Description
How to make one pot sweet chili honey BBQ chicken pasta with tender chicken and creamy sauce that’s ready in 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Components
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Liquid & Finishing
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps remove excess moisture so the chicken browns beautifully instead of steaming in its own juices.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown on most sides. Don’t worry about cooking through completely – it’ll finish later.
- Build Aromatics: Add diced onion to the same pot and cook 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until aromatic but not browned.
- Create Sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir to coat everything evenly and beautifully.
- Add Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, stir well, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid reduces.
- Finish Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Fresh: Remove from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best experience.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta during the initial simmer – it continues cooking as the sauce reduces.
- Stir frequently in the final minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with extra honey or heat with red pepper flakes as desired.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Double the recipe easily for meal prep or feeding larger crowds.
- Substitute rotini or rigatoni if penne isn’t available – just maintain the same cooking time.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 32g