Save This Crispy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant American dish that brings together the satisfying crunch of golden panko-breaded chicken with the creaminess of a homemade ranch dressing. Featuring tender rotini pasta, sweet peas, and crisp red bell peppers, it is a versatile meal that works perfectly for outdoor picnics, potlucks, or a quick, delicious lunch.
Save Preparing the chicken from scratch with a triple-bowl breading station ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and exceptionally crunchy. When tossed with the chilled pasta and vibrant vegetables, the resulting dish is both filling and refreshing.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Vegetables: 250 g short pasta (rotini or penne), 150 g frozen peas (thawed), 1 small red bell pepper (diced), 2 green onions (sliced).
- Crispy Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 60 g all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 80 g panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, vegetable oil for frying.
- Ranch Dressing: 120 ml mayonnaise, 60 ml sour cream, 60 ml buttermilk, 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp lemon juice.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pasta and Chicken Prep
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Breading Station
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Coating and Frying
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat in panko. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Dressing and Assembly
- Whisk all ranch dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add the pasta, peas, bell pepper, and green onions, tossing to coat. Gently fold in the crispy chicken just before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the chicken stays as crispy as possible, avoid crowding the skillet during the frying process; cooking in batches maintains the oil temperature. Always use a whisk for the dressing to ensure the mayonnaise and sour cream blend into a perfectly smooth, velvety consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, try adding chopped celery or crispy bacon bits to the mix. If you are in a hurry, you can skip the breading and frying steps by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Fresh herbs are recommended for the brightest flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is delicious when served immediately while the chicken is still warm, providing a unique temperature contrast. For a more traditional cold pasta salad experience, let the assembled dish chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Save With its balance of savory chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables, this Crispy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to become a recurring favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare all components up to 24 hours in advance. Store the pasta, dressing, vegetables, and crispy chicken separately in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the chicken's crunch.
- → What's the best way to reheat the chicken?
For optimal crispiness, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. The microwave will make it soggy, so avoid if possible.
- → Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Absolutely. A good quality bottled ranch works perfectly fine in a pinch. You'll need about 1 cup to coat the pasta and vegetables generously.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the creamy dressing well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti or angel hair.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Arrange breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Spray lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- → How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this will keep for 3–4 days. Note that the chicken will lose its crispiness over time but remains flavorful.