Only a few precious summer weekends are left to fire up the grill and gather with friends and family for a backyard barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice looking to improve your skills, hosting the perfect end-of-summer cookout is an art that goes beyond simply lighting the coals. Elevate your grilling game with these expert tips and tricks to ensure your chicken and burgers are cooked to perfection, leaving your guests craving more.

“Preparation is crucial for a successful barbecue. Marinate your chicken in advance to infuse it with mouthwatering flavours and keep it juicy on the grill,” says The Best Dressed Chicken Brand Manager Arielle Oliver. “Make sure your marinades are ready ahead of time to let the flavours deeply penetrate the meat. Additionally, chopping your vegetables and preparing side dishes or sauces beforehand will save you time and let you concentrate on the main event: Grilling!”

Before you even consider placing your food on the grill, ensure it’s adequately preheated. Aim for medium-high heat for burgers and chicken, but remember to adjust based on your recipe and grill type. And always appreciate the importance of a meat thermometer. This handy tool takes the guesswork out of determining doneness, ensuring your chicken reaches a safe 165°F and your burgers hit that perfect 160°F. Once your meats are cooked to perfection, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and flavourful bites. Finally, prioritise cleanliness. A clean grill is a happy grill, so make sure to scrape the grates thoroughly before and after cooking to remove any residue and prevent flare-ups.

Check out these recipes featuring The Best Dressed Chicken and Reggae Jammin’ Burgers

The Best Dressed Chicken: Honey Lime and Lemongrass Grill

For the marinade:

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemongrass or fever grass

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the chicken:

• 8 The Best Dressed Chicken Leg Quarters

• Fresh coriander

• Lime wedges

Method:

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, chilli flakes (if using), and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or lime juice if desired.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for more intense flavour.

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the juices run clear. During grilling, you can brush the chicken with some fresh marinade (reserved before adding the raw chicken) for added flavour.

Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pro tips:

For an extra burst of flavour, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra lime juice before serving.

Ensure you keep the chicken covered while resting to maintain its juiciness.

Reggae Jammin’ Burgers

Ingredients:

• 4 Reggae Jammin’ Premium Beef Burgers

• 4 hamburger buns

• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon pickles or relish, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Accompaniments:

Lettuce leaves

Tomato slices

Red onion rings

Pickles

Optional: Sliced avocado or bacon

Method:

Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped pickles, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce—season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a stovetop grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat.

Season and Grill the Patties: Lightly brush the grill grates or grill pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Season the Reggae Jammin’ Beef Burgers with salt and pepper. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

Toast the Buns: While the patties are grilling, cut the hamburger buns in half and toast them on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top of the sauce. Add lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion rings, pickles, avocado or bacon if desired), and top with the other half of the toasted bun.

Pro tip:

If you like a bit of sweetness, you can add a small drizzle of honey to the special sauce.