Name: Italian BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce; 1 cup Italian dressing; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

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You know those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where my Italian BBQ Chicken comes in. It’s got just three ingredients, making it one of the easiest meals ever. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet full of flavor. The combination of chicken, tangy Italian dressing, and sweet BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone in the family will love. Imagine biting into perfectly grilled chicken, glazed with a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, and knowing you whipped it up with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. You can serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad, and you have a complete meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also your taste buds!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Meat Thermometer, Charcoal Chimney Starter, Grilling Tongs

What’s Great About This Italian BBQ Chicken

It’s Simply Delicious

First and foremost, what I love about Italian BBQ Chicken is that it’s incredibly flavorful. The rich sweetness of the BBQ sauce blends so perfectly with the zesty notes of the Italian dressing. When grilled, the sugars in the sauce caramelize, giving the chicken a beautiful glaze that just screams summer!

Time-Saving Hero

Secondly, this recipe is a true time-saver! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it on the grill when you’re ready to eat, and it cooks up in about 15 minutes. It’s a perfect solution for busy parents or anyone who wants a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Versatile and Fun

Another reason I adore this dish is its versatility. Feel free to switch up the BBQ sauce or use different flavors of Italian dressing based on your preferences. Adding a sprinkle of herbs or a dash of chili flakes can take it to another level. You can also serve it in various ways—on a bun, over rice, or with a side of your favorite veggies.

Ideal for Gatherings

Whenever I host a gathering, Italian BBQ Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare, and people love the sweet and tangy flavor combination. Plus, it’s easy to scale the recipe up for larger groups – just increase the amount of chicken and marinade accordingly.

Healthy and Guilt-Free

Lastly, with just three ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to many take-out meals. You can feel good about serving Italian BBQ Chicken because it can easily be paired with nutritious sides like salads or roasted vegetables, making for a balanced meal.

What You Need for Italian BBQ Chicken

The ingredients for Italian BBQ Chicken are simple yet effective, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor. The real magic lies in the combination of the sweet and tangy elements, which work together to transform basic chicken into something extraordinary.

1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is the star of the show. Its thick consistency clings nicely to the chicken, adding rich flavor and color when grilled.
1 cup Italian dressing: This adds a zesty kick to the marinade, infusing the chicken with delightful herbs and spices that make each bite burst with flavor.
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean source of protein that serves as the perfect canvas for the sauce and dressing. The chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors during marination.

Recipe Steps for Italian BBQ Chicken

Ready to grill up some deliciousness? Follow these easy steps to make your own Italian BBQ Chicken. It’s a breeze!

Start by combining Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Italian dressing in a bowl. Stir them well until they’re fully blended. The mixture should smell divine and look glossy.
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate. This step is crucial, as marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor!
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot so you get that perfect sear on the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Discard the marinade to ensure food safety. Place the breasts on the grill, spacing them out for even cooking.
Grill the chicken for approximately 15 minutes. You’ll want to flip them halfway through, checking for grill marks and ensuring they’re cooking evenly.
To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius). The outside should be a beautiful golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it juicy and tender.
Slice the chicken and serve it warm. You can drizzle more BBQ sauce on top for an extra kick!

Things Worth Knowing

Marination Time Matters: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight.
Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char and prevent sticking.
Don’t Waste Marinade: Since the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, never reuse it. Make a fresh batch if you want extra sauce.
Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest post-grill is essential for juicy results. This step cannot be overlooked!

Ways to Customize

Feel like switching things up? Here are some great tips to customize your Italian BBQ Chicken.

Experiment with BBQ Sauce: Try different brands or flavors of BBQ sauce to find your favorite combination. A spicy version could add a lovely kick!
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetable Pairing: Grill some bell peppers and zucchini alongside the chicken for a complete meal on the grill.
Chicken Variations: Use thighs instead of breasts for a juicier experience, or try it with tofu for a vegetarian version!
Serving Style: Shred the grilled chicken for tacos or sandwiches, or serve it whole on a platter with sides for sharing.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Make a larger batch and use it throughout the week in various meals.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Italian BBQ Chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful options:

Fresh Salad: A zesty Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky flavors of the chicken.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a lovely crunch and complements the BBQ chicken beautifully.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
Sandwich Style: Use the grilled chicken in sandwiches or wraps with fresh veggies for a quick lunch.
Perfect for Picnics: This recipe is ideal for outdoor gatherings or picnics, as it’s easy to transport and serve.
Leftover Magic: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it a great meal prep option!

FAQ

For Italian BBQ Chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts are the best choice. They cook evenly and are easy to handle. However, you can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can easily bake the marinated chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).

Definitely! Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn make for excellent sides and are quick to cook alongside your Italian BBQ Chicken. Just toss them in some olive oil and seasoning before adding to the grill.

Leftover Italian BBQ Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it in the microwave or enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Conclusion

Italian BBQ Chicken is a fantastic combination of simplicity and flavor that makes it an ideal choice for any dinner. With just three ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal without any fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!