This hearty Texas BBQ Medley is a smoky, satisfying feast packed with grilled sausages, tender chicken thighs, and juicy steak, served alongside barbecue sauce, onions, and a touch of heat.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 2 beef sirloin steaks, about 200g each
- 4 large smoked sausages
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large red onion, thickly sliced
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
- 4 tbsp barbecue sauce
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mix evenly over the chicken thighs and steaks.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill first, skin-side down, and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden.
- After the chicken has cooked for 5 minutes, add the sausages and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and heated through.
- Grill the steaks for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare or longer to your preferred doneness.
- Add red onion slices and optional chili to the grill for the last 5 minutes, flipping once until lightly charred.
- Warm the barbecue sauce in a small pan or in the microwave until hot.
- Slice the steak and sausages for serving. Arrange everything on a platter and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
Flavor Profile and Regional Roots
The Texas BBQ Medley boasts bold, smoky, and savory flavors that are synonymous with Southern-style cooking. Deeply rooted in Texan barbecue traditions, this medley combines the richness of grilled meats with a touch of spice and the signature tang of barbecue sauce. The combination of chicken thighs, steak, and sausages offers a trifecta of textures and tastes that appeal to all kinds of meat lovers, reflecting the diversity and generosity of Texan culinary culture.
Why It’s a Crowd Favorite
This dish is often a centerpiece at gatherings due to its variety and heartiness. The inclusion of multiple types of meat means there’s something for everyone. Whether guests prefer the juiciness of grilled chicken, the satisfying bite of steak, or the smoky depth of sausages, the medley ensures no one leaves the table unsatisfied.
Cultural Significance in Texas
In Texas, barbecue is more than just food—it’s a social ritual. Family and community events often revolve around outdoor grilling, especially during the warmer months. The Texas BBQ Medley embodies this spirit, offering a taste of tradition with each sizzling, char-marked piece of meat served hot off the grill.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
This recipe is ideal for summer barbecues, family cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, or any weekend when you want to enjoy a relaxing, hearty meal outdoors. It also works well for tailgating events, potlucks, or festive game days when feeding a hungry crowd is the goal.
Meat Selection Tips
Quality ingredients make a difference. Opt for free-range chicken thighs for better flavor and texture, well-marbled sirloin steaks for tenderness, and smoked sausages from a butcher or deli for that authentic taste. The medley benefits from using meats that hold up well to grilling and absorb marinades or rubs evenly.
How to Enhance Smokiness
While the grill naturally imparts smokiness, you can elevate this element by using wood chips like hickory or mesquite. Simply soak the chips and place them on the grill for extra smoky flavor that complements the barbecue sauce and seasoning rub.
Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce
A good barbecue sauce can make or break the final flavor. Opt for sauces that balance sweetness, acidity, and heat. You can go with a classic tomato-based sauce with molasses or venture into mustard or vinegar-based varieties for a tangier kick.
Spice Level Adjustments
This recipe includes sliced red chili for a hint of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level based on your preference. Removing the seeds from the chili or omitting it entirely results in a milder dish, while adding cayenne pepper to the rub increases intensity.
Grilling vs. Broiling
While traditionally grilled outdoors, the Texas BBQ Medley can be broiled in the oven if needed. Just ensure the meats are turned halfway through cooking and kept under a close watch to mimic the grill’s searing effect and avoid overcooking.
Marinade and Dry Rub Options
Though the recipe uses a quick rub of olive oil and spices, marinating the meats overnight in a mixture of vinegar, oil, herbs, and garlic can further enhance tenderness and depth of flavor. Dry rubs can be customized with brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and other spices to suit your taste.
Pairing with Side Dishes
The Texas BBQ Medley pairs well with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. These accompaniments balance the meat-heavy dish with freshness, sweetness, or creamy textures, enhancing the overall meal.
Presentation and Plating
Serve the medley on a wooden board or large platter for a rustic, family-style presentation. Arrange meats neatly, interspersed with grilled onions and fresh herbs. A drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of parsley or coriander add color and appeal.
Make-Ahead Tips
For busy hosts, the meats can be seasoned and refrigerated a day ahead. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to infuse more deeply. Grilled meats can also be kept warm in the oven at low temperatures until ready to serve without drying out.
Nutritional Considerations
While hearty and protein-rich, the Texas BBQ Medley can be adjusted for healthier eating. Trim fat from meats, use leaner cuts, or grill skinless chicken to reduce saturated fat. Serving with a side salad or grilled vegetables can add nutrients and fiber.
Suitable for Meal Prepping
Leftovers from the medley store well and can be repurposed in sandwiches, wraps, or even chopped over salads. Meal prep enthusiasts can portion the cooked meats for use throughout the week, making this a practical and delicious option for weekly planning.
Adapting for Dietary Restrictions
For those avoiding red meat, substitute the steak and sausage with turkey sausage or tofu steaks. Plant-based eaters can recreate the medley with grilled portobello mushrooms, eggplant slices, and tempeh, using the same spice blend and grilling method.
Kids and Family Appeal
The variety of flavors and textures makes this recipe appealing to kids as well. Milder seasoning and sweeter barbecue sauce versions can help make the dish more family-friendly. Cutting the meats into smaller, bite-sized pieces also helps with easy serving.
Global Fusion Variations
You can give this medley a twist by introducing global flavors—use a Korean BBQ marinade for the steak, jerk seasoning on the chicken, or chorizo sausages for a Latin flair. These modifications can transform the medley while keeping its hearty, grilled essence.
Sustainability and Sourcing Tips
Supporting local butchers and choosing ethically sourced meats enhances the sustainability of this dish. Grass-fed beef and free-range poultry are more environmentally friendly and often have better flavor and nutritional value.
Conclusion
The Texas BBQ Medley is more than just a recipe—it’s a tribute to the bold flavors and communal spirit of Texan cooking. Whether you’re grilling for a family reunion or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this medley delivers. Its flexibility, rich taste, and iconic presentation make it a timeless favorite in any barbecue lineup. With room for creativity and personalization, it remains a versatile canvas for exploring global flavors while staying true to its smoky Southern roots.
