One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes? This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the answer. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is coated in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and simmered alongside tender penne pasta, all in a single skillet. It’s one of those easy dinner ideas that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend food craving. Think sticky, savory-sweet bites, a silky sauce that clings to every noodle, and a whole lot of soul-satisfying flavor. Whether you’re searching for an easy recipe, a one-pot pasta, or family-friendly food ideas—this dish delivers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time spent enjoying your meal.
• Family-Friendly: With its delightful flavors and fun textures, everyone will ask for seconds!
• Customizable: Simple ingredients allow for plenty of variations to suit your taste preferences.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of tangy honey BBQ with tender chicken makes each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store!

For the Main Dish

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing

• Chopped parsley
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use diced turkey or chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or increase the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Try different sauces: Swap honey BBQ for teriyaki or sweet chili sauce to give it a new twist!

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing until golden brown not only locks in flavor but also gives the dish that lovely color we all crave. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and then set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits left in the pan. This step is essential because those little bits are packed with flavor! Stir gently as you let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce (and soy sauce if using). Allow it to simmer briefly so all those flavors meld together beautifully. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to barely cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta becomes tender. This step allows everything to cook together perfectly while soaking up that flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together and simmer for another 2–3 minutes so that all flavors combine seamlessly. It’s during this final step that you can taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve Up Deliciousness

Finally, serve your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne hot from the skillet! Top with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy this heartwarming meal with family or friends—we promise they’ll love every single bite!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you create the best version of this dish with ease!

• Use freshly cooked chicken: If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, feel free to use it! This saves time and adds a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.

• Adjust the thickness of the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without the lid. This allows some moisture to evaporate and enhances the richness of the flavor.

• Experiment with different pastas: While penne works wonderfully, you can swap in other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking times as necessary!

• Add veggies for extra nutrition: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and nutrients while melding beautifully with the dish.

• Make it cheesy: For extra creaminess, stir in some shredded cheese toward the end of cooking. It creates a delightful gooey texture that balances perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving this dish is all about showcasing its vibrant colors and inviting aromas! Here are some creative ways to present your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, these flakes can elevate your dish to new flavor heights.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. It’s an irresistible pairing!
• Crisp green salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or asparagus add depth and balance to your meal while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and zest that complements the sweet BBQ flavors beautifully.

Now you’re ready to serve up this delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne—your family will be asking for seconds! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container with a tight lid.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne without chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option that still delivers great flavor.

What type of pasta works best for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Penne is ideal due to its tubular shape, which holds onto the sauce well. However, you can also use other short pasta like rotini or fusilli if you prefer.

How spicy is the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

The spiciness depends on how much crushed red pepper flakes you add. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preference!

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Yes! Using store-bought honey BBQ sauce is a great time-saver and will still give you that delicious smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!