Grilled BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad for a Crowd
Description:
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad has quickly become my most requested dish, perfect for any occasion, from family birthday parties to casual get-togethers. Initially, I whipped it up using leftover BBQ chicken and various ingredients from my fridge, and now, it’s the star of every gathering! The recipe’s cooking time includes marinating the chicken and cooking the pasta, while the prep time accounts for grilling and chopping, though it usually doesn’t take long. While the salad might seem a bit labor-intensive, the results are absolutely worth it! You can easily prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, making assembly a breeze on the day of serving.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Miracle Whip | 1 cup |
| Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Pickle juice | ¼ cup |
| Vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Barbecue sauce | 3 cups (divided) |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound |
| Pasta (any short variety) | 1 pound |
| Yellow bell pepper | ½, diced |
| Red bell pepper | ½, diced |
| Red onion | ½, diced |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 316.5 |
| Total Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.5 mg |
| Sodium | 458.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 6.6 g |
| Protein | 32.2 g |
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by marinating the boneless skinless chicken breasts in 1 cup of barbecue sauce for up to 1 hour. This step infuses the chicken with delicious flavor and keeps it juicy during grilling. -
-
Prepare the Dressing:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dressing by combining Miracle Whip, sugar, pickle juice, vinegar, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This dressing is a versatile delight, suitable for any pasta or potato salad, and can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. -
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for approximately 8 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear. Be sure to baste the chicken with additional barbecue sauce as it cooks, enhancing the flavor even further. Alternatively, if you have leftover cooked chicken, feel free to use that instead. Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, set it aside to cool. -
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions, usually around 10 minutes, until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. -
Chop the Vegetables:
While the pasta cooks, take the opportunity to chop the yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl, ready for the salad assembly. -
Combine Ingredients:
Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, cut it into strips or cubes, and add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Next, incorporate the cooled pasta into the mixture, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. -
Dress the Salad:
Pour enough dressing over the salad to achieve your desired consistency. You can start with around ½ cup and add more to taste, along with an additional splash of barbecue sauce if you prefer a stronger flavor. Gently toss the salad to ensure everything is well-coated. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, check the consistency; if the salad has dried out a bit, feel free to add more dressing or barbecue sauce to freshen it up.
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is not only a delightful crowd-pleaser but also a dish you can prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for busy gatherings. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the compliments that are sure to follow when you serve this dish!
Keywords
Poultry, Meat, Easy, < 4 Hours
With its vibrant ingredients and satisfying texture, this pasta salad is perfect for any potluck, picnic, or family gathering, and it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
