Sticky Italian BBQ Chicken (Easy Grilled Recipe)

This sticky, smoky Italian BBQ Chicken is made with zesty Italian dressing, sweet barbecue sauce, and boneless chicken breasts, and ready in 2 hours and 25 minutes. The edges of the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill while remaining completely juicy inside. I make this every summer when standard hot dogs just won’t cut it.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcomplicate my grilled chicken with complex spice rubs. I quickly learned that an Italian dressing marinade is the fastest route to tender meat.

The vinegar breaks down the chicken fibers perfectly. Brushing on a simple barbecue glaze right at the end prevents burning while adding that essential sticky finish.

Italian BBQ Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
• 1/2 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for oiling the grill grates)

How To Make Italian BBQ Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour in the Italian dressing. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Grill the meat for 6 minutes per side.
5. Baste and finish: Brush the chicken generously with the barbecue glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recipe Tips

• Do not over-marinate: Leaving the chicken in the vinegar-based dressing longer than 12 hours will make the meat mushy.
• Pound the breasts: Flattening the chicken slightly ensures it cooks evenly across the hot grill.
• Sauce at the end: Barbecue sauce contains sugar that burns very easily over direct heat.

What To Serve With Italian BBQ Chicken

Serve this alongside a cold pasta salad tossed with mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread and grilled zucchini also complement the tangy flavors perfectly.

How To Store

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work exceptionally well. They are more forgiving on the grill and stay incredibly juicy.

Can I bake this in the oven?

You can bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Brush with the sauce during the final 5 minutes of baking.

Do I have to use store-bought dressing?

No, a homemade mix of olive oil, white wine vinegar, and dried Italian herbs works perfectly if you prefer to make it from scratch.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Easy Good Seasons Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Italian Chicken (Juicy & Herb-Crusted
• Easy One Pan Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe

Italian BBQ Chicken

Recipe by Paula

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

35

minutes

Total time

3

hours 

45

minutes

Italian BBQ Chicken combines sticky barbecue glaze with a zesty marinade for a smoky summer dinner. Using boneless chicken breasts and Italian dressing keeps prep fast and simple. You will have a juicy, flavorful main course ready for the grill in 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing

• 1/2 cup your favorite barbecue sauce

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for oiling the grill grates)

Directions

• 1. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour in the Italian dressing. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• 2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
• 3. Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• 4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Grill the meat for 6 minutes per side.
• 5. Baste and finish: Brush the chicken generously with the barbecue glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.