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 only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax with family.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet BBQ flavor, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out proteins or add veggies to make it your own.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how easy it is to gather them before diving into this delightful recipe!

• 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 little kick
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with what you have at home. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use diced tofu, shrimp, or even beans for a vegetarian twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
• Change the pasta shape: If you don’t have penne on hand, any short pasta will work beautifully!
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in some jalapeños to heat things up.

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. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing until golden brown not only cooks the chicken but also creates flavorful bits on the bottom of the pan that will enrich your sauce later!

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once your chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your dish!

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce

Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce (if using). Let this simmer for 2–3 minutes—this helps meld all those lovely flavors together while thickening slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked penne and just enough water to barely cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover your skillet and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender; this allows it to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to return your chicken back into the skillet! Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for another couple of minutes so those flavors can blend beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat! For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some shredded cheese over everything just before serving.

Now you’re ready to dig into this delightful One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! Enjoy every last bite with family or friends!

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

Cooking is all about making the process enjoyable and effective, and these tips will help you create the best version of this delicious dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality pasta make a significant difference in flavor and texture. They ensure your dish turns out vibrant and satisfying.

• Adjust the spice level: If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. This will give your dish an extra kick that can elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Don’t skip deglazing: Scraping up the brown bits from the pan after cooking the chicken adds depth to your sauce. It incorporates those caramelized flavors into your dish, enhancing its richness.

• Experiment with BBQ sauce: Different brands or homemade honey BBQ sauces can vary in sweetness or smokiness. Try out various options to find your favorite combination that suits your taste buds perfectly.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully. This resting time enhances the taste and allows for easier serving.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving this dish is all about showcasing its vibrant colors and rich flavors! Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully at your dining table.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, scattering some extra crushed red pepper on top not only looks appealing but also gives an enticing hint of spice.
• Shredded cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella melted on top right before serving offers a creamy texture that complements the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli: A side of steamed broccoli adds nutrition and crunch. Its mild flavor balances well with the rich pasta.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the hearty penne.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully, creating a harmonious meal experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you can create an inviting dinner that everyone will love! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne—it’s sure to be a hit at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a fantastic choice for meal prep! Not only can you enjoy it fresh, but it’s also easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for busy weeks ahead.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool fully before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I customize the sauce in One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sweetness or smokiness by adding more honey or smoked paprika based on your taste preferences.

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

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I use a different type of pasta in One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Yes! While penne works beautifully, any pasta shape you prefer will do just fine. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta used.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with luscious flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, I know it will bring smiles all around. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!