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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ chicken pasta salad with charred grilled chicken, al dente rotini, and crisp vegetables tossed in a smoky-sweet ranch dressing. Juicy chicken gets glazed with barbecue sauce at the end for extra smoky flavor and a hearty, creamy bite.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill time (1–2 hours) 2 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Rotini pasta
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
Chicken
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Barbecue sauce
  • 0.75 cup barbecue sauce divided
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Vegetables and add-ins
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.25 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the rotini until al dente, about 8–10 minutes per the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
Cook and Glaze the Chicken
  1. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Brush the chicken with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce during the final minute of cooking, then rest for 5 minutes before dicing.
Prepare the Dressing
  1. Whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rotini, diced BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, red onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese if desired, then serve immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta in cold water right after draining so it stays al dente and doesn’t clump. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; it can also be frozen up to 1 month, though the pasta and dressing may soften after thawing. For a lighter option, use light ranch dressing and reduce the cheddar to 1/2 cup.