Name: BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad - Easy Summer Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 12 ounces dried pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle); 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup crumbled cooked beef bacon (optional)

Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration on a plate, a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that instantly transports you to summer picnics and backyard barbecues. We all love it for its comforting familiarity, yet its ability to feel exciting and new with every forkful. What truly sets this Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad apart is the perfect harmony it strikes between smoky, sweet barbecue chicken, chewy pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or simply a delicious and satisfying meal on a warm evening. Get ready to discover how to create a Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 ounces dried pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crum extractbled cooked beef bacon (optional, for extra flavor)

Prepare the Chicken

Grilling or Pan-Searing the Chicken

To start our delicious Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad, we need to get our chicken ready. The best way to achieve that smoky, tender chicken is to grill it. If grilling isn’t an option, pan-searing is a fantastic alternative. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for a touch of warmth). Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, rub the paprika mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill or in the hot skillet. If grilling, cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If pan-searing, cook for a similar duration, turning occasionally, until thoroughly cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a clean cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. After resting, you can either dice it into bite-sized pieces or shred it with two forks, depending on your preference for texture in the salad.

Cook the Pasta

Boiling the Pasta to Al Dente

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to get our pasta ready. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. It’s important to use plenty of salt in your pasta water; it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta from the inside out. Add the 12 ounces of your chosen pasta to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together at the bottom of the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked, mushy pasta can really detract from the overall texture of your pasta salad. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the dressing cling to it. You can let the drained pasta sit in the colander for a minute or two to allow excess steam to escape, which prevents it from becoming waterlogged.

Assemble the Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad

Creating the Flavorful Dressing

Now for the fun part – bringin extractg all these delicious components together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and mayonnaise. Whisk them together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates our creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that is the heart of our Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or even a tiny splash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.

Combining the Ingredients

To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked and drained pasta. Add the diced or shredded cooked chicken. Next, fold in the finely chopped red onion and the chopped fresh cilantro. The red onion provides a nice crispness and a pungent bite that cuts through the richness, while the cilantro adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor. If you’rerum extracting crumbled cobeef baconbacon, now is the perfect time to add it for that extra layer of savory goodness. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the barbecue dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which could make the pasta break down.

Chilling and Serving

Once everything is thoroughly combined, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a delightful creaminess and a slightly sharp flavor that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate the Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly. This step is essential for the best taste and texture. The chilling time allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and chicken, making every bite more flavorful. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. You can garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of barbecue sauce if desired. This Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a casual weeknight meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your ultimate Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to impress! This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a delicious weeknight meal. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and the satisfying chew of the pasta, while the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch and vibrant color. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – a sprinkle of extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream can elevate it even further.

For serving suggestions, this Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, a light green salad, or even some crusty garlic bread. Feel free to experiment with variations! Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a little kick. Add in some sweet corn kernels, black beans, or even some chopped bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are truly endless!

I hope you enjoy making and devouring this crowd-pleasing Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your summer entertaining repertoire. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How long can I store Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad?

You can typically store this Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen beautifully over time, making it even more delicious on the second day!

Q2: Can I make this Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad is an excellent candidate for making ahead. In fact, it’s often best when prepared a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing all the flavors to fully marry. Just be sure to keep the pasta from becoming too mushy by not overcooking it initially, and you can add any delicate herbs or greens just before serving.

Q3: What kind of pasta is best for Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad?

While many pasta shapes work well, I find that short, sturdy pastas like rotini, farfalle (bow-ties), penne, or elbow macaroni hold up best in this salad. They have nooks and crannies that are perfect for trapping the delicious BBQ sauce and other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.