Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta (Printer version)

Tender chicken pieces coated in sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with creamy cheesy macaroni in one easy skillet.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Honey BBQ Sauce

06 - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Pasta & Cheese

11 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni or short pasta
12 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Garnish

17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
18 - Fresh parsley, optional

# Directions:

01 - Coat chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
03 - Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour mixture over chicken and stir to coat thoroughly. Simmer for 2 minutes, then transfer chicken to a plate.
04 - Melt butter in the same skillet. Add pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and reserved chicken with its sauce. Mix continuously until cheese melts completely and the dish becomes creamy and homogeneous.
06 - Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimize cleanup by cooking the chicken and the pasta in the same skillet.
  • Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar creates a professional-tasting BBQ glaze.
  • Ultra Creamy: A blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese ensures every piece of pasta is perfectly coated.
02 -
  • Stir Regularly: While the pasta simmers in the milk and broth, stir it every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to help release starches for a thicker sauce.
  • Temperature Control: Ensure the heat is on low when adding the cheeses to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming oily.
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