Nothing says summer like Grilled BBQ Chicken paired with a Creamy Macaroni Salad! This classic combination is perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
Juicy, smoky BBQ chicken meets a rich and tangy macaroni salad, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or preparing a quick, hearty meal, this recipe is easy, delicious, and budget-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Meal
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for summer barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep!
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Macaroni salad tastes even better the next day.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – Sweet, smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy pasta salad.
Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Chicken
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked & cooled)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup celery (chopped)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup pickles (chopped, optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken with the BBQ mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
How to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Combine & Chill
- Add the cooked macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and pickles to the dressing and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken & Macaroni Salad
🔥 Marinate for Extra Flavor – The longer the chicken marinates, the better the taste!
🥶 Chill the Salad – Let the macaroni salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour for the best flavor.
🧀 Add Cheese – Shredded cheddar or Parmesan makes the macaroni salad extra creamy.
🌶️ Spice It Up – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations & Substitutions
🍗 Try Different Proteins – Swap chicken for BBQ pork chops, shrimp, or tofu.
🍏 Make it Healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the macaroni salad.
🥕 Add More Veggies – Toss in shredded carrots or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch.
🔥 Oven-Baked Option – No grill? Bake the chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🧊 Refrigerate: Store BBQ chicken and macaroni salad in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat Chicken: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a little BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.
❄️ Freeze Chicken: Freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months. (Macaroni salad doesn’t freeze well.)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
FAQs About BBQ Chicken and Macaroni Salad
❓ Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes! Choose a sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce to match your taste.
❓ How do I prevent dry grilled chicken?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.
❓ Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Salad is the ultimate easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for BBQ nights, meal prep, or family gatherings, it’s a winning combination of smoky, juicy chicken and rich, tangy pasta salad.
Will you be trying this recipe? Drop a comment below! 🍗🥗🔥
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