Unleash Flavor With Our Irresistible BBQ Chicken With Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time (for pasta salad): 20–30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 40–60 minutes
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (or 3 smaller ones)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Ranch Pasta Salad
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup sweet corn (canned or boiled)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes for extra spice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the BBQ Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce
2. Coat chicken breasts and marinate for at least 10 minutes
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat
4. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce until caramelized
5. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice
Make the Ranch Pasta Salad
1. Boil pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water to cool
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and mayonnaise
3. Add tomatoes, cucumber, corn, cheddar cheese, green onions, and parsley
4. Add the cooled pasta and mix gently.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes
6. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes for best flavor
Step 3: Plate and Serve
Serve the chilled ranch pasta salad in a bowl or plate
Layer or place sliced BBQ chicken on top.
Drizzle extra BBQ sauce and ranch if desired
Garnish with herbs or cheddar
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Perfect blend of smoky + creamy + refreshing
Great for meal prep
Family-friendly
High-protein, balanced meal
Works warm or cold
Questions & Answers Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce and ranch dressing
A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with store-bought versions. Use your favorites for maximum flavor
Q2: What pasta shape works best
A: Rotini, fusilli, farfalle, and penne hold the dressing well and stay firm
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time
A: Yes! The pasta salad keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Add the chicken fresh for best taste
Q4: How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out
A: Add a splash of ranch or a spoon of mayo before serving if it thickens in the fridge
Q5: Can I use leftover chicken
A: Definitely! Leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly
Q6: Can I make it spicy
A: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, chipotle ranch, or spicy BBQ sauce
Q7: What sides go well with this
A: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or grilled cornEnjoy Your Flavor-Packed BBQ Chicken With Ranch Pasta Salad