One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of smoky sweetness. The honey BBQ sauce coats the chicken and pasta, infusing every bite with delicious flavors. It’s quick, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With the option to add cheese and garnishes, this dish is customizable and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Protein & Pasta:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)

For the Sauce & Flavor:

• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade for extra flair)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds depth and helps create the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, but adds a savory balance to the sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances the BBQ profile)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped parsley (for a pop of freshness)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for a melty finish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides.
3. Create the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add the garlic powder, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and soy sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse the chicken with flavor.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the BBQ sauce. If needed, add a little more chicken broth to help coat the pasta and keep everything moist.
5. Serve: Once the pasta is well combined with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the pasta and cover the pan with a lid for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have penne, use other types of short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini.
• Spicy Kick: For an added kick, use a spicier BBQ sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Swap Chicken for Beef: If you prefer beef, swap the chicken for beef stew meat or ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce to make it creamy and richer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even ground turkey or beef, depending on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe itself can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Make sure the BBQ sauce and soy sauce are also gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce will add even more flavor and personalization to the dish. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke can also work to give the dish a smoky flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Can I add cheese to the dish?

Yes, adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella will melt beautifully over the warm pasta, giving it a delicious creamy texture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, you can use other types of short pasta, such as rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Any short pasta will work well for this dish.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when it is no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with tender chicken and pasta, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re adding cheese, spice, or extra veggies, this one-pan dish will quickly become a family favorite!

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