Got no time but want something amazing? This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad is exactly what u need for those busy weeknights. Tried this recipe last weekend when friends came over and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it. The combo of smoky BBQ chicken with the cool creamy pasta salad creates this perfect balance that’ll make ur taste buds super happy.
Keep reading to find out how u can make this BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad in just 30 mins with ingredients u probably already have.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Making dinner shouldn’t be complicated. This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad solves the whole “what to make that’s quick but still tastes amazing” problem.
First time I made this was for my sister’s birthday. She’s super picky but ended up asking for seconds! What’s great is u can customize it based on what veggies u have in the fridge.
This recipe works for meal prep too – make it Sunday and enjoy BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad all week. The flavors actually get better overnight!
Now let’s get into the good stuff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts – go for boneless skinless for faster cooking
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – store bought works fine but homemade is even better
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps chicken not stick
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – adds depth without chopping garlic
- 1 tsp paprika – gives nice color and mild smoky flavor
- Salt and pepper – amount depends on ur taste
- Optional: 1 tsp cayenne – if u like it spicy
The BBQ sauce is key here. Don’t go with the super sweet ones unless that’s ur thing. I prefer ones with a bit of tang and smoke. If ur avoiding sugar, look for ones with no added sugar.
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne work best) – the spirals catch the dressing
- 1 bell pepper (any color) – I like red for sweetness
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – cut in half
- 1/2 red onion – gives nice bite
- 1 cucumber – adds freshness
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or basil work great)
- 1/3 cup olives (optional) – kalamata are my fav
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayo – full fat gives best flavor
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – adds tang
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – helps emulsify
- 1 tsp honey – balances acidity
- 1 garlic clove minced – fresh is better than powder here
- Salt and pepper to taste
If ur avoiding mayo, greek yogurt works as substitute but the flavor is tangier.
How to Make BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper on both sides
- If u have time, let sit for 15 mins (but can skip if ur in hurry)
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring large pot of water to boil
- Add salt (water should taste like seawater)
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (check package but usually 8-10 mins)
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
TIP: Don’t overcook pasta! Nobody wants mushy pasta salad.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken and cook 5-6 mins on first side until golden brown
- Flip and cook another 4-5 mins until internal temp reaches 160°F
- Brush BBQ sauce on both sides and cook 1 more min per side
- Remove from heat and let rest 5 mins before slicing
The chicken will continue cooking while resting. If u cut too soon all juices run out and chicken gets dry.
Step 4: Prep the Veggies
While chicken and pasta cook:
- Dice bell pepper into small pieces
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Finely dice red onion
- Chop cucumber into small cubes
- Rough chop herbs
Step 5: Make the Dressing
- In bowl whisk together mayo, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- If too thick add 1 tbsp water
Step 6: Assemble
- In large bowl combine pasta and all veggies
- Pour dressing over and toss well
- Slice BBQ chicken and serve alongside or on top of pasta salad
TIP: For max flavor let pasta salad sit in fridge 30 mins before serving with BBQ Chicken.
Tasty Variations of BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Southwestern BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Add corn, black beans, avocado and use cilantro instead of parsley. Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Mediterranean BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Use feta instead of mayo dressing, add extra olives, artichoke hearts and use oregano for herbs.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Mix teriyaki with BBQ sauce, add edamame, water chestnuts and use rice vinegar in dressing.
Grilled Veggie BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Add grilled zucchini, eggplant and mushrooms to pasta for smoky flavor that matches the BBQ chicken.
Buffalo BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Mix buffalo sauce with BBQ for chicken and add blue cheese to pasta salad dressing.
If u loved this recipe, u might also enjoy my Gochujang Chicken which has similar sweet-spicy vibes or my Orange Dijon Grilled Chicken for another easy weeknight option.
BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad FAQs
Can I make BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Definitely! Actually gets better overnight as flavors meld. Keep chicken separate from pasta salad until serving time. Both good in fridge up to 3 days.
What’s the best pasta shape for BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad?
Shapes with ridges or spirals work best cuz they hold dressing better. Rotini, fusilli, farfalle or penne are top choices. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
How do I stop my pasta salad from drying out?
Two tricks: first don’t overcook pasta, second reserve small amount of dressing and add right before serving if needed. Also covering tightly in fridge helps.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken?
100% yes! Just shred rotisserie chicken and toss with warmed BBQ sauce. Super time saver for even quicker BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad.
Is BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad good for meal prep?
One of the best meal prep options! Stays good all week. Pack chicken and pasta salad separately and combine at lunchtime.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Easy swaps: use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, reduce BBQ sauce (has lots of sugar), and add extra veggies.
What sides go well with BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad?
Since it’s practically a complete meal already, just add some crusty bread or a simple green salad. Maybe corn on cob in summer.
Make This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Your Own
First time I made this BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad was for a neighborhood cookout. Was nervous cuz everyone there was foodie. But this dish disappeared faster than anything else!
What makes this recipe special is how it balances traditional BBQ flavors with fresh modern pasta salad. Works for casual family dinner but also impressive enough for guests.
Give this BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad a try and make it ur own. Add ingredients u love, adjust spices to taste. Food should be personal and this recipe lets u do exactly that. Let me know in comments how it turned out!
BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb rotini or penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 1 cucumber chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs parsley or basil
- 1/3 cup olives optional
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Let rest for 15 minutes if time allows.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring water to a boil. Salt it generously. Cook pasta to al dente per package instructions (8–10 mins). Drain and rinse with cold water.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in skillet on medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 mins per side. When nearly done, brush with BBQ sauce and cook 1 more minute each side. Rest 5 mins before slicing.
Prep the Veggies:
- While cooking, dice bell pepper, onion, cucumber, halve tomatoes, chop herbs.
Make the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic. Season with salt & pepper. Add water if needed to thin.
Assemble Salad:
- In large bowl, mix pasta and veggies. Toss with dressing. Serve sliced BBQ chicken on or beside salad. Chill salad for 30 minutes if possible for max flavor.
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