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: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to extra dishes! Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet BBQ flavors while you enjoy the wholesome goodness.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or use what you have on hand.
• Deliciously Satisfying: Each bite is packed with flavor, making it hard to resist seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is super simple! You likely have many of them in your pantry already. Let’s take a look at the wholesome items you’ll need to make this delightful One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne:

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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 switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the pasta type: Any short pasta works great! Try using fusilli or rigatoni instead of penne.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or increase the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

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. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing until golden brown not only locks in moisture but also creates delicious flavor on the surface.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up any brown bits left behind. This step adds depth of flavor to your dish!

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce (if using). Let this mixture simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes so all those delicious flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add your uncooked penne along with enough water just to cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta becomes tender. The key here is not just cooking the pasta but allowing it to soak up that rich sauce.

Step 5: Combine Flavors

Return the seared chicken back into your skillet. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This final step helps all those wonderful flavors combine beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Garnish

Take a moment to taste your creation! Adjust seasoning if needed. Top with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, and shredded cheese if desired before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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

Cooking can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to elevate your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! Here are some suggestions to ensure you create a delicious dish every time.

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They are more forgiving than breasts and tend to stay juicier during cooking, which enhances the flavor and texture of your meal.
• Don’t skip the deglazing step: Scraping up the brown bits from the skillet adds depth of flavor to your sauce, making each bite more savory and complex.
• Adjust the liquid as needed: Depending on your stove and pan size, you may need slightly more or less water when cooking the pasta. Keep an eye on it and add a splash more if it looks dry.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully—plus, it’s easier to serve!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or seasonings like onion powder or fresh thyme for an extra layer of flavor that suits your taste.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Presenting this delightful dish is just as important as making it! Here are some simple but effective ideas to make your meal look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing touch that brightens the flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, this garnish adds spice and pizzazz without overpowering the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Shredded cheese: A generous handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella melted over the top adds creaminess and richness that complements the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: The perfect accompaniment, garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce left in your bowl and adds satisfying crunch.
• Steamed broccoli: This vibrant vegetable offers a nutritious balance while adding a lovely color contrast on your plate.
• Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides freshness and crunch, making it a classic side that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can enhance your meal with additional flavors and textures—plus they’re easy to make alongside your main dish!

Now you’re ready to whip up this comforting one-pan wonder! Enjoy every sticky, savory bite of your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Label and date the container; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and add liquid as necessary.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

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 the chicken with plant-based protein or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken pieces should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate reading!

Can I use whole wheat penne instead?

Yes! Whole wheat penne works wonderfully in this recipe and adds extra fiber. Just be mindful of the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne as much as I do! It’s such a versatile and comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re craving something delicious, this recipe has you covered. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients – I can’t wait for you to try it!