B~B~Q Chicken

Prep: 120 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in zesty Italian dressing and basted with a tangy vinegar mixture, perfect for summer barbecues or casual family dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 ounces bottle zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken breasts in zesty Italian dressing for 2 hours.
  2. Simmer vinegar, margarine, and Worcestershire sauce on range until margarine is melted.
  3. Place chicken breasts on a medium-high grill.
  4. Baste chicken with vinegar mixture throughout grilling.
  5. Grill for approximately 25 minutes.
  6. When a knife pierces easily, the chicken is ready to eat.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for longer than the recommended 2 hours if possible—overnight is ideal. If you want a twist, consider substituting the zesty Italian dressing with a lemon herb vinaigrette. Make sure to keep the grill temperature steady to avoid uneven cooking. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the BBQ chicken with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Golden Mushroom Chicken for a flavorful spread. For a refreshing touch, offer slices of watermelon or a simple green salad. This dish is also great for picnics or backyard gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of B~B~Q Chicken contains roughly 380 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 746mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

380 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7g 14% DV
Total Fat 26.2g 34% DV
Carbs 24.7g 9% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 746.1mg 32% DV
Potassium 258.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 19.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 42.1mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time, as they will take longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, and consider using a meat thermometer for accuracy.

What can I do if I don’t have zesty Italian dressing?

If zesty Italian dressing is unavailable, you can create a homemade marinade using olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or an indoor electric grill. Just ensure proper ventilation and monitor the cooking closely, as indoor grilling may require adjusting the cooking time. Follow the same basting and grilling instructions for the best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Chicken recipes → All recipes →