Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta

The smell of honey, garlic, and BBQ sauce sizzling in the pan… it’s a scent that instantly transports me back to summer evenings on our patio here in Texas. This Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes I’ve made countless times – probably close to a dozen now – because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with my kids. Even the picky one! It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cheat meal but is secretly packed with protein and flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Get ready for a dinner that’s on the table in under an hour, and that everyone at the table will enjoy!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are quick, easy, and don’t require a million different ingredients. This Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta ticks all those boxes and more! Here’s why it works so well:

• It’s Fast: From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in about 45 minutes.
• Kid-Approved: The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy ranch dressing is irresistible to kids (and adults!).
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder (Almost): Fewer dishes to wash! You cook the pasta and sauce together, minimizing cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I like a smoky Texas-style BBQ sauce)
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook quickly. You could also use chicken thighs, but they’ll take a bit longer to cook. Make sure to trim any excess fat.

Pasta: Any short pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni are all great options. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

BBQ Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you use will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. I like using a smoky Texas-style BBQ sauce, but you can use whatever your favorite brand is. For a sweeter flavor, use a honey BBQ sauce. If you want something spicier, you can use a BBQ sauce with a kick.

Ranch Dressing: A good quality ranch dressing makes all the difference. I usually use a store-bought brand I like, but you can also make your own ranch dressing from scratch.

Smoked Paprika: This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but it won’t have the same smoky depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Sauce. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. After testing this several times, I learned that adding a little pasta water at a time is best, so the sauce doesn’t become too thin.

Step 5: Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and no longer pink inside.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are all great options. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients for the kids.
• Make it a Meal Prep: This pasta reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: For picky eaters, serve the chicken and pasta separately, allowing them to mix as much or as little sauce as they prefer.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth while reheating.

Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then combine them with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: Substitute the ranch dressing with a dairy-free ranch dressing alternative.

Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Pasta: Use spicy BBQ sauce and add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta: Replace the BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a different flavor profile. I haven’t personally tried this variation, but it sounds delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then combine them with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. It’s a real time-saver during the week!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it’s no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni are all great options.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but it won’t have the same smoky depth. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce for a similar flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy ranch dressing is usually a hit with kids. If your kids are sensitive to spice, omit the red pepper flakes.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftover Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. I recommend making it fresh for the best results, but if you need to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

This Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad pairs well with the pasta.
• Add some garlic bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Offer some steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy touch to the meal.

For plating, I like to garnish the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Portion sizes depend on your family’s appetites, but about 1 1/2 cups per person is usually a good serving size.

I hope you and your family enjoy this Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta as much as we do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I know I said that I’ve made this recipe close to a dozen times, but the truth is that is is probably closer to two dozen! Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to suit your own taste preferences. I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you’re looking for more quick and easy family recipes, be sure to check out FamiliesRecipes.com. Happy cooking, y’all!

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