If you’re craving a dinner that perfectly balances flavors with a delightful kick, the Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite. This dish combines the tangy zest of Italian dressing with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, while chili powder and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on taste, making it ideal for everything from weekend barbecues to weeknight meals that need that extra spark of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create an incredible toss of flavor, color, and texture. Each element is essential to give the dish its signature Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe taste and satisfying juiciness.
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce for rich base flavor.
- ¾ cup Italian dressing: Brings tanginess and herbs that add complexity to the marinade.
- 1 Tbsp chili powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp dried red pepper flakes: The secret to that perfect spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up every ounce of marinade.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, chili powder, and dried red pepper flakes. This marinade is where the magic happens—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors that will infuse the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step is key because the longer the chicken marinates—ideally for at least one hour or even overnight—the more the flavors will penetrate, resulting in tender, juicy meat bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you the ideal cooking environment to achieve those beautiful grill marks and lock in the marinade’s flavorful juices as the chicken cooks.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off to prevent flare-ups. Grill each piece for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is no longer pink inside. The smoky grill flavor combined with the marinade makes this Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of green and fresh aroma that complements the smoky and spicy flavors. You might also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy contrast that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with light yet flavorful sides. Think grilled vegetables like zucchini and peppers, a fresh garden salad, or even some creamy coleslaw to balance the spice. Rice pilaf or garlic mashed potatoes also make for satisfying companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a fun family-style meal by slicing the grilled chicken breasts and serving on a colorful platter surrounded by vibrant veggies and dipping sauces. Alternatively, slice the chicken to top off a garden salad or stuff it into warm pita bread with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a delicious sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe, promptly store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the flavors for longer, freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. It is best to portion it out for easy thawing. Frozen chicken can maintain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying out the delicate meat. Adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce while reheating can revive the original juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and flavorful, plus they stay juicy when grilled. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through depending on thickness.
How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe?
The heat comes mainly from chili powder and red pepper flakes, which adds a noticeable but balanced spice. You can always reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer milder flavors or add more if you like it hot.
Do I need to soak the chicken overnight?
While one hour of marinating is the minimum, soaking overnight really gives the chicken time to absorb all the delicious flavors deeply, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
What type of grill works best?
Any grill—gas, charcoal, or electric—will do a great job. Coal grills impart a nice smoky flavor, but if you don’t have one, just make sure to preheat properly for those perfect grill marks and juices.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just mix it well before adding the chicken to ensure all the spices and flavors are evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a burst of flavor and zest to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s one of those go-to dishes that feels special yet is simple to make, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Italian BBQ Grilled Chicken combines tangy Italian dressing with zesty BBQ sauce and a kick of chili powder and red pepper flakes. Marinated for up to overnight to absorb the bold flavors, the chicken breasts are then grilled to juicy perfection, making for a flavorful and easy summer meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce
- ¾ cup Italian dressing
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp dried red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together the BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, chili powder, and dried red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until well combined, creating a sweet, tangy, and spicy marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C), preparing it for direct grilling.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place them on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes total, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor but marinating at least 1 hour will still impart great taste.
- Adjust the amount of dried red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Can be served with grilled vegetables, salads, or over rice for a complete meal.
- For a smokier flavor, add wood chips to your grill if using charcoal or a smoker box on gas grills.
