### **Grilled BBQ Chicken & Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe ????????**
Get ready for a **deliciously satisfying meal** with **Grilled BBQ Chicken** paired with a creamy, tangy **Macaroni Salad**. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or just a family dinner, this combo hits all the right notes—smoky, savory chicken with a cool, creamy side dish. Let’s dive into the recipe!
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### **Ingredients**:
#### **For the Grilled BBQ Chicken:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
#### **For the Creamy Macaroni Salad:**
– 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped pickles (or relish)
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika for garnish (optional)
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### **Instructions**:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. **Grill the Chicken:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and charred on the outside.
3. **Add BBQ Sauce:** During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush your favorite BBQ sauce generously over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize. Flip the chicken and add another coat of BBQ sauce on the other side.
4. **Rest & Garnish:** Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
#### **Step 2: Make the Creamy Macaroni Salad**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** In a large pot of salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right.
3. **Combine the Salad:** To the dressing, add the cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped red onion, celery, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Stir everything together gently until evenly coated.
4. **Chill:** Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors meld together.
5. **Serve:** Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with a light sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
#### **Step 3: Serve**
Serve the grilled BBQ chicken alongside a generous scoop of creamy macaroni salad. This combo is perfect for any occasion and will be a hit at your next BBQ, picnic, or family dinner.
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### **Tips**:
– **Customize the Mac Salad:** Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots, or throw in a handful of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
– **BBQ Sauce Varieties:** Use a smoky BBQ sauce for an extra depth of flavor, or try a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a lighter, sharper taste.
– **Grill Alternatives:** If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy this **Grilled BBQ Chicken & Creamy Macaroni Salad** recipe, a delicious duo that’s sure to please everyone at your table! ????????