Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop 1 pound of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 1 cup of canned corn and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is lightly browned and fragrant.
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally with a spatula, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, half a red onion, and a few green onions. Place the diced vegetables into the large bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Next, chop 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes. Add the cheese to the mixing bowl with the pasta and vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet according to the package instructions. Once mixed, place the dressing in the refrigerator.
- While the dressing is chilling, make your barbecue sauce mixture. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion powders. Toss the cooked chicken with a portion of this mixture.
- In the large bowl containing the pasta, vegetables, and cheese, add the sautéed corn and the coated chicken. Drizzle with the chilled ranch dressing and toss everything together gently.
- Prepare to serve your Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad by garnishing it with a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce and ranch dressing.
Nutrition
Notes
Store your Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
