BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate mash-up of smoky, creamy, and downright craveable flavors—with juicy chunks of chicken, sweet-tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy veggies, it’s the dish you’ll want front and center at every summer gathering. Trust me, one forkful and you’ll be hooked on its colorful, hearty, and satisfyingly bold personality!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky-Sweet Flavor Fusion: The combination of BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a picnic-perfect harmony of tangy, creamy, and bold flavors.
  • Vibrant Colors and Crunch: Every bite is brimming with colors from bell peppers and corn, plus a pop of crunch that keeps the salad interesting and fun.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better as the flavors mingle in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for parties, potlucks, or weekday prepping.
  • Customizable Goodness: Toss in your favorite veggies or swap the protein—the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is endlessly adaptable to your cravings and what’s on hand.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. Each ingredient adds its own special touch—whether it’s bold flavor, robust color, or fresh texture—so don’t skip out on these stars if you want maximum deliciousness!

  • Vegetable oil: Helps the chicken get that perfect golden sear in the skillet—use a neutral oil for best results.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender, lean, and easy to cook—just right for soaking up that BBQ flavor.
  • Red onion: Adds a snappy, sweet bite and a pop of gorgeous color.
  • Jalapeño peppers: Bring a gentle heat—de-seed and mince them for a subtle kick that mingles with the creamy dressing.
  • Small pasta shells: These catch all the saucy goodness in every nook and cranny. You can substitute with rotini or penne if you prefer.
  • BBQ sauce: The heart and soul! Go for your favorite brand—smoky, spicy, or sweet, it sets the mood for the entire dish.
  • Mayonnaise: Makes the salad wonderfully creamy and binds everything together.
  • Kosher salt & coarse ground pepper: Essential for seasoning and heightening all the other flavors.
  • Red bell pepper: Crisp, sweet, and adds a vibrant red hue.
  • Orange bell pepper: Oranges up the color palette and adds mild flavor and crunch.
  • Corn: Juicy kernels provide sweetness and a summery vibe—use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn.
  • Canned black beans: A hearty, earthy addition that bulks up the salad and boosts the protein.
  • Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, zippy finish—if you’re not a fan, parsley works in a pinch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

If you love playing with flavors or need to tailor the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad to different diets, you’re in luck! This recipe is wildly flexible so you can make it truly your own no matter who’s at your table.

  • Swap the Protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli for a veggie-packed boost.
  • Lighten the Sauce: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for extra tang and a lighter touch.
  • Change the Pasta: Rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni are all welcome stand-ins if you don’t have shells on hand.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for 4–6 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. This searing step guarantees juicy chicken with a punch of flavor—let them rest before chopping!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Jalapeños

Once you remove the chicken, toss chopped red onion and minced jalapeño right into the same skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until they’re softened and just starting to caramelize, unlocking a savory-sweet aroma that draws in the whole kitchen.

Step 3: Cook and Cool the Pasta

While the veggies cook, boil your pasta shells in a big pot of well-salted water. Cook them al dente—just a minute shy of the package directions—then drain and rinse with cool water. This helps stop the cooking and keeps your BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad perfectly tender, not mushy.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large salad bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and black pepper. This creamy, tangy, smoky sauce is the real game-changer that ties every component together.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then add it to the bowl with your dressing. Top with the sautéed veggies, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and fresh cilantro. Gently toss everything together until every shell and morsel is coated in that luscious BBQ sauce. Serve right away or chill—it only gets better as it sits!

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

  • Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the chicken—a proper golden sear adds irresistible depth and helps the chicken soak up the smoky BBQ dressing.
  • Cool Pasta, Not Just Rinse: Cooling the pasta thoroughly before mixing keeps the salad crisp and prevents the creamy dressing from breaking down.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the finished BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can really meld together.
  • Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, leave some jalapeño seeds in; for a milder salad, use just half and taste as you go!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime puts the finishing touch on your BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. For a little more zing, add thinly sliced green onions or crumbled cotija cheese—guaranteed to wow your guests and make the colors pop!

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines alongside all your summer staples! Serve it with grilled corn on the cob, juicy watermelon wedges, or a basket of warm, cheesy garlic bread. It’s also stellar with crisp green salads or simple roasted potatoes if you want an even heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into individual mason jars for picnic-friendly portions, stuff it inside halved bell peppers for adorable edible bowls, or plate it family-style with big tongs for a casual backyard feast. For parties, let everyone top their own salad with favorite garnishes at a DIY station!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad stores like a dream! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge for 3–4 days—the flavors get even better as they mingle and meld.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for this pasta salad (the creamy dressing and veggies lose their texture after thawing), you can cook and freeze the chicken ahead, then assemble fresh for best flavor and crunch.

Reheating

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature—you don’t need to reheat it. If you do want a warm twist, gently microwave a serving just until slightly heated, but beware: the sauce may loosen a bit.

FAQs

  1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

    Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred it up and toss it in at the end. It makes this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad even quicker to assemble, especially for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

  2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?

    Simply swap the pasta shells for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your BBQ sauce to make sure!

  3. Is BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad good for meal prep?

    Yes! It holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Just store the garnishes separately so everything stays crisp and fresh.

  4. Can I make the salad ahead for a party?

    Definitely—this salad is even better when prepped ahead! Mix and chill the day before, cover tightly, and give it a quick toss before serving so the dressing coats every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that’s as easy as it is stunning, BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad should be at the top of your list. Give it a try at your next get-together or make a batch for lunch this week—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every bite!

Print
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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 636 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 people 1x
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and a creamy BBQ dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeno peppers, de-seeded, de-veined, and minced
  • 1 pound small pasta shells
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and jalapenos. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of water until slightly undercooked. Drain and rinse.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Chop the cooked chicken and add it to the bowl with dressing. Mix in onions, jalapenos, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro. Toss well before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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