If you’re on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances tangy, smoky, and creamy flavors all at once, you’ve got to try this BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful combination where the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce meets the cool, herbaceous bite of ranch dressing, creating a marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends, this recipe is a total game changer that’s simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe starts with just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but packed with personality. Each component plays a role, whether it’s to tenderize, add depth of flavor, or bring that perfect color and glaze when grilled.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy—to define the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup bottled ranch dressing: This adds a creamy, herby note that balances the sweet and smoky elements.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are lean, easy to grill evenly, and soak up the marinade beautifully for juicy results.
How to Make BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl until they’re fully blended. This luscious marinade is the heart of the BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe, delivering both creaminess and tang that will infuse every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate anywhere from 4 hours to overnight—the longer, the better—for maximum flavor penetration and juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Preheat and Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to prevent flare-ups. Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes total, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature hits 165ºF and the surface has a beautiful charred glaze.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful before slicing or serving whole.
How to Serve BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the smoky-sweet richness. A sprinkle of finely diced green onions or a light dusting of paprika can also enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe pairs exceptionally well with classic summer sides like cornbread, grilled vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted sweet potatoes make perfect companions that complement the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the grilled chicken thinly and layering it on top of a hearty sandwich or wrap with fresh lettuce and tomato. Alternatively, cube the chicken for a vibrant salad or skewer pieces for a fun and interactive meal experience. The versatility of this dish means you can serve it any way you like!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious meal on a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to keep the chicken moist. Avoid using high heat microwave settings which can dry out the chicken and lessen its delicious texture in this BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring extra juiciness and a richer flavor, and they also work wonderfully with this BBQ Ranch marinade. Just adjust grilling time accordingly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight maximizes flavor, even 4 hours will impart good taste and tenderness. If you’re short on time, a few hours still make a noticeable difference compared to skipping the marinade altogether.
Can I make the marinade from scratch?
Yes! You can create your own BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to customize sweetness, spice, or herb flavors perfectly to your liking. However, using bottled versions keeps this BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe quick and easy.
What grill temperature is best for this recipe?
Medium-high heat is ideal, around 375ºF to 400ºF. It gives you enough heat to develop a nice char and caramelization without drying out the chicken too quickly.
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stovetop. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking and get those lovely grill marks if using a grill pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe that keeps me coming back again and again, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests. Its bold yet balanced flavors, combined with how easy the preparation is, make it a must-try for anyone wanting to elevate their chicken game. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
Print
BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken recipe combines tangy ranch dressing with smoky BBQ sauce to create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Perfect for grilling, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers juicy, succulent chicken with a zesty and savory profile—ideal for casual dinners or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup bottled ranch dressing
Main
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup BBQ sauce and 1 cup bottled ranch dressing thoroughly to create a smooth marinade that balances tangy and smoky flavors.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat and tenderize it.
- Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F, to achieve a good sear and proper cooking temperature.
- Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes total, turning occasionally to cook evenly, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring it is safe to eat and juicy inside.
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices before serving. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken hot off the grill!
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor but a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness.
- For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill if desired.
- Adjust grilling time according to the thickness of chicken breasts.
- Serve with fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
