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.
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.