DINNER

Craving One Skillet Spicy Honey? Try This!

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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One Skillet Spicy Honey has become my go-to for a weeknight meal that truly satisfies. I remember the first time I made it, the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and a hint of chili. My family practically ran to the table! It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together in one pan to create such a flavorful and comforting dish. This easy one skillet spicy honey recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that I just can’t get enough of. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Spicy Honey

This One Skillet Spicy Honey recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights, and here’s why:

Incredible Flavor: Get ready for a perfect balance of sweet honey, smoky BBQ, and a gentle kick of spice.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Super Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table fast.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet and savory notes of this dish.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable chicken sausage.
Healthy-ish: Packed with protein and you can easily load up on veggies to make it even healthier.
Versatile: This spicy honey chicken one pan dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
Delicious Leftovers: This spicy honey chicken one pan meal reheats beautifully, making it great for lunches too.

Ingredients for One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

Gathering these one skillet spicy honey chicken ingredients is super simple, and they come together to create something truly special. I love how accessible everything is, making this a go-to recipe.

12 oz rotini pasta – I find rotini holds the sauce so well!
12 oz chicken sausage, sliced – Feel free to use your favorite kind; spicy Italian adds a nice kick.
1 Tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get the sausage sizzling.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that amazing aroma.
1 cup BBQ sauce – This forms the base of our delicious sauce.
2 Tbsp honey – For that essential sweet, sticky glaze.
1 tsp paprika – Adds a lovely depth of flavor and color.
½ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper – Adjust this to your heat preference!
Salt and black pepper to taste – Always important for balancing flavors.
¼ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water – This helps create a silky sauce consistency.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – A little sprinkle adds freshness and color.

How to Make One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, making it a fantastic option for any night of the week. Follow these steps for a delicious, fuss-free meal!

Step 1: Get your pasta cooking first! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz rotini pasta according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, make sure to reserve about ¼ cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for our sauce! Then, drain the pasta.
Step 2: While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet. Pour in the 1 Tbsp olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 12 oz sliced chicken sausage. Let it sizzle and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown on all sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Now, toss in the 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the sausage. Stir them around constantly for about 30-60 seconds. You just want to cook them until they smell amazing and fragrant – be super careful not to let them burn, or they can turn bitter!
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp paprika, and ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens for our signature sauce!
Step 5: Pour that glorious sauce mixture directly into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Give everything a good stir to coat the sausage. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is a key part of the spicy honey chicken skillet instructions.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the saucy sausage. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that rich, spicy honey sauce. If it seems a little too thick, pour in a splash of your reserved pasta water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. This step truly makes it a quick one skillet spicy honey recipe.
Step 7: Give it a final taste. Does it need more salt? More heat? Adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it absolutely perfect for your palate.
Step 8: Plate it up! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this fantastic one pan spicy honey chicken dinner!

Pro Tips for the Best One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

Want to elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that guarantee a fantastic result every time you make this one skillet spicy honey chicken.

Choose your sausage wisely: A good quality chicken sausage with some spice, like spicy Italian or chorizo-style, adds so much depth to the dish.
Don’t skip the pasta water: That starchy water is crucial for creating a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and sausage. Learn more about how to make pasta water work for you.
Taste and adjust: My kitchen is never exactly like yours, so tasting the sauce before adding the pasta and adjusting salt, spice, or sweetness is key.
Medium heat is your friend: Cooking the sausage and garlic over medium heat ensures they brown nicely without burning, which is essential for flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken?

The real secret to that perfect spicy honey glazed chicken skillet is the combination of the starchy pasta water with the sauce. It creates a beautiful emulsion that coats everything evenly, making each bite incredibly flavorful and satisfying. For more tips on achieving the perfect sauce consistency, check out this guide on sauce emulsification techniques.

Can I make One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sausage mixture separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them in the skillet with the sauce ingredients and heat through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken?

Avoid burning your garlic by adding it just for the last minute of cooking the sausage. Also, don’t overcook your pasta initially; it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so al dente is perfect. Finally, always taste and adjust the sauce seasoning before tossing everything together. For more cooking advice, consult expert cooking tips.

Best Ways to Serve One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

This dish is so satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to make it a complete meal. It’s truly the best for a quick and delicious one pan spicy honey chicken dinner!

Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: A simple steamed vegetable adds a lovely freshness and a touch of green to the plate, balancing the richness of the pasta and sausage.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the skillet – you won’t want to waste a drop of that spicy honey goodness!
Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the chicken and pasta.

Craving One Skillet Spicy Honey? Try This! - One Skillet Spicy Honey - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

Let’s talk about what you’re getting in each delicious bowl of this one skillet spicy honey chicken goodness. It’s a hearty meal that’s surprisingly balanced!

Calories: Approximately 550-600
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of chicken sausage and BBQ sauce.

How to Store and Reheat One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

Leftovers of this amazing one skillet spicy honey chicken are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the dish has cooled down slightly, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. These are great for storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating this easy one skillet spicy honey dish is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, I usually pop them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either the skillet or microwave method.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken

How do you make One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken?

Making one skillet spicy honey chicken is surprisingly simple! You’ll cook pasta, sauté sliced chicken sausage until browned, then add garlic. Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and spices in a separate bowl, then combine everything in the skillet with the sausage and pasta. A splash of pasta water helps create the perfect sauce consistency. It’s a wonderfully quick process! For a detailed walkthrough, see this recipe guide.

What is One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken?

What is one skillet spicy honey chicken? It’s a delicious and convenient pasta dish featuring chicken sausage coated in a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy honey BBQ sauce, all cooked together in a single pan. It’s designed for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic because its spirals catch the sauce so well, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bow-ties), or even elbow macaroni. Just cook them according to package directions until al dente, and remember to reserve that pasta water!

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is adjustable! The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper, which gives it a pleasant warmth. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce or omit the chili powder. For more heat, simply add a bit more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You control the kick!

Variations of One Skillet Spicy Honey Chicken You Can Try

This one skillet spicy honey chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! I love exploring different ways to make it my own, and I bet you will too. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

For a Diet-Friendly Twist: Swap the rotini pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This cuts down on carbs significantly while still giving you that delicious spicy honey chicken flavor.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. This makes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Embrace the Heat: If you crave more spice, try a different sausage like chorizo or add a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. For a different flavor profile, consider a honey chili chicken skillet recipe by adding a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce to the BBQ base.
Sheet Pan Version: Don’t have a skillet? You can adapt this into a sheet pan meal! Toss cooked pasta and sausage with the sauce on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and slightly caramelized.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia