why make this recipe
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet is a delightful dish that brings a sweet and savory twist to your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful sauce tossed with penne pasta is sure to please your family. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup!
how to make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
- Simmer the sauce while stirring until it thickens (3-4 minutes).
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
how to serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet
Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet warm from the pan. It can be paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The bright green onions on top add a nice touch, and you can even sprinkle some sesame seeds for extra crunch if you like.
how to store Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can be kept for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
tips to make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or leaving them out entirely.
variation
You can easily customize this dish. Try adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet for more nutrition and color. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything when you are ready to serve.
2. Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Penne Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer the sauce while stirring until it thickens (3-4 minutes).
Combining Ingredients
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.