Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta

This Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is a mouthwatering one-pan dinner inspired by viral TikTok flavors. It features juicy chicken glazed with a sticky honey BBQ sauce, folded into creamy cheddar macaroni for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that is ready in just 40 minutes.

Pinterest

The secret to this recipe is cooking the pasta directly in the skillet with chicken broth and milk. This method allows the pasta to release its starches, creating a thick and velvety sauce that binds the chicken and cheese together for a truly indulgent texture.

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 BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder.
• Pasta & Cheese: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp cream cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
• Garnish: 2 green onions (sliced) and optional fresh parsley.

Instructions

Step 1

Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until lightly browned but not cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken, stirring to coat. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Lower heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cooked chicken with sauce. Mix until cheese is melted and everything is creamy and well combined.

Step 6

Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the creamiest results, simmer the pasta uncovered and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender, add an extra splash of broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a shortcut, you can substitute the sautéed chicken with rotisserie chicken. If you enjoy a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture. You can also experiment with the cheese by trying smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

This rich and savory skillet pairs excellently with a crisp green salad or a side of refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheddar and BBQ sauce.

Pinterest

This Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort meal for any night of the week. With its simple steps and bold flavors, it is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes! While elbow macaroni works great, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or bow ties. Adjust cooking time as needed based on pasta size.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The pasta may absorb more liquid overnight.

→ Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or diced jalapeños as garnish.

→ What can I serve with this skillet?

A crisp green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make great sides.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking just to heat through, since it's already fully cooked.

→ Is this freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the pasta texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with extra milk to bring back the creamy consistency.