Zesty Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Backyard Classic

Sizzling aromas and bold flavors converge in this mouthwatering Italian BBQ chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, creating a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky grilled notes and zesty Italian seasonings.

The marinade infuses deep, rich flavors that make this dish truly irresistible.

Succulent chicken transforms from ordinary to extraordinary with simple yet powerful ingredients.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this delectable recipe.

Fire up the grill and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian BBQ Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender canvas for soaking up delicious flavors, choose fresh cuts with smooth, uniform color and minimal moisture.

• Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, Italian Dressing: Tangy marinade combination that infuses rich, zesty taste profiles, selecting high-quality bottled dressings ensures maximum flavor penetration and juiciness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential taste boosters that help balance and amplify the overall depth of the dish, freshly ground pepper provides more robust and aromatic notes compared to pre-ground versions.

Tools and Grilling Essentials to Cook BBQ Chicken

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or fork: Perfect for stirring BBQ sauce and Italian dressing together.
• Large sealable bag or baking dish: Needed for marinating chicken evenly.
• Grill or grill pan: Primary cooking surface for achieving those delicious char marks.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely flipping chicken and handling meat on the grill.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing and checking chicken.

Instructions to Grill Juicy Italian-Marinated Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Marinade

Blend Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce with zesty Italian dressing to create a mouthwatering coating that’ll make your taste buds dance. This magical mixture transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary adventure.

• Marinating Magic

Nestle chicken breasts into a spacious bag or dish, then lovingly pour the marinade over them. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, allowing the seasonings to work their delicious charm.

• Grill Preparation

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a quick oil massage to prevent any sticky situations. This ensures your chicken will have those perfect, tantalizing grill marks.

• Cooking Perfection

Lay the marinated chicken on the grill, turning it occasionally to create an even golden-brown exterior. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Marinade Tips for the Perfect Balance of Herbs

• Add fresh chopped basil or oregano to the marinade for an extra burst of authentic Italian herbaceous notes that complement the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinade if you want a zesty kick, adjusting the amount based on your heat tolerance for a personalized flavor profile.
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the entire piece of meat.
• Replace chicken breasts with more affordable chicken thighs, which stay juicier and absorb marinades more effectively while providing a richer taste experience.
• The marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep faster and allowing flavors to meld together even before cooking.

Delicious Pairings and Plating Ideas

• Flavor-Packed Plate Partners: Serve this zesty Italian BBQ chicken alongside creamy parmesan risotto for a luxurious meal that highlights the tangy marinade.
• Colorful Side Companion: Grill some vibrant summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to create a fresh, complementary vegetable medley that adds nutrition and color to your plate.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Select a crisp pinot grigio or light chardonnay to balance the bold BBQ flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience with a refreshing wine that cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Rustic Bread Boost: Add grilled ciabatta or focaccia slices brushed with olive oil to soak up the delicious marinade, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional Italian-inspired element to the meal.

How to Freeze or Reheat Leftovers for Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag at the back of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Flavor Boosting Storage: Keep leftover grilled chicken in a tightly sealed container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste retention and easy meal prep for quick lunches or dinner additions.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to extend storage life up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm leftover chicken gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Splash a tablespoon of extra BBQ sauce to restore moisture and enhance original flavor profile.

Sizzling Italian BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Family dinners become memorable with this succulent Italian BBQ chicken recipe blending Mediterranean herbs and smoky grilling techniques. Robust marinades and carefully selected ingredients guarantee a delicious meal that brings Italy’s culinary spirit directly to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) sweet baby ray’s BBQ sauce
• 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and Italian dressing in a spacious container, crafting a vibrant, aromatic marinade that will elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
2. Chicken Immersion: Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade within a resealable bag or shallow dish, ensuring thorough coating and flavor absorption.
3. Marination Process: Refrigerate the chicken for 4-8 hours, allowing the intricate flavor combination to deeply penetrate the meat, transforming its taste and texture.
4. Grill Setup: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking and promote optimal searing.
5. Grilling Technique: Arrange marinated chicken on the grill, cooking 6-8 minutes per side to develop caramelized exterior and achieve consistent golden-brown crosshatch marks.
6. Doneness Verification: Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest point, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
7. Resting Phase: Transfer grilled chicken from heat and let rest 3-5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring a succulent, tender final presentation.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in the zesty sauce for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain a steady medium-high heat between 375-400°F to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the meat.
• Safety First: Always use a digital meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F, eliminating any risk of foodborne illness.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the grilled chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, helping juices redistribute for a more succulent and flavorful bite.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg