Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a delicious honey barbecue sauce in a single skillet. With smoky spices and optional cheese toppings, it’s a satisfying, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

1 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

Chopped fresh parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through for maximum flavor.
Add Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the honey barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Then add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. The pasta should be tender and the sauce will thicken during this time.
Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you’d like a cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the dish. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes until gooey and melted.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, top the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Serve the dish hot for a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Notes

Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for juicier chicken.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness, but adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, penne pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, skillet dish