Name: Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup Italian dressing; ¾ cup bottled ranch dressing; ¾ cup BBQ sauce; 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

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If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly embodies summer vibes, look no further than Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a warm evening, and the smell of grilling chicken wafted through the air, drawing everyone outside. The blend of tangy Italian dressing, creamy ranch dressing, and zesty BBQ sauce creates a marinade that’s truly irresistible. My friends gathered around, eager to dig in, their laughter mixing with the sizzling sounds from the grill. It’s one of those meals that just brings people together, making any gathering feel like a celebration.

What I love most about Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken is its versatility. Serve it at a backyard barbecue, share it with family on a relaxed weekend, or enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner. The bold flavors meld beautifully, and the chicken comes out juicy and tender. Whether you choose to grill it outdoors or cook it inside, it always turns out delicious. Trust me, the moment you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my go-to recipes.

As summer approaches and the days get longer, this dish is a must on my menu. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories made around the table, the joy of sharing good times with loved ones, and of course, the satisfaction of serving something that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your own memories with Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
34 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Charcoal Chimney Starter, Grilling Tongs, Meat Thermometer, Cast Iron Grill Pan

What Sets This Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Apart

It’s a Flavor Explosion

This recipe stands out to me because it combines the rich, tangy notes of Italian dressing with creamy ranch dressing and sweet BBQ sauce. The result is a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. The balance of acidity from the dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken, making every bite a delight.

Easy Prep and Cook Time

One of the best parts of Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken is how easy it is to prepare. Most of the work is done ahead of time while the chicken marinates in the refrigerator. This means you can focus on enjoying your time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Just a few minutes of prep, and you’re ready to grill!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive neighborhood barbecue, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It impresses without requiring a culinary degree. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase summer flavors, making it an excellent choice for vacations or outdoor gatherings.

Grilled to Perfection

Grilling chicken can sometimes be intimidating, but with this recipe, it’s straightforward and forgiving. The marinade helps keep the chicken moist, and if you have a meat thermometer, achieving perfectly cooked chicken is a breeze. You’ll notice that the grill marks add a lovely visual flair, too!

Customizable and Versatile

One of the things I adore about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken or even try it with vegetables. The marinade is adaptable, and you can switch up the sauces based on what you have on hand. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that you can modify to suit your tastes!

Memorable Flavor Combinations

Lastly, the combination of flavors in Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken creates a memorable dish that leaves guests asking for the recipe. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce, the creaminess of the ranch dressing, and the herbal hints from the Italian dressing create a symphony of flavors that will linger in your memory long after the meal is over.

Shopping List for Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken

When it comes to making Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken, the ingredients are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The key players here are the marinades, which work together to enhance the chicken’s natural taste while keeping it juicy. Here’s what you’ll need:

¾ cup Italian dressing: A zesty dressing that adds tang and moisture to the chicken.
¾ cup bottled ranch dressing: Brings creaminess and a herby flavor that complements the other ingredients.
¾ cup BBQ sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the marinade.

Cooking Instructions for Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken

Preparing Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken is a joy, thanks to its straightforward steps. Let’s dive right into the cooking process!

In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup Italian dressing, ¾ cup ranch dressing, and ¾ cup BBQ sauce. This creamy and tangy mixture is your marinade.
Place the 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight. The longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The grill should be hot enough that you can hear the chicken sizzle as soon as it hits the grill.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush on additional BBQ sauce if you like your chicken extra saucy. This adds an additional layer of flavor and a nice glaze.
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
Slice the chicken and serve it hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear!

Things Worth Knowing

Using a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. This guarantees that it’s safe to eat.
Don’t Rush the Marinade: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Aim for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible.
Perfect Grill Marks: Avoid flipping the chicken too often. Let it sear on one side before flipping for those gorgeous marks.
Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and tender when you cut into it.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make your experience with Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken even more enjoyable, here are some pro tips:

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Freezing: You can freeze marinated chicken before grilling. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
Pairing: Serve with a refreshing salad, grilled corn on the cob, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add some hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick!
Add Vegetables: Grill some bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus alongside your chicken for a colorful, nutritious plate.

Serve This Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken With

When it’s time to enjoy your Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken, consider pairing it with some delicious sides:

Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and peppers add color and flavor to your meal.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is a fantastic side that everyone loves.
Coleslaw: The crispness and tang of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Picnics and Cookouts: This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings, making it a great choice for summer picnics.
Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, making them easy to enjoy as a quick lunch.

FAQ

Yes, while marinating is essential to enhance flavor, marinating the chicken for more than 24 hours can lead to a mushy texture due to the acids in the dressing. I recommend marinating for a few hours or overnight for the best results.

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even garlic bread. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious flavors.

Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with various cuts like thighs, wings, or even bone-in chicken. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Not inherently! However, if you enjoy heat, you can easily add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade. This will give your chicken a delightful kick while still allowing the other flavors to shine.

Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and grill it when you’re ready. Alternatively, grilled chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

The Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together. Its vibrant flavors and juicy texture make it a standout dish for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple yet impressive. You won’t regret making it part of your next gathering or weeknight dinner!

Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken

The ultimate comfort food for summer barbecues, Italian BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken features a perfect balance of zesty flavors and juicy chicken. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress your family and friends. Fire up the grill and savor every delicious bite!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

¾ cup Italian dressing
¾ cup bottled ranch dressing
¾ cup BBQ sauce
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Equipment

Charcoal Chimney Starter
Grilling Tongs
Meat thermometer
Cast Iron Grill Pan

Method

In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup Italian dressing, ¾ cup ranch dressing, and ¾ cup BBQ sauce. This creamy and tangy mixture is your marinade.
Place the 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight. The longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The grill should be hot enough that you can hear the chicken sizzle as soon as it hits the grill.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush on additional BBQ sauce if you like your chicken extra saucy. This adds an additional layer of flavor and a nice glaze.
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
Slice the chicken and serve it hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear!

Notes

Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
To cook chicken without a grill: pan sear chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on both sides. Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Can use marinade on any cut of chicken: breasts, thighs, tenders, drumsticks, wings.
Can use bone-in or boneless chicken: Adjust cooking time to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
My favorite BBQ sauces are G. Hughes, Sweet Baby Rays, Stubbs, and Williamson Brothers.