Wicked Awesome Chicken
When it comes to a crowd-pleaser, nothing quite beats Wicked Awesome Chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. The moment I pulled the succulent, grilled chicken off the grill, my family gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation. The aroma of the marinated chicken wafted through the air, and I knew I had created something special. It’s become a staple at our gatherings, whether it’s a barbecue in the summer or a cozy family dinner. The combination of Italian dressing and BBQ sauce gives it a flavor that’s irresistible, and the best part is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
5 mins
15 mins
Easy
300 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
15 g
Charcoal Chimney Starter, Grilling Tongs, Meat Thermometer
What’s Great About This Wicked Awesome Chicken
Quick and Easy Preparation
The beauty of Wicked Awesome Chicken lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up. Just whisk together the marinade, let the chicken soak, and grill. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the marinade ingredients according to your taste preferences. Love a little extra spice? Add more hot sauce. Want to make it sweeter? Use a different BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, Wicked Awesome Chicken fits right in. Serve it at birthday parties, family reunions, or even a simple weeknight meal to elevate the ordinary.
Great Leftovers
One of my favorite parts about this dish is how well it keeps. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can easily shred the chicken and toss it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick lunch the next day.
Family Approved
Kids and adults alike love this dish. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone around the dinner table, as the delicious flavor of the chicken draws everyone in. Plus, you can engage the kids in the preparation, making it a fun family activity.
Budget-Friendly
Last but not least, Wicked Awesome Chicken is easy on the wallet. The ingredients are affordable, and you can often find them at your local grocery store. This means you can serve a delicious meal without breaking the bank!
Wicked Awesome Chicken Ingredients
When it comes to the ingredients for Wicked Awesome Chicken, each plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor profile. The combination of the marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a burst of deliciousness. Let’s dive into the key players that make this dish a family favorite.
- 1 cup Italian dressing – This tangy base adds flavor and helps to tenderize the chicken.
- ¼ cup Dale’s Steak Seasoning – A unique blend that brings extra zest and depth to the marinade.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce – Adds sweetness and a smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ¼ cup hot sauce – Gives the chicken a spicy kick that can be adjusted to your liking.
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish, pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
Putting Together Wicked Awesome Chicken
Grilling Wicked Awesome Chicken is an enjoyable experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. Just follow these easy instructions to get that fantastic flavor and perfect grill marks!
Start by whisking together the Italian dressing, Dale’s Steak Seasoning, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. You should have a smooth marinade that smells absolutely divine.
Next, pour this marinade over the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a glass dish. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken absorbs all that wonderful flavor.
Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate. For maximum flavor, I recommend marinating for at least one hour, but you can leave it overnight if you have time. The longer, the better!
After marination, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before placing the chicken on it.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. This will help prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Once the grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on it. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on one side.
Flip the chicken over and continue to grill for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken even more flavorful.
Finally, slice the chicken and serve it up with your favorite sides. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Wicked Awesome Chicken!
Things Worth Knowing
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb. Aim for at least one hour, but overnight is best.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This allows for a nice sear, locking in the juices.
- Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after grilling is essential. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Cooking Method: You can also bake or pan-fry this chicken if grilling isn’t an option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Helpful Notes about Wicked Awesome Chicken
Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your Wicked Awesome Chicken experience. Each tip is aimed at making the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze marinated chicken for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.
- Pairing: This chicken goes wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Try it with a side of corn on the cob!
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different marinades. Teriyaki or a citrus marinade can also work great with this chicken.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a fresh touch.
Side Dish Ideas for Wicked Awesome Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Wicked Awesome Chicken can take your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas to complement this delicious dish:
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, grilled to perfection, pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs adds a lovely texture and flavor balance to the meal.
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, marinated chicken.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can be a great side dish, offering a hearty complement to the grilled flavor.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw make it a perfect pairing, especially for summer BBQs.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices from the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is another delightful side that everyone loves.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wicked Awesome Chicken is a dish that brings people together with its incredible flavors and easy preparation. Its tantalizing marinade combined with the grilling technique ensures a succulent meal every time. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or family dinner; you won’t be disappointed. It’s the kind of dish that creates lasting memories around the table, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it!
Wicked Awesome Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together Italian dressing, Dale's steak seasoning, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce. Pour over chicken.
- Place chicken in the refrigerator and marinate for 1 hour up to overnight.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Notes
- Can use any cut of chicken: with this marinade.
- Favorite BBQ sauces: are G. Hughes, Sweet Baby Rays, Stubbs, and Williamson Brothers.
- Hot sauce options: I used Frank’s Hot Sauce or Frank’s Wing Sauce in this recipe.
- Dale’s Steak Seasoning: You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3dFo1HI
- Substitution: You can substitute my All-Purpose Marinade for the Dale’s Steak Seasoning: https://www.plainchicken.com/all-purpose-marinade/
