Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad – Embrace the flavors of a family cookout. With this Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Perfect for any gathering. This dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy BBQ dressing. The main ingredients include chicken breast, BBQ sauce, pasta, and a colorful medley of vegetables. Making this salad a standout side dish. That’s both satisfying. And delicious.
The first time I made this Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Was for a weekend family picnic. Eager to try something different. I tossed together some pantry staples. With fresh veggies. And BBQ sauce. The result? A dish. That not only won over my husband’s taste buds. But also brought a joyful, sauce-covered smile. To my child’s face. It’s since become a cherished recipe in our home. Requested at many family gatherings.
What makes this Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad truly special?
This Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Offers the best of versatility. Family appeal. And wholesome ingredients. Whether served chilled. As a refreshing option for summer picnics. Or warm to comfort on a cooler evening. It suits any occasion. Both kids and adults adore its creamy, smoky flavors. Making it a sought-after dish at gatherings. Moreover, it’s a complete meal in itself. Combining protein, vegetables, and carbs. Which ensures. Everyone leaves the table satisfied.
What You Need To Make This Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
Vegetable Oil: Just enough. To cook the chicken until golden.
Chicken Breast: Lean, quick to cook. And perfect for absorbing the BBQ flavors.
Red Onion & Jalapeno: Add crunch and a spicy kick. And adjust the jalapeno. To your heat preference.
Pasta Shells: Their shape helps scoop up. And hold the delicious dressing.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite type—whether smoky, sweet, or a mix of both.
Mayonnaise: Creams up the sauce. Marrying all the flavors together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the best. In all the other ingredients.
Bell Peppers: Sweet, crunchy. And packed with color. And nutrients.
Corn & Black Beans: They contribute texture. And a hearty feel.
Cilantro: Fresh and zesty. It brightens up the rich flavors of the salad.
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Steps To Make Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad:
Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking them for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions and minced jalapenos, sautéing them until they’re just soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Meanwhile, boil your pasta shells just shy of the recommended time; they should still have a bit of bite. Drain and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: In a generous mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chop the rested chicken into bite-sized chunks and throw them into the bowl. Follow with the sautéed onions and jalapenos, diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and fresh cilantro. Toss everything together until each shell is nicely coated with the tangy, smoky dressing.
Tip:
For an extra layer of smokiness. And depth in your Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Try grilling the chicken. Instead of pan-cooking it. Grilling the chicken. Adds a charred, rustic flavor. That echoes the smokiness of the BBQ sauce. Intensifying the overall taste of the dish. This simple switch. Not only boosts the flavor profile. But also brings a delightful textural contrast to the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better. When the flavors meld together overnight. Just keep it refrigerated. Until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of jalapenos if I want less heat?
Try using mild green chilies. Or simply omit the jalapenos. For a less spicy version of the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes. This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach. For extra texture. And flavor.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 red onion chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper de-seeded, de-veined, and minced
- 1 lb small pasta shells
- 1 c BBQ sauce
- 1 c mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground pepper
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 orange bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 c corn
- 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/4 c minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet. Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. Until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet. And set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet. Add the chopped onions and minced jalapenos. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Until they are soft and aromatic.
- Prepare Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in a large pot according to the package directions. But stop one minute short of the recommended cooking time. Drain and rinse under cold water. To stop the cooking process.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl. Combine the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix well. To create a smooth dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken, sautéed onions and jalapenos, diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro. To the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together. Until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad immediately. Or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together. For a more intensified taste.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
