Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken
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Can I just say, I love grilling season? You are going to love this easy BBQ grilled chicken recipe for this summer. You only need three ingredients.
First, this easy BBQ grilled chicken will need some boneless skinless chicken breasts. I like to purchase thin chicken breasts. They grill up nicely since they are even in thickness. You can always pound your regular chicken breasts to even the thickness out.
Next, you will need some BBQ sauce. My go-to sauce now is Sweet Baby Ray’s. I get the double pack of the large bottles from Sam’s Club or Costco. It has great flavor and I will easily use up those bottles during the summer.
The next thing you need is some bottled Italian dressing. I like the zesty version. I get the Kraft brand or Kroger brand. These two ingredients make a flavorful marinade that will infuse your chicken with a delicious taste.
Ingredients to Make Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
- SWEET BABY RAY’S BBQ SAUCE
- ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
How to Make Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken
In a gallon-sized freezer bag, combine 1 cup of Italian dressing with 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce. The Italian dressing adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweet and smoky notes of the BBQ sauce perfectly. Mix the ingredients together until they are well blended.
Place your chicken in the bag, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, but you can also leave it overnight if you have time. The longer marination time allows the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors from the marinade, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a deep, savory taste.
Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to heat up fully, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. A properly heated grill ensures even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the pieces on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes, flip once, and cook until it’s fully cooked. When checked with an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. The high heat will give the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy. The sugars in the BBQ sauce will caramelize slightly, adding a delicious smoky-sweet flavor to the grilled chicken.
I use extra BBQ sauce to serve alongside the chicken. I personally like to serve the grilled chicken with a little extra sauce on the side for dipping or brushing on just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the chicken even more satisfying. However, this step is completely optional, and the chicken will be delicious with or without the additional sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?
Yes, this marinade works well with other types of meat like pork chops, steak, or even seafood like shrimp. You can also use bone-in chicken pieces or chicken thighs. Adjust the marinating and grilling times according to the type and thickness of the meat you are using.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
To prevent sticking, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. Additionally, you can lightly oil the grill grates or brush a small amount of oil directly onto the chicken before grilling.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven if you don’t have a grill. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the chicken in a baking dish, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Should I discard the marinade after using it on the chicken?
Yes, for food safety reasons, you should discard the marinade after it has been in contact with raw chicken. If you want to use some for basting or as a sauce, set aside a portion before adding the raw chicken to it.
Can I make this recipe on a gas or charcoal grill?
Yes, this recipe works well on both gas and charcoal grills. Adjust the heat accordingly and monitor the chicken to avoid overcooking or burning.
FOR MORE RECIPES to serve with this, TRY:
Easy BBQ Grilled Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s bbq sauce
- 1 cup zesty Italian dressing
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- In a gallon sized freezer bag, add the bbq sauce and Italian dressing. Seal the bag and carefully mix together.
- Add the chicken into bag. Seal and carefully mix to coat the chicken. Place the bag on a plate and refrigerate for 4 hours or as long as overnight. I like to rotate the bag halfway through.
- Grill chicken on a heated grill for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Serves 4.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Sweet Baby Ray’s.
