Magic Italian Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Italian chicken crafts ordinary poultry into a culinary adventure bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Herbs, spices, and techniques from italy’s vibrant regions elevate this dish beyond simple meals.

Rustic ingredients dance together, creating layers of complexity that tantalize taste buds and spark excitement.

Bold marinades infuse each tender bite with rich, aromatic characteristics that speak to traditional cooking methods.

Succulent meat becomes a canvas for cultural gastronomic expression, blending simplicity with sophisticated techniques.

Regional influences shine through carefully selected seasonings that connect home cooks with authentic Italian culinary traditions.

Family-style preparation invites warmth and connection around the dining table.

Italian Chicken That Tastes Like a Night in Tuscany

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines tangy Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce with zesty Italian dressing, creating a mouthwatering marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Effortless Gourmet Meal: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, home cooks can easily achieve restaurant-quality chicken that impresses family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Grilling Delight: Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this juicy grilled chicken adapts to multiple serving styles- slice it for salads, serve whole with sides, or shred for sandwiches.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Marinating ensures tender, flavorful meat while grilling provides a delicious charred exterior, guaranteeing a perfectly cooked chicken breast every single time.

What You’ll Need for Authentic Italian Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that absorbs marinade flavors and provides the main protein source for the dish, choose fresh or thawed chicken with no visible discoloration.

• Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, Italian Dressing: Tangy and sweet combination that adds rich flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, select a high-quality barbecue sauce with a balanced flavor profile.

• Cooking Oil: Light coating for the grill grate to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure easy grilling, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

Cooking Directions for Tender, Flavorful Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Italian dressing until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

• Place chicken breasts in a large sealable bag or shallow dish
• Pour the prepared marinade completely over the chicken
• Ensure chicken is fully coated with the marinade mixture

Step 3: Allow Chicken to Soak Up Delicious Flavors

Refrigerate the marinating chicken for minimum 4 hours or overnight for maximum taste infusion.

Step 4: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush grate with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill Chicken to Perfection

Cook chicken on the grill for approximately 15 minutes, flipping periodically to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving to lock in juicy flavors.

Tips for Rich, Herb-Infused Chicken

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, organic chicken breasts and premium Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce for the most robust flavor profile.
• Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is completely coated in the marinade mixture by gently massaging the sauce into the meat, which helps penetrate deeper flavors.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to create a non-stick surface and achieve beautiful grill marks.
• Rest After Grilling: Allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and succulent.

Keep Italian Chicken Fresh With These Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled Italian chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain juiciness and flavor.

What Goes Best With Italian Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Refresh your palate with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the tangy BBQ and Italian dressing marinade.
• Serve with Zesty Coleslaw: Create a crunchy side dish using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to balance the rich, grilled chicken flavors.
• Complement with Grilled Vegetables: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus on the grill alongside the chicken for a colorful and nutritious accompaniment that echoes the Italian-inspired marinade.
• Add Herbed Quinoa: Prepare a light quinoa side dish with fresh basil, parsley, and a touch of lemon zest to enhance the Italian-style seasonings of the chicken.

Italian Chicken Variations From North to South

• Oven-Baked Italian Chicken: Skip the grill and bake the marinated chicken in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
• Skillet Italian Chicken: Sear the marinated chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Slow Cooker Italian Chicken: Place marinated chicken in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, resulting in ultra-tender meat perfect for shredding.
• Herb-Enhanced Italian Chicken: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and rosemary to the marinade for an extra burst of authentic Italian flavor.

Italian Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with tender, herb-infused meat marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. Perfectly roasted and served with rustic Italian sides, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauces:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Italian dressing

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Instructions

1. Whisk Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and Italian dressing in a non-reactive container to create a vibrant, tangy marinade.
2. Transfer raw chicken breasts into a sealed plastic bag or shallow glass dish, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade mixture.
3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Prepare the outdoor grill by heating it to medium-high temperature and lightly brushing the grate with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully place marinated chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, positioning them to achieve optimal heat distribution.
6. Cook the chicken for approximately 15 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even charring and consistent cooking.
7. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.
8. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours to infuse deep, tangy flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Ensure grill is preheated to medium-high for perfect sear and even cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is safely cooked.
• Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce adds a delicious sweet and smoky dimension to the Italian-style marinade.
• Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
• Use a sealable bag for easy marinating and minimal cleanup.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg