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

• One-pan convenience: Enjoy cooking and cleaning up with just one skillet.
• Family-friendly flavor: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and tender chicken appeals to everyone.
• Quick and easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences.
• Perfect for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is simple and straightforward. You’ll find everything you need in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 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

For Garnishing

• Chopped parsley
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use diced turkey or tofu for a lighter option.
• Change up the pasta: Try using whole wheat penne or even gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach during cooking for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a kick that will wake up your taste buds!

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. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing the chicken until it’s golden brown not only enhances its flavor but also locks in moisture. Once cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth into the same skillet. This step is crucial as it helps deglaze the pan by scraping up all those delicious brown bits left behind from searing the chicken. These bits add extra flavor to your dish!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Stir in your honey BBQ sauce along with the optional soy sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Simmering allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to barely cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes while stirring occasionally until your pasta is tender. This method ensures that every piece of pasta absorbs that lovely tangy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken back into your skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so all those wonderful flavors can combine beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Garnish

Give it a taste! Adjust seasonings if needed—perhaps a pinch more salt or pepper? When ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes on top. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some shredded cheese too!

And there you have it! A delightful One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy!

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

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips, and I’m here to help you make this dish even more delicious!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds moisture and flavor. They’re less likely to dry out than chicken breasts, ensuring every bite is juicy.

• Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This will give your dish an exciting flavor boost!

• Stir occasionally: Remember to stir the pasta every few minutes while it simmers. This prevents it from sticking together and ensures even cooking.

• Experiment with veggies: Add in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or frozen peas for extra nutrition and color. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens without changing the essence of the dish.

• Save leftovers wisely: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Presentation can elevate any meal, and this one-pan wonder is no exception! Here are some fun ideas to serve this dish that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Shredded cheese: Add a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top while it’s still warm for a melty finish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy an extra kick, offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table so everyone can customize their heat level.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
• Steamed broccoli: This simple side adds vibrant color and a healthy crunch, balancing the richness of the pasta.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens tossed in a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully.

Now that you’re armed with these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up this delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week without much fuss. You can store leftovers or even prepare the dish in advance to save time on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings in a covered microwave-safe dish for quick reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use other types of pasta for the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat options. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne kid-friendly?

Yes! This dish is great for kids due to its sweet and savory flavors. You can also adjust the spice level by omitting red pepper flakes if preferred.

How can I add more vegetables to my One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

You can easily toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds nutrition but also enhances flavor and color!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s a delightful combination of simplicity and comfort that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe has all the makings of a family favorite. Enjoy every sticky, savory bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with others!