One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta

Okay, this dish is a flavor explosion. Tender chicken, sticky sweet and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in one skillet. I made it once, and now it’s my go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner.

The chicken soaks up all that sweet and spicy sauce, making each bite packed with flavor. The pasta absorbs the sauce too, giving it a rich, tangy kick. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!

If you love bold, sweet, and spicy flavors that really hit, this dish is for you. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re craving something quick but totally satisfying. I always make extra because it’s too good to leave behind.

Let’s cook this up together! This one-skillet sweet spicy sticky chicken pasta is easy, delicious, and comes together in no time. You’ll be making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sticky-Sweet Perfection: The honey and sriracha combo is balanced with soy and garlic to create a deeply flavorful glaze.
• One-Pot Wonder: No mess, no fuss—just a skillet and a satisfying dinner.
• Weeknight-Ready: From stovetop to table in under an hour.
• Flexible: Swap in different veggies or pasta shapes without losing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s picky eaters or spicy food fans, everyone finds something to love.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
Feeds 4 hungry people or 6 if serving with a side.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners, satisfying enough for seasoned home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Medium pot (if pre-boiling pasta)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Tongs

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

Aromatics & Vegetables

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Garnish & Seasonings

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Variations for Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta

• Use Rice Noodles: Swap linguine for flat rice noodles for a takeout-style version.
• Add Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots work great here.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk or a spoon of peanut butter for a creamy, Thai-inspired twist.
• Go Low-Carb: Sub the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Switch the Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or thin-sliced beef instead of chicken.

How to Make Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 3 minutes until almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium.
Add a little extra oil if the pan is dry.
Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

Add soy sauce, honey, and sriracha directly to the pan.
Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or heat to your liking.

4. Add Vegetables

Stir in the sliced bell peppers and green onions.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Stir to coat with the sticky sauce.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
Use tongs or a spoon to mix until the pasta is glossy and fully coated.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and sticks to the pasta.

How to Serve Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta

This dish is bold and flavorful, so simple sides work best. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with cilantro or Thai basil for freshness.
• Lime Wedges: A little squeeze of lime adds brightness and balances the heat.
• Side Salad: A cool cucumber or Asian slaw works great.
• Crispy Egg Rolls: For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a crunchy appetizer.
• Chilled Drink: I like serving this with iced green tea or lemon water.

Storing Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time.

Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.

Freeze:
This dish is freezer-friendly. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces cook more evenly and stay tender.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook it before adding to the sauce so it finishes cooking in the pan and soaks up flavor.
• Balance the Heat: Start with less sriracha if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more later.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: It adds real depth compared to powder.
• Toss Pasta Well: Don’t just stir—use tongs to lift and turn the pasta so the sauce clings to every strand.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	490 kcal
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	52g
Sugars	14g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	860mg

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just skip the searing step and add it with the sauce.

Is this very spicy?
It has a noticeable kick. Reduce sriracha if you prefer mild.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use tofu or tempeh and swap the chicken broth (if using) for vegetable broth.

Which pasta works best?
Linguine and spaghetti are ideal, but penne or rotini will also hold the sauce well.

Conclusion

This One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that checks all the boxes—flavor-packed, comforting, and simple. It brings together sweet, spicy, and savory in a silky sauce that hugs every noodle and piece of tender chicken. You don’t need much to make it, and cleanup is easy. It’s a dish I come back to again and again—especially on busy weeknights when I want something exciting without the extra work.