Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

Bring the flavors of a viral sensation to your dinner table with this Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet. This one-pan meal perfectly balances the smoky sweetness of honey-glazed chicken with the creamy comfort of sharp cheddar macaroni, making it a guaranteed hit for any weeknight dinner.

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This dish is all about layering textures and flavors. The juicy chicken breast is first seasoned with smoked paprika for depth, then simmered in a tangy homemade glaze featuring apple cider vinegar and soy sauce before being folded into a rich, cheese-laden pasta base.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp olive oil
• Honey BBQ Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder
• Pasta & Cheese: 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni or short pasta, 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Garnish: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, and optional fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1

Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned but not fully cooked through, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Pour this over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Melt butter in the same skillet, then add the pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and the reserved chicken with its sauce. Mix until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy.

Step 6

Garnish with sliced green onions and parsley, then serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the pasta cooks evenly, make sure you use a large deep skillet and stir the macaroni frequently while it simmers in the broth and milk. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps create a smoother sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a different flavor profile, try using smoked gouda or Monterey Jack instead of sharp cheddar. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze. You can also save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken in place of fresh breasts.

Serviervorschläge

This rich and hearty skillet dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad or a side of tangy coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory BBQ and cheese flavors.

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With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, this Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. It is a comforting, all-in-one meal that delivers big on flavor with very little effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish tastes best fresh, but you can prepare the honey BBQ sauce and cut the chicken up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then cook when ready. The pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits, so if reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Any quality BBQ sauce you enjoy will work perfectly here. Sweet and smoky varieties complement the honey beautifully. Avoid extremely spicy BBQ sauces unless you want extra heat, as the recipe already balances sweet and savory flavors. Sweet Baby Ray's, Stubbs, or your local favorite brand all deliver excellent results.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. While elbow macaroni holds sauce beautifully in its curves, shells, cavatappi, penne, or rotini all work wonderfully. Short pasta shapes with nooks and crannies capture that sticky honey BBQ sauce and cheesy sauce best. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they're difficult to eat in this skillet preparation.

→ Is there a way to make this spicy?

Add heat by incorporating cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce directly into the honey BBQ glaze. Start with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, then adjust to taste. The creaminess from the cheese helps balance spiciness, so you can add quite a bit without overwhelming the dish.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken shaves off significant prep time. Skip the initial chicken cooking step and simply shred about 2 cups of rotisserie meat. Toss it in the honey BBQ sauce for a few minutes to warm through and absorb those flavors, then proceed with adding it to the pasta mixture as directed.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Coleslaw, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans also complement the creamy, sweet elements. If serving a crowd, cornbread or garlic bread rounds out the meal. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete weeknight dinner.