Best Meats for Early-Season Grilling: What to Cook When Grilling Season Is Just Getting Started
Early-season grilling is a unique moment in the BBQ calendar. The excitement is there, but conditions aren’t ideal yet. Temperatures fluctuate, wind is unpredictable, and many backyard grillers are shaking off months of rust. That’s why choosing the best meats for early-season grilling matters more than most people realize.
Early-season grilling isn’t about showing off. It’s about rebuilding confidence, dialing your grill back in, and cooking meats that forgive small mistakes. The right cuts help you re-learn heat control, timing, and seasoning—without punishing you for imperfect conditions.
This guide breaks down the best meats to grill early in the season, explains why they work better in cooler weather, and shows which meats are better saved for late spring and summer.
- Why Early-Season Meat Choice Matters
- How Weather Affects Early-Season Grilling
- Chicken Thighs
- Sausages
- Pork Chops
- Flat Iron Steak
- Burgers & Ground Meats
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Seafood That Works Early
- Meats to Avoid Early in the Season
- Best Early-Season Meats by Skill Level
- Common Early-Season Grilling Mistakes
- How Early-Season Meats Set Up Summer BBQ
- FAQ
Why Early-Season Meat Choice Matters
Early-season grilling exposes weaknesses in both equipment and technique. Grills haven’t been used in months. Thermometers may be out of calibration. Burners, vents, and dampers don’t behave quite the way you remember.
The best meats for early-season grilling share common traits:
- They tolerate temperature swings
- They don’t require long, stable cooks
- They remain juicy even if slightly overcooked
- They help rebuild confidence quickly
Choosing the wrong meat early—like very lean cuts or long cooks—often leads to frustration that stalls momentum before grilling season truly begins.
How Weather Affects Early-Season Grilling
Cold air pulls heat from your grill faster than you expect. Wind disrupts airflow. Lids lose heat quickly. All of this makes early-season grilling harder than summer cooking.
That’s why forgiving meats matter more in March than July. Early-season meats should:
- Cook evenly even when temps fluctuate
- Allow indirect heat options
- Not rely on razor-thin timing windows
If your grill runs 25–50 degrees cooler than expected, the right meat keeps the cook enjoyable instead of stressful.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are the undisputed champion of early-season grilling.
They’re naturally forgiving thanks to higher fat content and darker meat structure. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs stay juicy even when grill temperature isn’t perfect.
Why Chicken Thighs Work Early
- Resist drying out
- Handle direct and indirect heat well
- Benefit from higher finishing temps
Thighs actually improve when cooked slightly hotter than the minimum safe temperature, making them ideal when your grill control isn’t fully dialed in yet.
Sausages
Sausages are nearly foolproof early in grilling season.
They’re pre-seasoned, self-basting, and designed to handle uneven heat. Fresh or smoked, sausages forgive slow starts, hot spots, and brief flare-ups.
Why Sausages Are Early-Season MVPs
- Minimal prep
- Even cooking
- Excellent for indirect heat
Sausages let you focus on fire control without worrying about seasoning or doneness timing.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are a strong early-season option when cut thick.
Thin chops dry quickly and demand precision, but thick-cut pork chops offer margin for error and respond well to two-zone cooking.
Why Pork Chops Work Early
- Cook faster than large cuts
- Respond well to indirect heat
- Easy to finish over direct heat
They’re ideal for rebuilding timing instincts without committing to long cooks.
Flat Iron Steak
Flat iron steak is one of the most underrated early-season grilling cuts.
It delivers rich beef flavor without requiring screaming-hot temperatures like ribeye or strip steak.
Why Flat Iron Is Ideal Early
- Forgiving texture
- Moderate cooking temps
- Consistent thickness
Flat iron helps you re-learn steak timing without punishing small mistakes.
Burgers & Ground Meats
Burgers are a classic early-season choice—but only when done thoughtfully.
Early in the season, thicker patties are far more forgiving than smash burgers, which require precise heat control.
Best Early-Season Burger Approach
- Thicker patties
- Moderate heat
- Simple seasoning
This approach minimizes flare-ups and uneven cooking while rebuilding grill confidence.
Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are ideal when early-season weather makes consistency difficult.
- Bone-in structure retains moisture
- Responds well to indirect heat
- Budget-friendly for practice cooks
They’re excellent for dialing in heat zones without risking expensive cuts.
Seafood That Works Early
Some seafood performs well early in the season—others don’t.
Best Early-Season Seafood
- Shrimp
- Salmon fillets
- Firm white fish
These cook quickly and tolerate brief temperature swings.
Meats to Avoid Early in the Season
Some meats are better saved for later.
- Large briskets
- Whole packer cuts
- Very lean chicken breasts
- Overnight cooks
These demand stable heat and refined fire management.
Best Early-Season Meats by Skill Level
Beginner Grillers
- Chicken thighs
- Sausages
- Drumsticks
Intermediate Grillers
- Pork chops
- Flat iron steak
- Thicker burgers
Experienced Grillers
- Seafood
- Mixed grills
- Short indirect cooks
Common Early-Season Grilling Mistakes
Starting with Long Cooks
Early season is for reps, not marathons.
Overcorrecting Heat
Small adjustments work better than chasing temps.
Choosing Lean Meats Too Soon
Forgiveness matters early.
How Early-Season Meats Set Up Summer BBQ
Early-season grilling is about momentum. These meats help you:
- Rebuild timing instincts
- Dial in heat zones
- Test equipment
Once these fundamentals are solid, transitioning into longer cooks and summer BBQ becomes effortless.
FAQ
What is the easiest meat to grill early?
Chicken thighs and sausages.
Is steak good early in the season?
Yes, when choosing forgiving cuts like flat iron.
Should I smoke early in the season?
Short cooks first—long smokes later.
Conclusion: Best Meats for Early-Season Grilling
The best meats for early-season grilling help you rebuild confidence, adapt to unpredictable weather, and enjoy the start of grilling season without stress. Chicken thighs, sausages, pork chops, flat iron steak, burgers, and drumsticks provide the perfect foundation for a strong season ahead.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence.
Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
Better Gear. Better BBQ.TM
