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

• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with everything cooked in just one skillet.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with different proteins or veggies.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of chicken and pasta in BBQ sauce is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is super easy! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s check them out!

• 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
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to top it off

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Mix in some hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat.
• Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein for a meat-free version.

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the oil first helps create a nice sear on the chicken. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor and gives the chicken that golden-brown color we love.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

After searing the chicken until it’s cooked through and nicely browned (about 5–7 minutes), remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Now pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. This step deglazes the pan by scraping up those tasty brown bits left behind from cooking the chicken—those bits add so much flavor to our dish!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Next, stir in your honey BBQ sauce along with soy sauce if you’re using it. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen—trust me; you’re going to love this part!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add uncooked penne pasta! Pour it into the skillet along with enough water to barely cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 12–15 minutes while stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. This method means that the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors while cooking!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your pasta is perfectly tender, return the seared chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another couple of minutes to combine all those amazing flavors. At this point, feel free to taste and adjust any seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, serve up your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne hot from the skillet! Garnish with chopped parsley, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and top with shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal—you’ve earned it!

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

Cooking can be a breeze with the right techniques up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality BBQ sauce can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the dish, making it more vibrant and satisfying.

• Don’t skip the deglazing step: Scraping up those golden brown bits from the bottom of the skillet not only helps in cleaning but also infuses your sauce with rich flavors that elevate the entire meal.

• Adjust pasta cooking time: Different brands of penne may have varying cooking times. Keep an eye on the pasta and taste it as you approach the end of the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked al dente.

• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other spices like onion powder or chili powder for an extra kick. This allows you to customize the dish to match your taste preferences.

• Let flavors meld: After returning the chicken to the skillet, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes helps all the flavors blend beautifully, creating a harmonious dish that’s bursting with taste.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving this delightful dish can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne and make it even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding some crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile and give your dish an extra kick.
• Shredded cheese: Melted cheddar or mozzarella on top creates a creamy texture that complements the tanginess of the BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and makes for a comforting addition to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green veggie adds crunch and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the pasta dish while providing a lovely color contrast on your plate.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan adds a fresh, crunchy element that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken penne.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs brings both flavor and nutrition to your meal, making it a well-rounded dining experience.

Enjoy crafting this delicious meal! Each serving will be filled with love and flavor, making dinner time something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just a delightful dinner; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Add a little chicken broth or water if it appears dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use different pasta for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute it with other shapes like rotini or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

How do I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne spicier?

To kick up the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Additionally, consider using a spicy BBQ sauce for a bolder flavor!

What can I serve with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne brings warmth and joy to your dinner table! It’s such a special recipe that combines convenience with delicious flavors that the whole family will love. Enjoy making it and feel free to share your favorite variations! Happy cooking!