Labor Day cookout? 19 Meaty mains that don’t require a grill

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Get ready to take your potluck gatherings to a whole new level with our collection of mouthwatering meaty mains that don’t require a grill. While grilling might be synonymous with outdoor feasts, these recipes prove that you can still create irresistibly delicious and hearty dishes indoors. Whether you’re planning a potluck picnic, a casual get-together, or a Labor Day cookout, these no-grill meaty mains offer the perfect solution for serving up savory delights that are sure to impress.

Crispy pork chops on a platter with thyme.
Crispy Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A pile of buttermilk fried chicken on a platter.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with buttermilk fried chicken that’s potluck perfection. With its tender interior and crispy coating, this dish offers the familiar taste of fried chicken on the potluck table making it a standout for Labor Day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken


Stuffed Chicken Breasts: A Potluck Showstopper

A line of stuffed chicken breasts on a white platter.
Stuffed Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Elevate your potluck game with succulent stuffed chicken breasts that are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Bursting with flavorful fillings, these chicken breasts are a hit at gatherings where grilling isn’t an option, making them the perfect main course for Labor Day picnics and parties.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Chicken Piccata: Elegance for Potluck Tables

A skillet with chicken piccata and sauce with a lemon wedge on it.
Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

Impress your fellow potluck enthusiasts with the elegance of chicken piccata. This dish encapsulates the essence of sophisticated dining, showcasing tender chicken bathed in a zesty lemon-caper sauce. A crowd-pleaser at any gathering, it’s a delectable choice for Labor Day cookouts and more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Air Fryer New York Steaks

Two new york steaks on a board, one of them is sliced.
New York Steak. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bring the sizzle of New York steaks to your potluck table, even without a grill. These air fryer steaks promise a juicy interior and a perfectly seared exterior, adding a touch of steakhouse luxury to your Labor Day feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer New York Steaks

Chuck Roast

An air fried chuck roast on a platter.
Chuck Roast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Warm the hearts of your potluck companions with a comforting chuck roast that’s air-fried to perfection. This classic main dish is a labor of love, slow-cooked to tender, succulent perfection, and a guaranteed star at any potluck gathering
Get the Recipe: Chuck Roast

Crispy Panko Chicken

Panko coated chicken on a plate with sliced tomatoes.
Panko Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Delight in the satisfying crunch of crispy panko chicken, a potluck favorite that’s sure to please. With its golden-brown coating and juicy interior, this dish brings the joy of fried chicken to your Labor Day picnic without the need for a grill.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Panko Chicken

Blackened Shrimp

Blackened shrimp on grits with a fork on the right side.
Blackened Shrimp. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Add a touch of coastal flair to your potluck spread with blackened shrimp that’s packed with bold flavors. Even without a grill, you can capture the essence of seafood perfection, making it a delectable choice for gatherings by the water or under the sun.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp

Crispy Pork Chops

Slicing into a crispy pork chop with thyme on the side.
Crispy Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Crispy pork chops steal the spotlight at any potluck affair. With their satisfyingly crisp coating and succulent meat, they bring old-fashioned comfort to your Labor Day potluck, proving that a grill isn’t necessary for timeless taste.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pork Chops

Oven BBQ Pork Chops

A plate of bbq pork chops.
BBQ Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Infuse your potluck table with the saucy goodness of oven-baked BBQ pork chops. These chops capture the smoky essence of barbecue, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for Labor Day picnics and gatherings where grilling isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Pork Chops

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Easy Fried Chicken on a plate.
Fried Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

Channel the spirit of a southern picnic with air fryer fried chicken that’s both crispy and irresistibly juicy. This dish lets you savor the pleasures of fried chicken without the grill, making it a must-have for any Labor Day potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

A turkey breast on a cutting board and partly sliced.
Turkey Breast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving any time of year with air fryer turkey breast that’s a potluck centerpiece to remember. Juicy and flavorful, it’s a no-grill-required option that’s perfect for gatherings where traditional roasting isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

London Broil

London broil on a white platter with parsley.
London Broil. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Serve up the bold flavors of London broil without the grill, thanks to your oven. This dish marries tender beef with a savory marinade, creating a potluck delight that’s as impressive as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: London Broil

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon wrapped meatloaf on a white platter with a bbq glaze.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Elevate potluck meatloaf with the irresistible flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. Packed with savory goodness, this dish captures the essence of backyard cookouts and Labor Day gatherings, minus the grill.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Opt for slow-cooked convenience with crock pot turkey breast that’s potluck-ready and full of flavor. This dish eliminates the need for a grill while delivering tender, juicy turkey that’s perfect for Labor Day feasting.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Air Fryer Pork Loin

air fryer pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Impress your potluck crowd with air fryer pork loin that’s elegantly cooked to perfection. Tender and flavorful, this dish adds a touch of sophistication to your Labor Day celebration, all without a grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Loin

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye

bacon wrapped ribyee on a plate with mashed cauliflower
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Treat your potluck guests to a taste of luxury with air fryer bacon wrapped ribeye. This dish combines the richness of ribeye with the decadence of bacon, creating a potluck sensation that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets

air fryer bacon wrap chuck tender filets with butter in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Infuse your potluck gathering with the flavors of bacon-wrapped perfection. These chuck tender filets, prepared in an air fryer, offer a delightful balance of tenderness and smoky goodness that’s perfect for Labor Day festivities.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck tender filets

Stuffed Chicken

A sliced open stuffed chicken breast on a white plate with an air fyer in the background.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Elevate your potluck spread with stuffed chicken, a symphony of flavors and textures. This dish showcases your culinary prowess without the need for a grill, making it a must-try for Labor Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chop topped with onion gravy on a white plate.
Crockpot Pork Chops. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Delight in the comfort of smothered pork chops that are potluck-ready with ease. Slow-cooked to perfection, these chops capture the essence of home-cooked meals without the need for a grill.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

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