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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a tangy, slightly sweet honey BBQ sauce in a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal.

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

  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.

Notes

For a spicy kick, use a spicier BBQ sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken.

To make it creamy, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce.

Feel free to swap chicken for beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/one-pan-tangy-honey-bbq-chicken-penne/