Smoky BBQ Chicken Recipe: Grilled Perfection on Your Plate

Sizzling with flavor and packed with smoky goodness, this BBQ chicken recipe promises to be a game-changer for your next backyard feast.

Summer gatherings call for mouthwatering dishes that bring everyone together around the grill.

Tender chicken marinated in a bold, tangy sauce creates an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of juicy meat and caramelized BBQ glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The secret lies in the simple yet powerful combination of marinades and grilling techniques that infuse deep, rich flavors into every piece of chicken.

Forget bland, dry poultry and welcome a seriously delicious dinner that’s sure to impress.

Fire up the grill and get ready to become the neighborhood BBQ champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs marinades beautifully, ensuring juicy and flavorful results with quick cooking time.

• BBQ Sauce, Italian Dressing, Bottled Ranch Dressing: Tangy and creamy combination creates a rich, complex marinade that tenderizes chicken while adding zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Tip: Choose high-quality, thick BBQ sauce with smoky undertones and dressings with bold herb notes for maximum taste impact.
• Pro Hint: Look for dressings without artificial preservatives for cleaner, more authentic flavor experience.
• Select refrigerated, fresh dressings for optimal taste and texture.

• Optional Additions: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, minced garlic, or red pepper flakes to elevate the marinade's depth and complexity.
• Recommended: Let chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight to maximize flavor absorption and meat tenderness.

Tools to Make Tuscan BBQ Chicken at Home

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinades smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressings and sauces evenly.
• Resealable plastic bag: Ideal for marinating chicken securely.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken on the grill safely.
• Grill: Key tool for cooking chicken with delicious char marks.
• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure chicken is fully cooked.

Tuscan BBQ Chicken Instructions You Can Follow

• Flavor Fusion

Blend Italian dressing, ranch, and BBQ sauce into a tangy marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a Tuscan-inspired masterpiece.

• Marination Magic

Transfer chicken into a sealable bag, pour the vibrant sauce mixture over the meat, and let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to dance and infuse deeply.

• Grill Preparation

Fire up the barbecue to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect canvas for cooking your soon-to-be-delicious chicken.

• Charred Perfection

Place marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for roughly 15-18 minutes while periodically rotating to ensure an even, beautiful golden-brown exterior and juicy interior that will make taste buds sing with joy.

Simple Adjustments for Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Experiment with different dressing combinations like honey mustard or chipotle ranch to create unique flavor profiles that complement the BBQ chicken.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil over the grilled chicken just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch to the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• For gorgeous crosshatch grill marks, rotate the chicken 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side, creating a professional-looking presentation that impresses family and friends.

How to Serve Tuscan BBQ Chicken for Dinner

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on a large wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, roasted cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
• Pasta Companion: Serve the juicy BBQ chicken over warm al dente linguine or penne, drizzling extra BBQ sauce and sprinkling chopped parsley for a complete meal that bursts with Tuscan flavors.
• Summer Salad Topper: Chop the grilled chicken and toss over a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, red onions, and a light balsamic vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and protein-packed lunch option.
• Sandwich Transformation: Slice the chicken and stack between toasted ciabatta bread with fresh arugula, sliced mozzarella, and a dollop of herbed aioli for a gourmet sandwich that elevates weekday meals.

Storage Notes for Tuscan BBQ Chicken Leftovers

• Smart Marination Timing: Let chicken soak in the zesty sauce for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best to infuse deep, rich flavors that make every bite incredible.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
• Freezing Strategy: Slice cooled chicken and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, perfect for quick protein additions to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out, restoring that just-grilled juiciness in minutes.

Succulent BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Sizzling bbq chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of smoky and tangy flavors from Southern United States cuisine. Home cooks can master this grilled classic with simple ingredients and quick preparation techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 0.75 cups (177 ml) bbq sauce
• 0.75 cups (177 ml) italian dressing
• 0.75 cups (177 ml) ranch dressing

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk Italian dressing, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce into a harmonious blend, ensuring smooth incorporation of all flavor elements.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken breasts in the prepared marinade within a large zip-lock bag, meticulously coating every surface and eliminating air pockets. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours, periodically rotating to distribute flavors, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Preheating and Temperature Calibration: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, simultaneously igniting the outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Grilling Technique: Extract chicken from marinade, discarding remaining liquid. Arrange pieces on heated grill with strategic spacing, enabling optimal heat circulation and preventing steam buildup. Grill for 12-18 minutes, rotating midway to achieve consistent caramelization and golden-brown exterior.
5. Doneness Verification: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining succulent texture. Remove from direct heat and allow a 5-minute resting period on a clean serving platter, enabling natural juice redistribution for maximum tenderness and flavor preservation.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Refrigerate chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight to infuse deep, complex flavors and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Temperature is Key: Allow chicken to rest at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Grill with Precision: Use medium-high heat around 375-400°F and avoid overcrowding to achieve perfect golden-brown char marks and juicy interior.
• Rest for Perfection: Let grilled chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg