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BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad

The Crispy Chef
This quick and flavorful BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Smoky, juicy chicken paired with a cool, creamy pasta salad—ready in just 30 minutes and customizable with whatever veggies you’ve got on hand.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 620 kcal

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.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Store pasta salad and chicken separately for meal prep.
Add-ins: corn, feta, grilled veggies, black beans, or avocado to customize.
For a healthier twist: whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, no-sugar BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 42gFat: 28g
Keyword BBQ Chicken, creamy pasta salad
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