Name: Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Penne Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups cooked penne pasta; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Penne Skillet is a savory-sweet twist on classic pasta night, and I can’t get enough of it. Juicy chicken pieces are glazed in a glossy honey-soy sauce and tossed with tender penne, all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a bold, satisfying dinner that comes together fast—just the way I like it.

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Penne Skillet

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this dish hits all the right notes: sticky, sweet, salty, and deeply savory. The chicken gets perfectly caramelized, and the penne soaks up all that rich sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to impress guests. The one-pan approach means fewer dishes, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples I almost always have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. I cook the pieces until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sriracha (if using). I pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken.
I reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
I stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 1–2 minutes.
I add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything to coat the pasta in the sticky sauce.
I garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use spaghetti or linguine instead of penne for a noodle-like feel. I also love adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and color. When I want a deeper flavor, I throw in a splash of hoisin sauce or a dash of toasted sesame oil at the end. For a low-carb version, I swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I toss everything back into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up. The microwave works too—just 1–2 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, I often use either depending on what I have. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great if I don’t overcook them.

What type of pasta works best?

I like penne because it holds the sauce well, but any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni will work.

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Penne Skillet

Is this recipe very sweet?

It’s sweet and savory, but not overly sugary. I adjust the honey to taste if I want it milder or bolder.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and gluten-free pasta to make it fully gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

I keep the heat at medium when the sauce is simmering and stir frequently—especially after adding the cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Penne Skillet is a quick, flavor-packed meal that brings something a little different to the table. With its sticky glaze, tender chicken, and perfectly coated pasta, it’s a one-pan wonder I always keep in rotation. Easy enough for a weeknight, tasty enough for any time.