🍲 BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl 🍗🍝✨
🌟 This BBQ Chicken with Pasta Salad Bowl is a delightful fusion of smoky, tangy flavors paired with a refreshing pasta salad. It’s the perfect meal for a casual dinner, picnic, or meal prep. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor! 🥗🔥
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
🐓 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
🛢️ 1 tbsp olive oil
🍯 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Salad:
🍝 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1/2 cup diced cucumber
🫑 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
🥕 1/4 cup shredded carrots
🧀 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar (optional)
For the Pasta Salad Dressing:
🛢️ 1/4 cup olive oil
🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
🌿 1 tsp Italian seasoning
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
🌿 Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
🌶️ A sprinkle of chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the BBQ Chicken:
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Rub chicken with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
During the last minute of cooking, brush with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2️⃣ Prepare the Pasta Salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, and feta (if using).
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the pasta salad into bowls. Add slices of BBQ chicken on top.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!