Save When summer potlucks and outdoor picnics call for a dish that is both refreshing and hearty, this Crispy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is the answer. It combines the satisfying bite of golden-brown chicken with tender rotini noodles, all enveloped in a rich, creamy homemade ranch dressing that brings every flavor to life.
Save The brilliance of this recipe lies in the breading technique, using panko breadcrumbs and a hint of paprika to ensure the chicken stays impressively crisp. Tossed with sweet peas and vibrant red bell peppers, it is a colorful addition to any table that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 150 g (1 cup) frozen peas, thawed
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 60 g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 80 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for chicken)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt (for chicken)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for chicken)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
- 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream
- 60 ml (¼ cup) buttermilk
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for dressing)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (for dressing)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for dressing)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Step 4
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the panko mixture.
- Step 5
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ranch dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Step 7
- Add cooked pasta, peas, bell pepper, and green onions to the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 8
- Gently fold in the crispy chicken just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Step 9
- Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a cold salad.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the pasta doesn't get mushy, rinse it immediately after draining with very cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the rotini firm. Additionally, ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent the panko from soaking up too much oil and becoming greasy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a quicker version of this meal, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken and omit the frying steps. If you want extra crunch or savory depth, try adding crispy bacon bits or chopped celery. You can also substitute the fresh herbs with dried ones if you don't have fresh dill or parsley on hand.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is fantastic when served immediately while the chicken is still warm and crispy. If you are preparing it for a party, keep the dressing, pasta mixture, and chicken separate, then combine them just before your guests arrive. Serve it in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful vegetables.
Save With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and crispy chicken, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be the star of your next meal. It is a satisfying, balanced dish that brings the classic flavors of ranch and chicken into a refreshing new format.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of frying?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and skip the breading and frying steps. This reduces cooking time significantly while maintaining the salad's delicious flavor.
- → How far in advance can I prepare this?
You can prep individual components hours ahead—cook the pasta, prepare the dressing, and chop vegetables. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad up to 2 hours before serving, but fold in the crispy chicken just before serving to keep it crunchy.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Rotini and penne are ideal because their ridges and tubes catch the creamy dressing. Other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle work well too. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which doesn't toss evenly in a salad.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add grilled chickpeas, tofu, or simply increase the vegetables with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mushrooms. The ranch dressing remains creamy and satisfying as the base.
- → How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Fry the chicken pieces fresh and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Store it separately from the dressed salad until just before serving, then gently fold it in. If preparing ahead, reheat the chicken in the oven at 200°C for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- → What substitutions work for the ranch dressing?
Store-bought ranch dressing saves time if needed. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also make a vinaigrette-style dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a brighter flavor profile.