BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl

Contents show

1 Ingredients:

1.1 •BBQ Chicken:

1.2 •Pasta Salad:

1.3 •Dressing:

2 Instructions:

3 Notes:

4 Helpful Tips:

5 Substitutions and Variations:

6 Serving Suggestions

7 Frequently Asked Questions:

7.1 •How long can I store leftovers?

7.2 •What if I don’t like BBQ sauce?

7.3 •Can I make this dairy-free?

7.4 •How do I prevent the pasta salad from getting soggy?

8 Here are some delicious BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad recipes you might enjoy:

9 BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl

9.1 Description

9.2 Ingredients

9.3 Instructions

9.4 Equipment

9.5 Notes

9.6 Nutrition

9.7 Did you make this recipe?

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This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl is the ultimate comfort meal that combines bold, smoky flavors with refreshing, creamy goodness. Juicy BBQ chicken is grilled or pan-seared to perfection, brushed with your favorite tangy barbecue sauce for a burst of flavor. Paired with a veggie-packed pasta salad tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, this dish offers a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week, this bowl is as versatile as it is delicious. Customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or pasta types to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients:

•BBQ Chicken:

•1 lb chicken breast or thighs

•½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

•2 tbsp olive oil

•Salt and pepper, to taste

•Pasta Salad:

•2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini, penne)

•½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

•½ cup cucumber, diced

•¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

•¼ cup shredded carrots

•¼ cup bell peppers, diced

•½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

•Dressing:

•¼ cup mayonnaise

•2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or more mayo)

•1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

•1 tbsp olive oil

•1 tsp honey

•1 tsp Dijon mustard

•Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1.Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

2.Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Let rest before slicing.

3.Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4.Assemble the Pasta Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Toss with the dressing until evenly coated.

5.Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, add a generous scoop of pasta salad and top with sliced BBQ chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or scallions, if desired.

Notes:

•For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking.

•Swap out cheddar cheese for feta or mozzarella for a flavor twist.

•Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to match your dietary preferences.

Helpful Tips:

•Juicy Chicken Every Time: For the juiciest BBQ chicken, let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

•Pasta Salad Perfection: Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

•Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta salad and dressing a day in advance to let the flavors meld for an even tastier dish.

•Add a Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or toasted nuts over the bowl for a fun, crunchy texture.

Substitutions and Variations:

•Protein Options: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein choice.

•Pasta Alternatives: Use whole-grain, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to suit your dietary needs.

•Dressing Twist: Replace mayonnaise with avocado for a healthier, creamy dressing or use a vinaigrette for a lighter option.

•Cheese Variety: Substitute cheddar with feta, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan for a new flavor profile.

•Extra Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, sweet corn, or blanched broccoli for more color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Take your BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl to the next level with these serving ideas:

1.Perfect for Picnics: Serve this dish chilled for a refreshing summer picnic meal that’s easy to transport and share.

2.Family-Style Platter: Arrange the BBQ chicken and pasta salad on a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley and extra dressing on the side for an elegant family-style presentation.

3.Wrap It Up: Use the chicken and pasta salad as a filling for a tortilla wrap or pita bread for a portable lunch option.

4.Add a Green Side: Pair the bowl with a crisp side salad like arugula with balsamic dressing or roasted veggies to make it even more wholesome.

Frequently Asked Questions:

•Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of baking.

•How long can I store leftovers?

The pasta salad and chicken can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

•What if I don’t like BBQ sauce?

You can swap it with honey mustard, teriyaki glaze, or a simple herb marinade for the chicken.

•Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt or avocado in the dressing.

•How do I prevent the pasta salad from getting soggy?

Toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil before adding the dressing to create a barrier and prevent sogginess.

Here are some delicious BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad recipes you might enjoy:

1.Easy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

This recipe combines tender chicken breast with a creamy BBQ dressing, corn, bell peppers, and black beans, creating a perfect summer side dish.

2.Creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Featuring grilled chicken breasts, pasta, and a variety of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy dressing influenced by classic ranch flavors.

3.BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

A delightful mix of diced chicken, bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and cilantro, all glazed in a flavorful BBQ sauce.

 

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