BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Easy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with a creamy BBQ dressing, colorful vegetables, black beans and juicy chicken. Truly a perfect summer side dish ready in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 605

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 red onion chopped
½ jalapeño pepper de-seeded, de-veined and minced
1 pound small pasta shells
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
1 orange bell pepper seeded and diced
1 cup corn
15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

Equipment

large skillet
large pot
Large mixing bowl

Method

Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet on medium high heat and cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken, add in the onions and jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of water one minute shy of the directions on the box, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Mix the BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces then add to the large bowl with the dressing along with the onions, jalapeños, bell peppers, corn, black beans and cilantro.
Toss well to coat everything in the dressing before serving.

Notes

Pasta: Shells, rotini and penne work best for this recipe. Chicken: You can substitute with pre-made shredded BBQ chicken to save time. Corn: Canned, fresh, or frozen corn all work well. For extra heat, add ground cayenne pepper.