One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta
There’s something about a one pot dinner that just makes life easier, and this one might be my favorite in the rotation. Sweet, sticky honey garlic BBQ sauce coats tender chicken and pasta, and everything cooks together in the same pot. Less cleanup, more flavor, and dinner’s on the table in well under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of meal that tastes like you fussed over it, but you really didn’t. The honey garlic BBQ combo hits that sweet, tangy, savory sweet spot that both kids and adults go back for seconds on. And because the pasta cooks right in the sauce, it soaks up all that flavor instead of just sitting on top of it.
It’s also just genuinely fast. Chop the chicken, toss it in the pot, add everything else, and let it simmer. You’re not juggling three pans or babysitting a pot of boiling water on the side. That alone makes it worth putting into your weekly lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The base here is simple: boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work fine if that’s what you’ve got on hand. You’ll brown those first to build up some flavor in the pot before anything else goes in.
For the sauce, you’re looking at a mix of BBQ sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for depth. Use whatever BBQ sauce you already like in your fridge, smoky or sweet both work well here. Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic will get you through in a pinch.
Pasta wise, short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best since they hold onto the sauce and cook evenly in the liquid. Chicken broth is what you’ll use to cook the pasta right in the pot, which is really the trick to this whole recipe. A little butter at the end rounds everything out and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
Tips for the Best Results
Tip: don’t skip browning the chicken first. Those little browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot add so much flavor once you deglaze with the broth and sauce.
Keep an eye on your pasta as it simmers and give it a stir every few minutes so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Every stove runs a little different, so check for doneness a couple minutes before the package time suggests.
If your sauce looks too thick before the pasta is fully tender, splash in a little extra broth or water. It’ll loosen right back up without watering down the flavor.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving. The sauce thickens up a bit more as it sits, and it makes for a much better bite.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The pasta will keep soaking up sauce as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it looks a little thicker the next day.
Note: when reheating, add a splash of broth, milk, or water before microwaving to loosen the sauce back up. Reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the pasta warms evenly without drying out.
You can also freeze this for up to two months, though pasta dishes are always best fresh since the texture softens a bit after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works fine here. Just watch your cook time since breast meat can dry out faster than thighs if it’s left too long over heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can, though pasta dishes are always best eaten fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, cook it slightly less than fully done so it doesn’t turn mushy after reheating.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and a little smoked paprika gets you close in a pinch, though the real thing gives the best flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, it’s more sweet and savory. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end does the trick.
product: A heavy bottomed enameled Dutch oven, since it browns the chicken evenly and prevents the pasta from sticking as it simmers in the sauce.
One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta
A sweet and savory one pot pasta with tender chicken, honey garlic BBQ sauce, and short pasta cooked right in the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium high heat.
- Step 2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add to the pot.
- Step 3. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside.
- Step 4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5. Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce, coating the chicken evenly.
- Step 6. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 7. Add pasta directly to the pot and stir to combine.
- Step 8. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 9. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and glossy.
- Step 10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
