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Sticky honey garlic BBQ chicken pasta with glazed chicken chunks, penne pasta, bell peppers, and green onions.

Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a sweet, smoky, garlicky one-pot pasta dish made with juicy chicken and tender noodles coated in a glossy BBQ-honey sauce. It’s a quick, comforting weeknight meal that tastes bold and restaurant-style with simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 12 oz pasta
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and black pepper, then cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion (if using) for 1–2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in BBQ sauce and honey until combined.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked pasta. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, stirring every few minutes.
  7. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and toss until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
  8. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes if the sauce needs thickening.
  9. Top with shredded cheese (optional) and garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use thick BBQ sauce for the best sticky texture and coating.
  • Swap chicken breast with chicken thighs for extra juicy results.
  • For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or drizzle hot honey before serving.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, corn, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • If sauce becomes too thick when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge.