This BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken is a tasty treat! With juicy chicken drenched in a zesty ranch and BBQ sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at any cookout.
You can serve this with a side of corn or salad, and I promise, the sauce will have you licking your fingers. Who knew grilling could be so delicious and fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for grilling because they are lean and cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a tasty alternative; they are juicier and can handle higher cooking temperatures.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to put your personal spin on the dish. If you’re looking for something healthier, try a low-sugar version, or make your own using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch dressing is easy and convenient. However, if you want a homemade option, you can mix Greek yogurt with herbs like dill and chives for a lighter alternative.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work in a pinch. Garlic and onion powders bring nice flavor; fresh minced garlic and onion can also be used but will give a different texture.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is a great way to infuse it with flavors. The marinade should be balanced with oil, acid, and seasoning. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Mix your marinade thoroughly to blend flavors. Ensure the oil helps the spices stick to the chicken.
- Use a plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating to cover all sides of the chicken.
- For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but feel free to let it sit in the fridge for up to 4 hours for deeper flavors.
Just remember to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent contamination!
BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll cook the chicken on the grill for about 15 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy this delicious BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Ranch Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until they are well combined. This will be your delicious sauce that adds flavor to the chicken!
2. Make the Marinade:
Take another bowl and mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is nicely blended. This marinade will keep your chicken juicy and flavorful.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 4 hours for a stronger flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure you get those beautiful grill marks on your chicken!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any extra marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Add Extra Sauce:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush a little more BBQ sauce onto the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. It makes it all the more tasty!
7. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it up with green beans or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it first. You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels before marinating to help the flavors absorb better.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mixture of ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, a homemade BBQ sauce using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices also works great!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time! Just prepare the chicken and marinade, then seal the bag or cover the dish in the fridge. It can marinate for up to 4 hours for the best flavor, or you can make it the night before for a meal that’s ready to grill the next day!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until heated through. If you have any leftover BBQ sauce, feel free to add a splash to keep it moist!
