This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for your next summer cookout or potluck. The tender chicken, pasta, and vegetables are coated in a ranch BBQ sauce that will have your family raving about this dish!
Why this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad works
This pasta salad hits every flavor note in one bowl. Smoky barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and crunchy corn chips all work together without feeling heavy.
It's the kind of recipe that disappears fast at cookouts because it works as both a side dish and an easy main course. Even better, you can make most of it ahead of time and toss on the crunchy topping right before serving.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup Ranch dressing
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (divided)
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta cooked to al dente and drained
- 1 15- ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels canned fire roasted fiesta corn is pretty and tasty!
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups corn chips
- optional garnish - cilantro
Instructions
- Mix the Ranch and ½ cup barbecue sauce and set aside.
- Toss the cooked chicken with ¼ cup bbq sauce, set aisde.
- Cook the pasta to al dente, drain and cool completely.* Place in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken, drained black beans, corn and diced onions. Mix together well.
- Add the ranch dressing mixture and toss until the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Give it another good toss and top with the corn chips and minced cilantro right before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients for this recipe
Exact measurements and full instructions are included in the printable recipe card
Step-by-step guide: instructions
For complete instructions, scroll to the printable recipe card.
FAQ's
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Prepare the salad up to a day ahead, then add the corn chips right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Use a thicker barbecue sauce with a balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Honey BBQ, hickory, or a spicy barbecue sauce all work well depending on the flavor you like.
Absolutely. This recipe is a great way to use leftover grilled chicken, smoked chicken, or rotisserie chicken.
A quick rinse with cool water stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from sticking together while it chills.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
For the creamiest pasta salad, stir everything well before serving. If it looks a little dry after chilling, mix in an extra spoonful or two of the BBQ ranch dressing.
More recipes you'll love
There are so many different summer salads that are perfect for cookouts and picnics. Some of my favorites are Creamy BLT Pasta Salad, Southern Style Ham Pasta Salad, or this Creamy Pasta Salad.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
This pasta salad pairs well with just about anything coming off the grill. Serve it alongside Tender Ribs on the Grill, Grilled Chicken Legs, burgers, or smoked sausage for an easy summer meal.
Round out the table with Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Steamed Corn on the Cob, or a cold fruit salad. And if you're feeding a crowd, finish things off with Gooey S'mores Bars for an easy make-ahead dessert.
This side dish steals the spotlight
If pasta salad shows up at every summer cookout in your family too, this one deserves a spot on the table. Make it once and watch how fast people go back for seconds. And if you try it, leave a comment and tell me your favorite pasta salad mix-in - everybody has one.
Lois says
This is so good. Love it and having the kids live near us is just so fun. And we get to test the recipes another plus for us.