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

Minimal Cleanup: Prepare this delicious meal all in one pan! You’ll spend more time enjoying your food than washing dishes.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish! It’s perfect for those hectic nights when you need to please everyone at the table.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes! Great for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the protein to keep things fresh!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple and wholesome ingredients that make this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne shine. They are easy to find and come together beautifully to create this delicious dish.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz uncooked penne pasta
1 cup honey BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
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
Chopped parsley for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! You can easily make it your own by switching up some ingredients. Here are a few fun variations:

Swap the protein: Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, or try cubed turkey for a different twist!
Add some veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach during the cooking process for extra nutrients.
Go gluten-free: Substitute penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add jalapeños or increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes!

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 hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing until golden brown not only enhances flavor but also locks in moisture. When cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth into the same skillet. This step is crucial as it helps wash away those flavorful brown bits stuck at the bottom from the chicken. Stir well to deglaze while those delicious flavors mingle.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pasta

Stir in your honey BBQ sauce along with soy sauce if you’re using it. Let this mixture simmer for about 2–3 minutes; this allows all those wonderful flavors to deepen. Then add uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to barely cover it—about 1 to 1½ cups should do.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cover your skillet and let everything simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally! This step ensures that your pasta absorbs all that tangy goodness while cooking through perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Once the pasta is tender, return your cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

Give it a taste! Adjust seasoning if needed with more salt or pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and serve with shredded cheese if desired.

Enjoy your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table just like it has at mine!

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

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some pro tips to ensure your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne turns out perfectly every time.

Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken thighs will offer juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option.
Don’t Skip the Deglazing: After searing the chicken, deglazing with broth helps capture all those delicious brown bits stuck to the pan, infusing extra flavor into your dish.
Adjust Liquid Levels: Be mindful of how much water you add when cooking the penne. Just enough to barely cover the pasta ensures that it cooks properly without becoming mushy.
Simmer with a Lid: Covering the skillet while simmering helps trap steam and cook the pasta evenly, leading to a perfect texture without needing extra water.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasoning to suit your preference for a truly personalized flavor experience!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne can elevate its appeal and make mealtime even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present this tasty dish.

Garnishes

Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance flavors and provide that spicy kick.
Shredded cheese: Whether you choose cheddar or mozzarella, adding cheese just before serving creates a melty finish that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your pasta. The buttery garlic flavor complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings in a nutritious element and crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft pasta and tender chicken.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad offers crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, balancing out the richness of your main dish perfectly.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can add crunch and tanginess to your meal, making it an excellent companion to the sweet and smoky flavors of the penne.

Enjoy crafting this delicious meal that not only satisfies cravings but also brings joy to your dining table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not only a delight to eat but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate.
Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish!

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

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I serve with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a heartier dinner.

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

Yes! The sweet and tangy flavors are usually a hit with kids. You can adjust the spices to suit their taste if needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort and smiles around the dinner table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy every sticky, savory bite!