is the best, honestly.
From the rich, smoky flavors of a charcoal grill to the quick and convenient cooking of a gas or electric grill, or our favorite, wood pellet grill (we do have a Traeger!), there’s a type of grill suited for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re grilling classic burgers and hot dogs, experimenting with succulent seafood, or savoring perfectly seared steaks and vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Each type of grill offers its unique benefits, ensuring that every grilling experience is as enjoyable and flavorful as the season itself.
WHAT TYPES OF FOOD CAN YOU GRILL?
Grilling is a versatile cooking method that allows you to prepare a wide variety of foods. It brings out the natural flavors of foods and adds a unique, smoky taste that enhances any dish. Whether you prefer meats, seafood, vegetables, or even desserts, the grill offers a multitude of delicious possibilities. Here are some of our favorite ingredients to grill:
- Meats (of course): You can get super creative with how you grill your meats. Venison, beef, pork, chicken, elk, and even lamb make great meats to cook up on your grill. We love grilling venison backstrap, chicken and even pizza! Lastly, take your taco night up a notch and grill some flank steak or a skirt steak and serve on your tacos for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. So good.
- Seafood: There are several ways to grill up seafood and many prefer the grilling method. Fish, shellfish, and others (such as muscles and crab), cook up great on a grill. We love adding grilled shrimp in our foil pack meals or grilling salmon.
- Vegetables: We LOVE a good grilled veggie. You can easily cook up corn on the cob, potatoes, zucchini, peppers, asparagus and even grilled romaine lettuce for salad is an elite move.
- Fruits: YES, grilled fruit is such a game changer. I highly recommend trying my grilled fruit kabobs if you haven’t yet. Grilled peaches and pineapple are also always a hit, perfect for dessert!
- Cheese: I mean what is better than cheese? Cheese that is grilled! There are specific cheeses that are meant to be grilled such as halloumi, feta and of course queso blanco.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO GRILLING
Grilling can be both an art and a science. Here are some tips and tricks to help you become a grilling master:
Preparation
- Clean Your Grill: Start with a clean grill to prevent sticking and off-flavors. Use a grill brush to scrape off any residue.
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures the grill is hot enough to sear your food and create those desirable grill marks.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Use a paper towel soaked in oil to coat the grill grates. This helps prevent sticking.
Choosing the Right Fuel
- Charcoal: For a smoky flavor, use charcoal. Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes.
- Gas: For convenience, use a gas grill. It heats up quickly and allows for better temperature control.
- Wood Chips: Add soaked wood chips to your charcoal or in a smoker box on a gas grill for extra flavor.
Cooking Techniques
- Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Use direct heat for quick-cooking items like steaks and burgers. Use indirect heat for slower-cooking items like whole chickens or ribs. Direct heat means over an open flame, indirect means placed on a zone on the grill that isn’t lit but is very hot (like an oven).
- Temperature Zones: Create different heat zones on your grill by piling more coals on one side or adjusting the burners. This allows you to sear and then move food to a cooler area to finish cooking.
Managing Food on the Grill
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between items to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature to ensure food is cooked safely and to your desired doneness.
- Let It Rest: Allow meat to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
Enhancing Flavor
- Marinate: Marinate meats for at least 30 minutes to add flavor and tenderness.
- Season Generously: Use dry rubs, herbs, and spices to enhance the natural flavors of your food.
- Basting: Brush food with marinades or sauces during the last few minutes of grilling to add moisture and flavor.
Experiment and Have Fun
Experiment with different foods, marinades, and grilling techniques to find your favorite combinations. Grilling is not just about cooking; it’s about enjoying the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the grill and impressing your guests with delicious, perfectly cooked meals.
LET’S GET GRILLING

Venison Foil Packet Meals
Venison Foil Packet Meals are a versatile, low mess way to make dinner fun with ground venison. Make them camping or at home!
Grilled Deer Backstrap
This grilled deer backstrap juicy, tender and absolutely incredible. The key is the perfect internal temperature and delicious marinade.


Venison Burger
Making perfect venison burgers isn’t hard. All you need to do is add a bit of fat and a few flavors to make this underrated meat shine on burger night.
Grilled Fruit Kabobs w/ Sweet & Spicy Glaze
These grilled fruit kabobs are charred on the grill for amazing flavor and then brushed with a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for a side or light dessert!


Uncle Momo’s Venison Smash Burgers
Talk about a flavor explosion with these Smash Burgers! Caramelized ground venison patties get layered with onions and American cheese.
Smoked Venison Roast
We love making this smoked venison roast in our pellet grill/smoker with deer roast. It gets kissed with smoke and is flavored with an incredible rub. Serve on a toasted brioche bun with your favorite barbecue sauce and pickles for the most delicious sandwich.


Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Salad
This summery chicken and strawberry salad is perfect with juicy grilled chicken, ripe strawberries, spinach, cucumber, feta and an easy, homemade dressing.
The Juiciest Elk Burgers
Learn how to make the juiciest elk burgers so you can use up the ground elk meat you have. Some really simple tips and tricks will make these the best ever.


Traeger Grilled Chicken Thighs
This easy chicken recipe for the Traeger is the best for bone in, skin on chicken thighs. Use it for any wood pellet grill.
Southwest Pasta Salad w/ Grilled Chicken
Looking for a flavorful pasta salad recipe? Look no further! This Southwest Pasta Salad is packed with veggies, juicy grilled chicken and a kick!


Traeger Pizza Recipe
This is the best Traeger pizza recipe. Learn how to make homemade pizza right on your wood pellet grill for the best pizza night ever.
Honey Mustard Chicken Kebabs
Super simple Honey Mustard Chicken Kebabs are made with juicy pieces of grilled chicken breast on a kebab covered in honey mustard sauce. This recipe is paleo & gluten-free.


Traeger Salmon Recipe With Sweet & Spicy Glaze
Try this easy Traeger salmon recipe with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s seriously addicting. The fish gets kissed with smoke and the sweet heat from the glaze.
Traeger Pie Tutorial
Check out this Traeger pie tutorial and learn how to bake a pie right on your wood pellet grill from start to finish. It’s super easy.


The Ultimate Guide To Cooking Venison Steaks On A Traeger
Every wonder how to cook perfect venison steaks on a Traeger? This pellet grill deer steaks recipe is foolproof!
Smoked Venison Meatballs
These smoked venison meatballs are the perfect appetizer or protein for a main dish meal. The sweet & spicy glaze is heavenly with the kiss of smoke.
