BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t just another summer side—it’s the kind of dish that gets people asking, “Who made this?” at the potluck. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, wrangling toddlers, or just looking for a weeknight win, this recipe brings together bold flavors, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing satisfaction. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but plays nicely with whatever’s on your grill.
Let’s just say—it’s not your average pasta salad. It’s BBQ with a twist… and a fork.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad hits all the right notes: smoky, creamy, slightly spicy, and totally comforting. It’s:
- ✅ Quick enough for weeknights
- ✅ Bold enough for backyard BBQs
- ✅ Hearty enough for dinner (yes, it counts!)
- ✅ Packed with texture from crunchy bell peppers, tender chicken, and chewy pasta shells
And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy moms, hungry teens, or anyone who wants dinner without a mountain of dishes. 🙋♀️
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll throw into this flavor-packed bowl:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper, minced (deseeded & deveined for less heat)
- 1 lb small pasta shells
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky—your call!)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
Let’s Make This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook That Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. (Pro tip: If the chicken sizzles like it’s gossiping—you’re doing it right.)
Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base
Remove the chicken and let it rest. In the same skillet, toss in your red onion and jalapeño. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant—your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
Cook your pasta shells one minute less than what the box says. Trust me, no one likes mushy pasta in a cold salad. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
In a big bowl (we’re talking “grandma’s potato salad bowl” big), whisk together the BBQ sauce, mayo, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks. Toss it into the bowl along with the sautéed veggies, pasta, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro.
Now mix, toss, swirl—whatever you have to do to get everything coated and glorious.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Let it chill! BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Want it lighter? Swap half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- For the heat-lovers: Leave in some jalapeño seeds or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Meal prep win: It holds up beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge—hello, weekday lunch.
A Little Story from My Table
I first whipped this up on a whim for a Sunday cookout—just trying to use what I had. The kids? They gobbled it up before I even sat down. My husband? Went back for thirds (yes, thirds!). And now, it’s a summer staple. I even had a neighbor ask for the “magic recipe.” Well… this is it.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut—just shred and toss it in.
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better after sitting for a bit. Make it up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a stir before serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Totally—try penne, rotini, or even elbows. Just avoid long noodles—they’re tricky to mix.
The BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad You’ll Come Back to Again and Again
There’s something so satisfying about this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad—it’s equal parts comfort food and fresh summer energy. It wraps up the smoky, creamy, tangy goodness of a backyard cookout into one colorful, crowd-pleasing bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a picnic, or just looking to spice up your weekday lunch routine, this recipe delivers.
It’s easy, it’s flexible, and it’s packed with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, which makes it a real hero during those busy weeks when cooking feels like a chore.
So grab your apron, your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy—no wrong choices here), and let’s make some kitchen magic together. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to pasta salad for every potluck, picnic, and impromptu Tuesday dinner.
From my kitchen to yours—enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love (and leftovers).
More Chicken Magic to Try Next
If you’re loving the bold, smoky flavors of this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad, why stop there? Here are four more easy, delicious recipes that perfectly complement the vibe—whether you’re meal prepping, grilling out, or packing lunchboxes. Each one brings its own kind of magic to the table:
- BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Packed with protein, fiber, and smoky-sweet goodness, these bowls are perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. - Chicken Salad with Grapes
Creamy, crunchy, and just the right touch of sweetness—this salad is your go-to for summer picnics or light lunches. - Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap
Need something quick and flavorful? This wrap hits the spot with tender chicken, zesty honey mustard, and fresh crunch in every bite. - Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Juicy, simple, and bursting with char-grilled flavor, these chicken thighs are a BBQ staple—and make a perfect pairing with pasta salad.
Add one (or all!) of these to your weekly menu and keep the Chicken Magic going strong!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a bold and satisfying dish loaded with smoky BBQ flavor, creamy dressing, tender chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 jalapeño pepper, de-seeded, de-veined, and minced
1 pound small pasta shells
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup corn
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
In the same skillet, add chopped red onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted water one minute shy of package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl along with cooked onions and jalapeños, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro.
Toss everything until well coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving if desired.
Notes
For added heat, keep a few jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce.
Swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: lunch ,dinner
- Method: Stovetop+boilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg