There’s something about a New Zealand summer that naturally brings people outside. Longer evenings, warmer weather, and the familiar routine of putting something on the BBQ—it’s a simple way to get everyone together without much planning.
And while sides and salads come and go, the one thing that really defines a good BBQ is the meat. Starting with the right cuts makes everything else easier.
At Chicken ‘n’ Things, we focus on keeping that part straightforward: fresh, well-prepared meat delivered to your door, so you can spend less time shopping and more time actually enjoying the day. It’s the kind of convenience more people are starting to expect from an online butcher NZ customers can rely on, especially during busy summer weekends.
The cuts worth putting on your BBQ
You don’t need a long list to put together a solid BBQ. A few dependable options, done properly, will always go further than trying to cook everything at once.
Chicken Thigh Fillets
Chicken thighs are one of the easiest ways to get consistent results on the grill. They’ve got enough fat to stay juicy, even over direct heat, and they take on flavour well, whether you’re using a marinade or just keeping it simple with salt and pepper. If you’re cooking for a mixed group, this is usually the safest bet.
Beef Sirloin Steaks
Sirloin is a go-to for a reason. It’s got a good balance of flavour and tenderness, and it doesn’t require much effort to cook well. A hot grill, a bit of seasoning, and a few minutes on each side is often all it takes. Let it rest properly, and you’ll get a noticeably better result.
Lamb Steaks or Chops
Lamb is a staple on Kiwi BBQs, and it earns its place every time. Whether it’s chops or steaks, it cooks quickly and doesn’t need much added. A bit of garlic, rosemary, and salt is usually enough. It’s also one of those cuts that feels a bit more special without being difficult to handle.
Fresh Burger Patties (made your way)
Burgers tend to disappear quickly at any BBQ, especially when they’re made fresh. Using quality mince gives you better texture and flavour, and you can keep things simple or build something a bit more custom depending on who you’re feeding.
Planning makes it easier
One of the biggest differences with summer BBQs is how quickly they come together. A last-minute plan can easily turn into multiple supermarket stops, especially when certain cuts are out of stock.
Ordering ahead solves that. With Chicken ‘n’ Things, you can sort your BBQ meats in advance and have everything delivered chilled and ready to go. Our meat boxes are designed to cover the essentials, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of planning.
We currently deliver across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato—areas where weekend BBQs are almost a given through summer—so having everything arrive in one order makes a noticeable difference.
A few Small things that improve your BBQ
You don’t need to overcomplicate grilling, but a few habits can lift the result quite a bit.
Bring the meat closer to room temperature
Taking your meat out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly, especially for thicker cuts like steak.
Use different heat zones
A BBQ doesn’t need to be all high heat. Sear your meat first, then move it to a cooler area to finish cooking. This helps avoid burning the outside while the inside catches up.
Don’t skip resting time
Once the meat comes off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting. It’s a small step, but it makes a noticeable difference in how juicy everything stays.
Keep it simple
A good BBQ isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing a few things well. With reliable cuts, a bit of preparation, and some time on the grill, you don’t need much else.
Sort the food ahead of time, get the BBQ going, and let the rest of the afternoon take care of itself.