Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/2 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup frozen corn - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Olive oil (for cooking) For this One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with the chicken. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Next, choose your pasta. Penne or fusilli are great options. They hold sauce well and add texture to the dish. BBQ sauce is key. Pick your favorite brand for the best flavor. A sweet sauce works well with the honey and garlic. Now, let's add some extra flavor. Honey brings sweetness, while garlic adds depth. You'll want four cloves, finely minced. For veggies, cherry tomatoes, frozen corn, and bell pepper add color and nutrition. They also add a nice crunch. Lastly, don’t forget your seasonings. Paprika gives warmth, and salt and pepper enhance the taste. Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish too. With these ingredients ready, you’ll create a delicious, one-pot meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and spread them out evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about one minute until it smells good. Now, pour in your BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. This blend of sweet and savory will be the heart of your dish. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, add the pasta. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will cook the pasta just right. In the last two minutes, add the cherry tomatoes, corn, and bell pepper. Stir everything to combine and heat through. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. - To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken must reach 165°F. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. - Adjust cooking times for pasta based on the type you use. Penne or fusilli usually take about 10 minutes to cook. Stir occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking. - For extra flavor, try adding spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. - If you want to experiment, use different BBQ sauces. A smoky sauce will add depth, while a sweet and tangy sauce can brighten the dish. Pro Tips Use Quality BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love, as it will significantly influence the flavor of the dish. A smoky or sweet variety can add depth to the overall taste. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the residual heat after you remove it from the stove, aim for al dente to prevent mushiness. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition: Feel free to throw in any additional vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor. Consider using other herbs like cilantro or basil for a different twist! {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Shrimp or tofu works well. For shrimp, just cook it for a few minutes until it turns pink. If using tofu, sauté it until golden brown for flavor. You can also choose different pasta. Penne or fusilli are great, but you can use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the cooking times on the package for the best results. Adding veggies can change the taste and boost nutrition. Zucchini or spinach are excellent options. Just chop them up and add them during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also play with the sauces. Try teriyaki for a sweet twist or marinara for a classic touch. Just remember to adjust the amount of honey if you use a sweeter sauce. This way, you keep the balance of flavors just right. To keep your One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the pasta in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to avoid bacteria growth. It will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. For freezing, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan to help steam the pasta. Heat over medium until hot. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents the pasta from drying out. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. How to adjust for a larger serving size? To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. Just keep the same cooking steps. You may need a larger pot to hold everything. Make sure to taste for seasoning as you go. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener? Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. These will add a nice sweetness without changing the taste too much. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. What if I don't have BBQ sauce on hand? If you lack BBQ sauce, you can make a quick mix. Combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of honey. This gives a sweet and tangy flavor similar to BBQ sauce. You can also try a store-bought sauce that you like. In this blog post, we covered a tasty chicken and pasta dish. We discussed main ingredients like chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and pasta options. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining the ingredients. My tips on cooking and flavor variations help you create your own version. Finally, proper storage and reheating methods ensure your meal stays fresh. Try this dish and let your taste buds explore new flavors! You’ll enjoy a fun cooking experience and a delicious meal.

One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for cooking drizzle olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, and chicken broth, stirring to combine well.
  • Add the pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the cherry tomatoes, corn, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate and allow everything to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and use your favorite BBQ sauce.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey garlic, one-pot, pasta