I'm not 100% sure you can update the PATH variable for future chef runs, but you can set it up manually using the environment
attribute within the execute
stanza. This can also be used on other Resources as well. See: http://docs.opscode.com/chef/resources.html#execute
From the Chef Docs,
environment
A hash of environment variables: {"ENV_VARIABLE"=>"VALUE"}.
(These environment variables must exist for a command to execute successfully.)
Default value: nil.
Run a command which requires an environment variable
execute "slapadd" do
command "slapadd < /tmp/something.ldif"
creates "/var/lib/slapd/uid.bdb"
action :run
environment ({'HOME' => '/home/myhome'})
end