If you’re craving a comforting, bold, and fuss-free dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup, look no further than One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. This dish has everything you want in a weeknight meal: juicy chicken, smoky and sweet BBQ sauce, a gentle hint of heat, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cozied up in a single skillet. The flavors meld together beautifully, and each bite offers a perfect balance of tender meat, saucy pasta, and bright, punchy seasonings. You’re going to fall in love at first forkful!

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients—each one brings a punch of flavor, a pop of color, or the perfect texture. Here’s the lineup you need to make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne totally irresistible.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for quicker cooking and maximum tenderness—cut them into bite-sized pieces for speedy searing.
Penne pasta: Uncooked penne soaks up all those mouthwatering flavors right in the skillet for a one-pan wonder.
Honey BBQ sauce: This is the flavor hero—it brings tang, sweetness, and that signature BBQ smokiness.
Olive oil: Use for sautéing the chicken and building a beautiful golden sear.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth, plus it works its magic to deglaze the pan and absorb all those flavorful bits.
Soy sauce (optional): For an extra punch of umami and subtle saltiness—add it for deeper flavor.
Smoked paprika: This spice brings a warm, smoky undertone that lifts the BBQ to new heights.
Garlic powder: Just a little goes a long way to round out the sauce with mellow, aromatic notes.
Salt and pepper: Season all the way through for the brightest, most balanced flavor.
Chopped parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds pop and freshness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch spices things up—perfect for those who like a little kick.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection and ties everything together.

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a nice, big non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let each piece sear until golden brown and cooked through—don’t rush this part! The caramelized bits that stick to the pan will give your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne loads of flavor. Once the chicken’s done, scoop it out and keep it on a plate nearby.

Step 2: Deglaze the Skillet

Pour in the chicken broth while the skillet is still hot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any of those beautiful brown bits from the bottom—this is where all the flavor lives! This quick step creates the saucy base for everything to come, setting the stage for that irresistible tang you want in every bite.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce

Add the honey BBQ sauce and, if you’re using it, the soy sauce. Let the mixture simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, bubbling away and blending into a deeply flavorful, sweet-and-smoky sauce. Give it a little taste to make sure it has just the right level of zing and tanginess for you.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Water

Pour in your uncooked penne, and then add enough water (about 1 to 1½ cups) to just barely cover the pasta. This is the magic of the one-pan approach—your pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every drop of BBQ-spiked goodness as it softens. Give it a gentle stir to settle everything in.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. The pasta will plump up, the sauce will thicken, and the kitchen will be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma! Check a noodle at 12 minutes to see if it’s cooked to your liking; the goal is al dente perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Combine

Return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the pan. Stir well and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the flavors one last chance to mingle, and your chicken will be even juicier than before.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Give One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne a quick taste test. Need more salt or pepper? A pinch more smoked paprika? Adjust as desired, then turn off the heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and a shower of shredded cheese. Let that cheese melt and mingle before serving!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Garnishes

You can truly make this dish your own just by switching up the garnishes. A generous handful of fresh chopped parsley brings color and brightness. For heat-lovers, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is a must. And don’t hold back on the shredded cheddar or mozzarella—melted cheese makes every bite of One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne dreamy and indulgent.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, pair One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with crisp, cool sides. Think: a simple arugula salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, or steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeling extra, garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect to help soak up every bit of that delicious BBQ sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Spoon your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne into little ramekins and top with a broiled cheese crust for a dinner-party-worthy touch. Or serve it family-style in the skillet at the table, so everyone can dive in and help themselves. Either way, the colors and aromas are irresistible—this is comfort food meant to be shared!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Just pop any leftover One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious than tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, allow the penne to cool completely. Scoop into freezer-friendly containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal, your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will be ready and waiting.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Top with a bit of extra cheese if you want to freshen things up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even ziti—just watch your liquid amounts and add more broth or water if needed as different shapes may cook at different rates.

What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss in a diced jalapeño when you sauté the chicken. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for a bold kick!

Can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just skip directly to making the sauce, add your cooked chicken at the end when you combine everything, and allow a few minutes for the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta and check that your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free versions, your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne can easily be made gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin at the end?

No worries! If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water and stir to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that combines comfort, flavor, and convenience, you simply have to try making One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. It’s the kind of dish that wows both family and guests, and you’ll love how easy cleanup is. Grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a one-pan pasta night soon—you won’t regret it!

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in one skillet. The tangy sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up brown bits.
Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add uncooked penne and enough water to barely cover pasta (about 1 to 1½ cups).

Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Return chicken to skillet. Stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add garnishes if desired.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: American