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: Get this delightful meal on the table in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy nights.
• One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and smoked paprika creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will dig into this delicious comfort food without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. You’ll find everything you need to create a delicious meal right at your fingertips!

• 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 for topping

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some great ways to customize your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the pasta: If you don’t have penne, any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni will work just as well!
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat if you enjoy a bit of spice.

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 the chicken until golden brown not only locks in moisture but also adds beautiful flavor from those crispy bits.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up those tasty brown bits left behind; they’re packed with flavor!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and optional soy sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 2–3 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to barely cover it—about 1 to 1½ cups should do! Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. This method cooks everything evenly while soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared chicken back into the skillet and gently stir everything together. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so all those flavors can combine perfectly.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your dish and adjust seasoning as needed. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top along with crushed red pepper flakes and shredded cheese before serving. Enjoy every last sticky bite!

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

Creating a delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is simple, but a few tips can enhance your cooking experience and flavor!

• Use high-quality BBQ sauce – Choosing a flavorful honey BBQ sauce will elevate the overall taste of the dish, making each bite irresistibly sweet and smoky.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, consider using two pans instead of one. This prevents steaming and ensures that the chicken gets that beautiful golden sear which adds to the flavor.

• Adjust the spice level – If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the completed dish to sit for a few minutes off the heat gives flavors time to meld together, making every bite even tastier.

• Experiment with cheese – While shredded cheddar or mozzarella are great options, feel free to try other cheeses like pepper jack for heat or parmesan for a nutty flavor twist.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Presentation can make all the difference in turning a home-cooked meal into something special! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up every plate.
• Extra crushed red pepper flakes – For those who love some heat, adding additional flakes on top allows guests to customize their meal.
• Lemon wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before digging in can enhance the flavors beautifully, balancing out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – A crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta dish and is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

• Roasted Vegetables – A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized not only adds nutrition but also provides a delightful contrast in texture.

• Caesar Salad (without anchovies) – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing makes for a refreshing complement to this hearty pasta dish.

• Coleslaw – A tangy slaw brings crunch and brightness, enhancing the overall dining experience while balancing out the richness of the chicken penne.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with your flavorful One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or for those who want to savor leftovers throughout the week. The flavors deepen as they sit, so you can enjoy this dish even more the next day!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Let the chicken penne cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months—just be sure to label each bag or container with the name and date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Stir occasionally until heated through; you can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

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

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, you can substitute with any short pasta like rotini or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.

How can I adjust the sweetness of One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, try reducing the amount of honey BBQ sauce by half and adding a little extra broth. You can also incorporate a splash of vinegar for added tanginess!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on your choice.

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about sharing love through food. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every flavorful bite and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!