Save Discover the ultimate weeknight comfort with this TikTok-inspired Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet. This one-pan dish brings together tender chicken bites glazed in a sweet and smoky sauce with creamy, cheddar-loaded macaroni for a meal that is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Save This American-style main dish is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. By preparing the sticky honey BBQ glaze and the three-cheese sauce in the same skillet, you maximize taste while minimizing cleanup, making it a go-to option for busy households.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bites), 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 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 apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp hot sauce (optional).
- Pasta & Cheese: 10 oz (285 g) elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish: 2 scallions (sliced), fresh parsley (chopped).
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Prepare the chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add to the skillet and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3. Make the honey BBQ glaze
- Lower heat to medium. Add BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sticky sauce. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 4. Prepare the cheese sauce
- Wipe the skillet clean. Melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5. Melt the cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. Assemble the skillet
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Gently fold in the sticky honey BBQ chicken, mixing until everything is well distributed.
- 7. Garnish and serve
- Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra boost of flavor, top the finished skillet with additional shredded cheddar and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Always remember to check product labels for potential allergens, especially mustard in the BBQ sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you are in a hurry, you can easily substitute the freshly cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken. To accommodate dietary needs, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour alternative for the cheese sauce base.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and hearty pasta skillet pairs excellently with a side of crisp, refreshing coleslaw or a light green salad to balance the smoky sweetness of the honey BBQ glaze.
Save This Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness. With 645 calories per serving, it is a hearty meal that brings a taste of the latest food trends right into your kitchen.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately up to a day in advance. Store the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken in separate containers, then reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Any favorite BBQ sauce will work, though Kansas City or Carolina styles provide excellent sweetness and smokiness. Avoid extremely spicy varieties unless you enjoy extra heat alongside the honey glaze.
- → Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, skip the initial sautéing step, and toss the cooked chicken directly into the honey BBQ sauce to coat before folding into the pasta.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy sauce texture. The pasta may absorb more liquid over time, so adjust seasoning when reheating.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni and replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free as well.
- → What sides pair well with this skillet?
A crisp coleslaw, green salad with vinaigrette, or steamed broccoli cuts through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the creamy, smoky flavors beautifully.