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 convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of honey BBQ sauce with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta creates a delightful symphony of flavors.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
• Quick and easy: In just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.
• Meal prep friendly: Make it ahead for busy days; it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! You probably have most of these items on hand already, making it even easier to whip up this delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.

• 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 a kick!)
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Try using diced turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach during cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños!
• Change the pasta: Substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle.

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. This step is crucial as it gives the chicken that lovely golden-brown color while sealing in moisture. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until they are cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Next up, pour in your low-sodium chicken broth. This step is important because it helps deglaze the pan—scraping up those tasty brown bits left from searing the chicken adds an incredible depth of flavor to your sauce!

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce along with soy sauce if you’re using it. Let this simmer for about 2–3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while creating that luscious sauce we all love.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to introduce our uncooked penne! Add enough water to barely cover the pasta—about 1 to 1½ cups should do it. Cover your skillet and let everything simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until your pasta is tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Combine Flavors

Return your seared chicken back into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This step helps all those wonderful flavors combine perfectly!

Step 6: Final Touches

Before serving, taste your dish and adjust any seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes on top for added flavor and presentation. If desired, add some shredded cheese for that melty goodness!

Enjoy this simple yet scrumptious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with family or friends—it’s bound to become a favorite!

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

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you make the most of your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne!

• Choose the right chicken: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken thighs can enhance the dish’s juiciness and flavor. Thighs tend to remain tender and moist compared to breasts, ensuring every bite is succulent.

• Don’t skip deglazing: After searing the chicken, deglazing the pan with broth is crucial. It lifts those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, enriching your sauce with extra depth and character.

• Monitor pasta doneness: Different brands of penne may require varying cooking times. Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers to avoid overcooking, ensuring it has that perfect al dente texture that complements the dish beautifully.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone has a different palate, so feel free to tweak the amount of honey BBQ sauce used. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a splash more broth or a squeeze of lemon juice for balance.

• Make it cheesy: Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last few minutes of cooking will create a creamy finish that melds perfectly with the tangy BBQ sauce. Just sprinkle it on top and cover until melted!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Presentation is key when serving this delightful dish! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and even more delicious.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up every bowl.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a little heat, these flakes will provide a lovely kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet BBQ sauce.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty squeeze for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. The buttery garlic goodness pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors of the pasta.
• Steamed broccoli: Freshly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and vibrant color to your plate, balancing out the rich flavors.
• Simple green salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots brings out their natural sweetness and adds an earthy element to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will not only taste amazing but also look inviting on your dinner table! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just a delight to eat; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken penne into freezer-safe containers.
• Leave some space at the top as the pasta may expand when frozen.
• Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water for moisture.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about preparing this savory dish!

Can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I substitute if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?

You can mix equal parts honey and your favorite BBQ sauce to create a quick alternative. Adjust to taste for sweetness!

How do I ensure my One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne doesn’t get too dry?

Make sure to add enough liquid (chicken broth and water) when cooking the pasta, and keep stirring occasionally. This will help it stay moist.

Can I use whole wheat penne instead?

Yes, whole wheat penne is a great alternative! Just remember that it may require slightly longer cooking time, so check for doneness as you go.

What goes well as a side with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

A light salad or some steamed vegetables complement this dish beautifully, adding freshness to your meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s such a comforting recipe that brings together wonderful flavors with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experience; I can’t wait to hear how you loved it!