Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Tender glazed chicken with pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy smoky dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
02 - 1/3 cup honey
03 - 1/3 cup smoky style BBQ sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed
11 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
12 - 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

→ Dressing

14 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
15 - 1/4 cup sour cream
16 - 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
17 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
18 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
20 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

21 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, toss chicken chunks with honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and glazed. Allow to cool completely.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add cooled pasta, glazed chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, red bell pepper, celery, and red onion to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat all components evenly.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop fully.
07 - Transfer to serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve chilled.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The perfect fusion of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce.
  • Loaded with a variety of textures, from tender chicken to crunchy celery and corn.
  • Quick and easy to assemble, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish.
  • Highly customizable and great for preparing in advance for parties.
02 -
  • Ensure the pasta is rinsed thoroughly with cold water to prevent it from sticking or becoming too soft when mixed.
  • Let the chicken cool slightly before adding it to the vegetables to keep the produce crisp.
  • Whisk the dressing separately to ensure the smoked paprika and mustard are evenly distributed before tossing with the pasta.
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