Finger-Lickin’ BBQ Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Tuscan BBQ chicken merges rustic Mediterranean charm with smoky grilling techniques, creating a mouthwatering culinary experience that defies traditional recipe boundaries.

Regional herbs and unexpected spice blends refine ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal that sparks curiosity.

Tender meat absorbs complex marinades, infusing each bite with layers of robust flavors that dance between tangy and aromatic.

You’ll appreciate how this dish bridges two distinct cooking traditions, celebrating the art of thoughtful preparation.

Grilling elevates the ingredients, coaxing out rich caramelized notes that complement the delicate herbal undertones.

The recipe balances technique and passion, inviting adventurous home cooks to experiment with bold flavor combinations.

Get ready to impress your dinner guests with a show-stopping centerpiece that promises culinary excitement.

Tuscan BBQ Chicken: Smoky, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

• Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty Italian dressing, creamy ranch, and smoky BBQ sauce to create a mouthwatering marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Effortless Grilling Magic: Simple marinating technique and straightforward grilling method make this recipe foolproof for both novice and experienced home cooks, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
• Protein Power Meal: Packed with an impressive 108g of protein per serving, this dish is perfect for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, or anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a delicious, quick dinner option.

Essential Ingredients for Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Italian Dressing: Zesty blend that infuses rich herb and tangy flavors into the chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds depth and richness to the marinade.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky sauce that caramelizes beautifully during grilling.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs marinade flavors wonderfully; choose fresh, high-quality boneless and skinless cuts for best results.

• Large Resealable Bag: Perfect for evenly coating chicken and marinating; ensures even flavor distribution.

How to Make Tuscan BBQ Chicken at Home

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

Whisk together Italian dressing, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce until perfectly blended.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-8 hours or overnight, flipping the bag occasionally to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining liquid.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

• Internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Exterior shows beautiful grill marks
• Meat is fully cooked and juicy

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. Serve hot and enjoy your Tuscan-inspired BBQ delight!

Tips for the Perfect Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption while maintaining juicy texture.
• Create Perfect Grill Marks: Pat chicken dry before grilling and oil the grates to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char lines.
• Rest After Cooking: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender.
• Customize Sauce Blend: Experiment with different ratios of Italian dressing, ranch, and BBQ sauce to develop your signature Tuscan-style marinade.

How to Keep Your Tuscan BBQ Chicken Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover Tuscan BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the chicken's juicy texture.
• Reheat gently in the microwave by placing chicken on a microwave-safe plate and covering with a damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature to avoid drying out the meat.
• Restore moisture and flavor by adding a splash of extra BBQ sauce when reheating. This trick helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from becoming tough or rubbery during the warming process.

Delicious Sides for Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Complement with Crisp Tuscan White Wine: Pair this zesty BBQ chicken with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, which cuts through the richness of the grilled meat and highlights the tangy marinade's bright Italian-inspired flavors.
• Serve with Rustic Herb Focaccia: Grab a warm, olive oil-brushed focaccia bread to soak up the delicious marinade juices and provide a soft, aromatic side that echoes the herb notes in the Italian dressing.
• Create a Fresh Mediterranean Salad Companion: Toss together a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the smoky chicken and add a refreshing counterpoint to the BBQ sauce's sweetness.
• Pour a Craft Beer with Citrus Notes: Select a wheat beer or a citrusy IPA that can stand up to the bold BBQ flavors while offering a crisp, refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken's richness.

Fun Twists on Tuscan BBQ Chicken

• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace Italian dressing with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and basil mixed with olive oil for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired marinade.
• Smoky Chipotle Kick: Swap BBQ sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add a splash of lime juice for a spicy, tangy southwestern profile.
• Lemon Garlic Infusion: Substitute ranch dressing with minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley for a bright, zesty chicken preparation that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Honey Mustard Elegance: Replace ranch with honey mustard and add a touch of smoked paprika to create a sweet and slightly smoky chicken variation that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Tuscan BBQ Chicken brings Italian countryside flavors to your grill with a perfect blend of herbs and smoky char. Bold marinades and fresh Mediterranean ingredients create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauces:

• 0.75 cups (177 ml) BBQ sauce
• 0.75 cups (177 ml) Italian dressing
• 0.75 cups (177 ml) bottled ranch dressing

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking Italian dressing, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Transfer chicken breasts into a large zip-lock bag, carefully pouring the prepared marinade over the meat to ensure complete coverage.
3. Seal the bag securely, pressing out excess air, and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight, gently rotating the bag every couple of hours to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Approximately 30 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator to allow it to reach near room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.
5. Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius).
6. Remove chicken breasts from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
7. Position chicken on the preheated grill grates, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote proper heat circulation.
8. Grill chicken for 6-9 minutes per side, rotating once halfway through cooking time, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and exterior displays appealing golden-brown char marks.
9. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Marinating overnight infuses deep, rich flavors into every fiber of the chicken.
• Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks and ensure even coating of the zesty marinade.
• Discard used marinade to avoid cross-contamination and potential foodborne illness.
• Turning chicken occasionally helps achieve that perfect, even golden-brown char.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results every time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 1,470 kcal
• Sugar: 48g
• Sodium: 5,520mg
• Fat: 90g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 66g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 96g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 108g
• Cholesterol: 360mg