If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and minimal fuss, the One-Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken strips glazed in a luscious sweet and spicy sauce, mingling perfectly with al dente pasta and colorful bell peppers — all cooked in a single skillet for maximum flavor and easy cleanup. This dish is a weeknight winner, effortlessly bringing together the comforting heartiness of pasta with an exciting Asian-inspired twist that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that dazzles with every bite. Each component plays a crucial role: the chicken brings protein and richness, the bell peppers add crunch and sweetness, garlic and ginger provide warming depth, and the sweet and spicy sauce ties it all together with a glossy finish.
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta; linguine works beautifully but spaghetti creates the perfect nest for the sauce.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced: Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts keep it lean—both soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma, while vegetable oil keeps the flavors clean and simple.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced: Provides a sweeter contrast and extra crunch for texture variation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that wakes up the palate.
- 2 scallions, chopped: Separate whites to cook in the sauce and greens to garnish for freshness.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated: Adds zingy warmth that balances the sweet and spicy elements.
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: The salty and umami backbone that flavors every bite.
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Sweetness to create that irresistible sticky glaze.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice: Provides acidity to brighten and cut through richness.
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Adjust this for your preferred level of heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional): For thickening the sauce into a glossy, clingy coating.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish (optional): Herbs add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes at the end.
How to Make One-Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions, but stop just shy of fully cooked, usually a minute or two less, since it will finish cooking in the skillet sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken strips sprinkled with salt and pepper. Let them sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust before flipping to cook through. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate. This step locks in juiciness and adds that crave-worthy caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Peppers
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of chopped scallions. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, then add the vibrant red and orange bell peppers. Cook until just tender but still crisp, which brings a lovely texture contrast to the dish.
Step 4: Create the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar (or lime juice), and sriracha in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and let it bubble gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry now and cook until glossy and adhesive, perfect for coating every noodle and chicken piece.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken back to the skillet along with the partially cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to help the sauce cling to the pasta without drying out. Finish by folding in the green parts of the scallions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve One-Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The magic finishing touch comes from fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, adding a burst of brightness and herbal complexity that cuts through the sticky sweetness. Sprinkle some chopped scallion greens on top for that final hint of crunch and mild onion flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to balance the savory and spicy notes with crisp freshness. A simple bowl of jasmine rice on the side is also lovely for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in shallow bowls topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and a drizzle of sesame oil. Alternatively, wrap some of the chicken and pasta in fresh lettuce leaves for mini handheld bites that are perfect for parties or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so the dish often tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This pasta holds up well in the freezer, too. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s glossy texture, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to try fettuccine, penne, or even rice noodles for a different texture and twist on the classic.
What can I substitute for sriracha if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with sweet chili sauce or even a mild ketchup to keep some tang and sweetness without the heat.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and have more flavor, making them an excellent choice for this sticky, saucy pasta dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh cubes, and increase the vegetables for a satisfying, plant-based alternative that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
The key is to undercook the pasta slightly during boiling since it finishes cooking in the skillet sauce. Also, toss gently when mixing to maintain the pasta’s integrity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to jazz up your dinner routine with something that feels both comforting and exciting, you have to try the One-Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers layers of flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight hit. Once you taste that sticky, sweet, and spicy combination coating tender chicken and pasta, this recipe will surely become one of your go-to favorites.
Print
One-Skillet Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A delicious and easy one-skillet dinner combining tender chicken strips with sweet and spicy sticky sauce, colorful bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, served over perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti for a flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables. While the pasta cooks, heat vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and peppers. In the same skillet, add the white parts of the scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced red and orange bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and stir well to combine.
- Thicken the sauce (optional). If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and pasta. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss everything together with the sauce and vegetables. Add the cooked linguine or spaghetti directly into the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sticky, spicy sauce.
- Finish and serve. Stir in the green parts of the scallions for freshness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil if desired. Serve immediately for a satisfying one-skillet meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for more juiciness and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce according to your spice preference.
- Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
