Introduction

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and pasta simmer together in a smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of honey, creating a deliciously saucy dish everyone will love.

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

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Step 4: Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 7: Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Step 8: Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the simmering step for added nutrition.
Substitute chicken broth for water to boost the dish’s depth of flavor.
Use turkey or tofu as an alternative protein to keep it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free varieties.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 65 reviews

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with smoky BBQ sauce, honey, and spices, combined with perfectly simmered penne pasta for a tangy and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta and Sauce

2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnish

Chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in water or chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits and bring to a simmer.
Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add sauce ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until fully combined.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces with the sauce. Let simmer together for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot directly from the pan.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
Ensure you stir occasionally while simmering the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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