One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta – Sweet, Smoky & Comforting

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is an easy yet flavorful dish where tender chicken, pasta, and a sticky sweet-and-spicy sauce all come together in one skillet for dinner done right.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal cleanup — everything cooks in one pot
• Sweet and smoky BBQ flavor balanced with garlic and honey
• Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich sauce
• Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for weeknights

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~20 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes
• Yield: ~4–5 servings
• Method: One-pot stovetop
• Diet: Meat / Comfort Food

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Ingredients

• 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
• 60 ml (¼ cup) honey
• 480 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 300–350 g (10–12 oz) dried pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
• 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream or milk
• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, or grated Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   • In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until mostly cooked through.
2. Add Garlic
   • Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
   • Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing well to coat the chicken.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add Pasta
   • Add the dry pasta directly into the sauce. Make sure the pasta is submerged, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Simmer
   • Reduce the heat, cover partially, and cook for about 10–12 minutes (or according to pasta package directions) until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
6. Finish with Cream
   • Stir in the cream or milk to add richness and smoothness. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve
   • Top with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if you like. Serve warm — this dish is best eaten fresh when the sauce is still creamy.

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You Must Know

• Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking.
• The amount of broth may vary depending on the type of pasta — add more if it seems too thick.
• Adjust honey and BBQ sauce to match your preferred level of sweetness or smokiness.

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative.
• Substitute BBQ sauce with a smoky tomato sauce and extra honey for a milder flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up the sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of grilled corn or bell peppers for a smoky, veggie-enhanced version.

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Pro Tips

• Use boneless, evenly cut chicken to ensure it cooks uniformly.
• Brown the chicken first to lock in flavor, then finish cooking in the sauce for best texture.
• Let the sauce simmer a bit uncovered toward the end if it’s too thin — it will thicken nicely.

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Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious family dinner option that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in a creamy, hearty pasta. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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