Flavorful Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe for Grilled Perfection

Italian BBQ chicken brings a burst of flavor to your summer gatherings. This dish fuses zesty Italian dressing with smoky barbecue sauce, creating a taste that stands out at any cookout.

Juicy chicken pieces soak up this vibrant mixture, ensuring every bite is satisfying and delicious. You can easily prepare it on the grill or in the oven for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

Friends and family will love how simple yet tasty this recipe is when you serve it alongside fresh sides like salads or grilled veggies.

Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Why Italian BBQ Chicken is a Grilled Favorite

  • Unique Marinade Combination: The blend of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and Italian dressing brings together sweet, tangy, and herby flavors that enhance the chicken's taste.
  • Easy Preparation Steps: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, I can prepare this dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Cooking Method: Grilling adds a smoky flavor while keeping the chicken juicy. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve perfect results on your grill.

Ingredients for Italian BBQ Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy pieces of meat that serve as the foundation for this dish.
  • Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: This rich sauce adds a bold, sweet flavor that complements grilled chicken perfectly.
  • Italian Dressing: A zesty blend of herbs and spices enhances the overall taste while providing moisture to the chicken.

Directions to Cook Italian BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavorful Marinade

In a bowl, mix together Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Italian dressing. This blend will enhance the chicken’s taste with rich flavors.

Step 2: Coat Chicken in Marinade

Take chicken breasts and place them into a large sealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces to ensure they are fully covered. Seal or cover tightly, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

Before cooking, set your grill to medium-high heat. Applying light oil on the grill grate helps prevent sticking during grilling.

Step 4: Cook Chicken on Grill

Remove marinated chicken from its container and position it onto the hot grill surface. Allow each piece to cook for around 15 minutes while flipping occasionally until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve Deliciously

After grilling, take off the chicken from heat and let it sit for several minutes prior to serving. Pair this tasty Italian BBQ Chicken with your preferred side dishes!

Serving Tips for Italian BBQ Chicken

  • Serve With Fresh Salad: Pair the chicken with a crisp salad to balance flavors and add freshness.
  • Drizzle Extra BBQ Sauce: Offer additional Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor.
  • Complement With Garlic Bread: Enjoy this dish alongside warm garlic bread for a hearty touch that everyone loves.
  • Add Grilled Vegetables: Toss some seasonal vegetables on the grill for added color, nutrition, and taste.
  • Garnish With Herbs: Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil to enhance presentation and aroma.

Storage Ideas for Italian BBQ Chicken

  • Store In An Airtight Container: Keeping the cooked chicken in an airtight container helps maintain freshness and prevents odors from other foods.
  • Refrigerate Within Two Hours: Placing leftover chicken in the fridge promptly ensures it stays safe to eat for up to four days.
  • Freeze For Longer Storage: If you won’t use leftovers within a few days, freeze them in portioned bags for easy meals later on.
  • Reheat Gently In The Oven: To retain moisture, reheat your BBQ chicken at a low temperature instead of using high heat which can dry it out.
  • Use Marinade As A Dressing: Save some marinade before adding it to raw chicken; this way, you have extra flavoring ready for salads or dips.

Tasty Variations for Italian BBQ Chicken

  • Citrus Zest Marinade: Add lemon or lime zest to the marinade for a refreshing flavor kick.
  • Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the BBQ sauce and dressing mix for added aroma.
  • Spicy Kick Option: Mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give the chicken an extra heat boost.
  • Honey Garlic Glaze: Blend honey and minced garlic with your BBQ sauce for a sweet, savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki Twist: Substitute part of the BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce and add crushed pineapple for a tropical flair.

Wrapping Up Italian BBQ Chicken

Creating this Italian BBQ chicken brings joy to the table, whether it’s a summer gathering or an easy dinner at home. The vibrant mix of spices and herbs elevates the classic barbecue experience.

Each bite offers a wonderful blend that pairs beautifully with fresh sides like salads or grilled veggies. Sharing your thoughts on how you enjoyed this dish would be great; insights can help others in their cooking journey too!

Feel free to comment below, and don’t forget to like and share this article with fellow food lovers!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Italian BBQ chicken combines tender, grilled chicken with a tangy Italian-inspired barbecue sauce. This flavorful recipe is a great choice for cookouts or casual dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce with Italian dressing for the marinade.
  2. Take chicken breasts and place them in a large sealable bag or dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken to coat evenly.
  3. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat your grill on medium-high heat while lightly oiling the grate to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill each piece of chicken for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked; ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached before serving.

Notes

You should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours enhances its flavor and tenderness, ensuring a delicious BBQ experience.

  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 363 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star