Save to Pinterest This Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal, bringing the viral flavors of TikTok right to your dinner table. Combining juicy, glazed chicken with a rich and creamy cheddar macaroni, this one-pan wonder offers a comforting and effortless solution for busy weeknights.
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The magic of this dish lies in the sticky glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. By simmering the pasta directly in a blend of chicken broth and milk, every noodle is infused with savory flavor and coated in a naturally creamy sauce that perfectly complements the bold BBQ chicken.
Ingredients
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- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces), 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), fresh parsley (optional)
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 in a bowl. 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 perfect creamy texture, be sure to simmer the pasta uncovered and stir occasionally. This helps the liquid reduce properly while allowing the starches from the pasta to thicken the sauce into a rich, velvety coating for the macaroni.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize this dish by swapping sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist. For a faster shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a spicy kick, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty meal is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is bubbling and melted. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of creamy coleslaw to add a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the savory and sweet flavors of the skillet.
Save to Pinterest With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, this Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet is sure to become a frequent request in your household. It's a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that proves you don't need a lot of time or dishes to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess before serving.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Any quality BBQ sauce you enjoy will work. Sweet and smoky varieties complement the honey especially well, but Kansas City or Carolina styles both bring excellent flavor.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, penne, or rotini all catch the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta thickness.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep heat on low when adding cheese and stir constantly until melted. Avoid high heat which can cause cheese to break and become grainy.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Add it during the final 5 minutes just to heat through with the sauce and melted cheese.
