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

• Super easy: With everything cooked in one pan, clean-up is a breeze!
• Family-friendly: The flavors are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or alternative proteins.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and tender pasta is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delightful dish! You’ll love how straightforward these items are—perfect for any home cook.

• 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 kick
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, if desired

Variations

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add some veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach during cooking for extra nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick!
• Switch the pasta: Try another type of pasta like fusilli or farfalle if you want to mix 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. Adding the chicken at this stage ensures it gets nicely seared on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scraping up those brown bits at the bottom adds incredible flavor to your dish! This step is crucial as it infuses your sauce with depth and richness.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in your honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce (if using). Let this simmer for about 2–3 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked penne and enough water to barely cover the pasta—about 1 to 1½ cups should do! Cover your skillet and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is nice and tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return that delicious chicken back to your skillet. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for another couple of minutes so all those wonderful flavors can combine perfectly.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your creation and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top as well as crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor. And if you’re feeling cheesy, don’t hesitate to add some shredded cheddar or mozzarella!

Now you’re ready to serve up this mouthwatering One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! Enjoy every sticky-sweet bite!

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

Cooking should be fun and stress-free, so here are some pro tips to help you nail this dish!

• Use a non-stick skillet: A good non-stick skillet prevents the chicken from sticking and makes for easier cleanup, ensuring that your meal comes out perfectly without any fuss.

• Deglaze the pan thoroughly: Scraping up the brown bits after cooking the chicken adds depth of flavor to your sauce. These caramelized bits are packed with taste, enhancing every bite of your dish.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keeping an eye on the cooking time for your penne will ensure it remains al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its delightful texture.

• Adjust the BBQ sauce to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to add more or less BBQ sauce according to your personal preference—it’s all about making it your own.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld all the flavors together. This little tip can take your one-pan wonder from good to great!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Presentation can elevate a simple dish into something special. Making this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne visually appealing will make mealtime even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish.

• Crushed red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat, add these flakes just before serving. They not only enhance the flavor profile but also give an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

• Steamed Broccoli: This crisp and colorful vegetable adds a nutritional boost and balances the richness of the pasta. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare alongside!

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing complements the hearty pasta well. It adds freshness and crunch, making your meal feel more rounded.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots bring an extra layer of flavor and texture to your table while being oh-so-delicious!

Now that you have all these pro tips and serving ideas at your fingertips, you’re ready to whip up a delightful dinner that will impress family or friends—and maybe even yourself! Enjoy every savory bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat this delightful dish:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To prevent sogginess, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken, if possible.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool thoroughly before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Stir until heated through, about 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.

Can I use whole wheat penne instead of regular penne?

Absolutely! Whole wheat penne works wonderfully in this recipe and adds extra fiber. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

How spicy is the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

The spiciness primarily comes from optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference or leave them out entirely for a milder dish!

Can I substitute another sauce for the honey BBQ sauce?

Certainly! You can experiment with teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile while keeping it just as delicious.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy making it, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!