Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
This Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Is a celebration of textures and flavors. Perfect for those who love a hearty, satisfying dish. With a playful twist. It marries the smokiness of BBQ chicken. With the fresh crunch of bell peppers. And the creamy tang of a homemade dressing. All tossed with tender pasta shells. That happily scooped up. Every bit of sauce. Whether you're looking to impress at a backyard BBQ. Or just spice up your meal routine. This salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Offering a delightful mix of flavors. That feels like a hug. In a bowl.
8 Servings
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
To make this Smokey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad gluten-free. Simply swap the regular pasta shells. For your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. There are many excellent options available. Such as those made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Which hold up well in salads. And absorb the flavors beautifully. Additionally, ensure your BBQ sauce and mayonnaise are labeled gluten-free. As some brands may contain gluten additives. With these adjustments. You can enjoy the same delicious, smoky flavors. Without any gluten concerns.