Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that combines the bold flavors of barbecue sauce with the zesty tang of Italian dressing. Our Italian Barbecue Chicken recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy, requiring just three simple ingredients to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients:
Marinade:
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup Viva Italian Dressing (or Zesty Italian)
- 1 1/2 – 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (works great with bone-in chicken, thighs, and more)
Additional Sauce for Basting (optional):
- 1/3 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
- 1/3 cup Viva Italian Dressing (or Zesty Italian)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Viva Italian Dressing to create the marinade for the chicken. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste with Additional Sauce (optional): In a small bowl, mix together the additional Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Viva Italian Dressing to create a basting sauce. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the sauce, turning occasionally, until glazed and slightly caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious fusion of barbecue and Italian flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to adjust the ratio of barbecue sauce to Italian dressing according to your taste preferences. You can also add extra seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Experiment with Different Cuts of Chicken: While boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken wings for a different twist on Italian Barbecue Chicken.
- Oven-Baked Option: Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the additional sauce halfway through cooking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: To make this recipe keto-friendly, use a low-carb barbecue sauce and Italian dressing, or make your own keto-friendly versions at home. Ensure that the sauces you use are free from added sugars and unnecessary carbs.
- Low-Carb Variation: For a lower-carb version, simply reduce the amount of barbecue sauce and Italian dressing used in the marinade and basting sauce. You can also opt for sugar-free or reduced-sugar varieties of these sauces to further reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different brand of barbecue sauce or Italian dressing? A: Yes, feel free to use your favorite brands of barbecue sauce and Italian dressing for this recipe. Just keep in mind that different brands may vary slightly in flavor and consistency.
Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight? A: While marinating the chicken for a longer period of time can enhance the flavor, be cautious not to marinate it for too long, especially if using acidic ingredients like vinegar in the marinade, as it can cause the chicken to become mushy.
Q: Can I grill the chicken indoors using a grill pan or indoor grill? A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can easily grill the chicken indoors using a grill pan or indoor grill. Simply preheat the grill pan or indoor grill over medium-high heat and cook the chicken as directed.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use? A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Q: What sides pair well with Italian Barbecue Chicken? A: Italian Barbecue Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, Caesar salad, or garlic bread. Choose your favorite accompaniments to create a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, our Italian Barbecue Chicken recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity and flavor fusion. With just three ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, this recipe can easily accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of barbecue and Italian flavors with our Best-Ever Italian Barbecue Chicken!
