Save Experience a mouthwatering fusion of flavors with this Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta Skillet. Inspired by viral TikTok trends, this easy one-pan dinner features juicy chicken glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, perfectly folded into creamy cheddar macaroni for the ultimate comforting meal.
Save This skillet meal is a game-changer for busy households. By cooking the pasta directly in a mix of broth and milk, you create a rich, starchy base that binds the BBQ glaze and melted cheese into a velvety sauce that coats every single noodle.
Ingredients
- 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 (your favorite brand)
- 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
- 1. Season
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- 2. Sauté
- 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.
- 3. Glaze
- 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.
- 4. Cook Pasta
- 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.
- 5. Combine
- 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.
- 6. Garnish
- Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best texture, ensure you simmer the pasta uncovered and stir occasionally. This allows the liquid to reduce while preventing the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture. You can also substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or try using smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and savory skillet pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of tangy coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the BBQ glaze.
Save Enjoy this effortless 40-minute meal that brings bold, sticky BBQ flavors and creamy macaroni together in one pan. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely. Use 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and skip steps 1-3. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet in step 5 along with the BBQ sauce mixture, just long enough to heat through and coat everything.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, penne, or shells are ideal because their curves and ridges catch the thick cheese and BBQ sauce. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine as they don't hold the heavy sauce well.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components up to 24 hours in advance—cook and season the chicken, mix the BBQ sauce, and shred the cheese. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then proceed with cooking when ready. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk.
- → How can I add more heat?
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce into the BBQ glaze. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of half the cheddar, or serve with red pepper flakes on the table.
- → Is gluten-free pasta okay to use?
Yes, but gluten-free pasta absorbs liquid differently and may require 1/4 to 1/2 cup more broth or milk. Watch the pasta closely during step 4 and add more liquid if the pan looks dry before the pasta is tender.
- → Can I bake this instead of using the stovetop?
Yes. After simmering the pasta on the stovetop until al dente, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.