One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

why make this recipe

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delightful dish that combines the ease of a one-pan meal with bold flavors. It offers the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, thanks to the honey and BBQ sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and cooks in just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort.

how to make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
4. Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
8. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

how to serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

To serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, simply spoon the pasta and chicken mixture onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if you like. This dish is great on its own but can also be paired with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a full meal.

how to store One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

tips to make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a boost of nutrition.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

variation

You can easily change the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. For a different pasta shape, feel free to substitute penne with fusilli or farfalle.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the skillet when you mix in the BBQ sauce and let it heat through.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works great and adds more fiber.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne and ensure that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

A delightful one-pan meal combining bold flavors of sweet and tangy honey BBQ chicken with penne pasta, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Pasta

• 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

 

Cooking the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Cooking the Pasta

• In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
• Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
• Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
• Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
• Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a boost of nutrition. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.

Keyword BBQ Chicken, Easy Recipe, One-Pan Meal, Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner