11 Game Day Grilling That’s Big on Flavor, Light on Effort

Game day calls for food that packs big flavor without keeping you stuck by the grill. These recipes deliver just that—simple yet crowd-pleasing dishes that are light on effort but guaranteed to impress. Perfect for a laid-back day of grilling, each option will have everyone reaching for more. If you’re ready to fire up the grill, these recipes will get the job done fast.

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features grilled mustard BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, bacon, and feta, all tossed in a homemade dressing. It’s light on effort but big on flavor, with a mix of smoky chicken and fresh greens that makes it perfect for game day. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s hearty enough to be a main dish. You might find it disappears fast once it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam masala cedar plank salmon combines brown sugar and aromatic spices, creating a sweet and smoky flavor that’s perfect for grilling. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare, and the wine-soaked cedar plank adds extra depth to the fish. It’s a game day winner with bold flavors and minimal effort. Expect it to be a standout at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

This grilled maple mustard chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, offering layers of flavor with every bite. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and packs a punch of taste without requiring much effort, making it ideal for a busy game day. The grilled chicken pairs perfectly with any side dish. You’ll find it’s a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bone-in pork chops and grilled shrimp combine for a flavorful surf-and-turf game day meal. With just 45 minutes needed, the pork and shrimp are drizzled with hollandaise sauce, making it indulgent yet simple to pull off. This dish brings a fun twist to your usual BBQ fare. Don’t be surprised if guests are asking for seconds before halftime.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

These grilled rockfish tacos feature cedar plank grilled fish topped with pickled slaw, red pepper mango salsa, and spicy avocado dressing. The light, fresh flavors and smoky fish make them ideal for an easy game day spread. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a fun twist on tacos. Once served, they’ll likely become a game day staple.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains. — Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The grilled shrimp grain bowl is packed with summer flavors, from the juicy shrimp to the tangy herb citrus vinaigrette. Ready in about 35 minutes, this dish brings a lighter yet flavorful option to your game day lineup. The grilled shrimp keeps it simple but satisfying. Expect everyone to be asking for a second helping of this bowl.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

This grilled steak pairs perfectly with grilled peaches and onions, topped with basil pesto and balsamic reduction. It’s ready in 40 minutes and offers a great balance of savory and sweet, making it a unique addition to any game day spread. The fresh, grilled flavors are sure to stand out. Once served, it might just steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges. — Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These grilled chicken kofta kebabs are seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled in just 40 minutes. They’re a flavorful, juicy dish that’s ideal for game day gatherings. With ground chicken as the base, they’re easy to make but taste like you put in way more effort. These kebabs will definitely add a fun, exotic twist to your BBQ lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate. — Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Marinated in spices like cumin, paprika, and lime, these Colombian chicken drumsticks are bold, zesty, and ready in about 45 minutes. The crispy skin and juicy meat make them perfect for an effortless game day grill. The flavor is packed in without much fuss, making it a great hands-off option. Once on the table, they’re bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon

Overhead view of fire-grilled salmon in white plate. — Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This fire-grilled salmon combines the perfect balance of smoky and tender with its charred exterior and soft, flaky inside. It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great low-effort dish with bold, game-day-worthy flavor. The deep grill marks add that touch of outdoor cooking everyone loves. After tasting it, expect everyone to want more.
Get the Recipe: Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon

Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema

Side view of salmon skewers with more in background. — Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These peach salmon skewers bring a fresh, sweet, and zesty flavor combo that’s hard to beat. The peaches pair perfectly with the grilled salmon, and the peach jalapeno crema adds a kick in just 30 minutes. They’re light on effort but big on flavor, making them ideal for game day grilling. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to skewer.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema