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

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal even on the busiest nights.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash later—more time to relax!
Family-Friendly: The sweet and tangy flavors are sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home.
Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. You probably already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

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 garnish
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, optional

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option or try turkey or tofu for something different.
Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach while cooking for an extra boost of nutrition.
Change the pasta shape: Penne is great, but any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works well too!
Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some diced 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

First things first—heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Searing until golden brown not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken that lovely golden color we all crave!

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once your chicken is cooked through and set aside, pour in the chicken broth. This step is important as it helps deglaze the pan by scraping up all those tasty brown bits left from searing the chicken. Those bits add so much flavor to your sauce!

Step 3: Create Your Sauce

Stir in your honey BBQ sauce along with soy sauce (if using). Let this simmer for about 2–3 minutes so that all those flavors meld together perfectly. The sauce will become rich and flavorful—just wait till you smell it!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add your uncooked penne! Pour enough water to barely cover the pasta (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes while stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente. This step is key as it allows the penne to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return your seared chicken back into the skillet with the pasta. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another couple of minutes. This allows all those flavors to combine beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches

Give everything a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick! If you want cheesy goodness, top your dish with shredded cheddar or mozzarella while it’s still hot.

And there you have it—your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is ready to be served! Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones; I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!

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

To ensure your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne turns out delicious every time, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality honey BBQ sauce will enhance the flavor of your dish. The freshness brings out the best in every bite, making it much more enjoyable.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper. This adds depth and excitement to your meal, catering to your taste preferences.
Don’t skip deglazing: Scraping up the brown bits from the skillet after cooking the chicken builds incredible flavor in the sauce. This technique adds richness and complexity that makes each mouthful delightful.
Cover while simmering: Covering the pan while cooking the pasta ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs all those lovely flavors. It creates a steamy environment that helps soften the penne perfectly.
Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different cheeses or fresh herbs as toppings! They can add layers of flavor and texture, making each serving unique and exciting.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving this dish is all about presentation and complementing its warm, comforting flavors! Here are some ideas on how to make your dinner table shine.

Garnishes

Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the flavors with its fresh aroma.
Shredded cheese: Adding extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top just before serving creates a gooey layer that melts beautifully over the warm pasta.
Sliced green onions: These bring a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering it, adding a nice crunch as well.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread: A classic side that pairs perfectly with any pasta dish. The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the sticky BBQ sauce wonderfully.
Steamed broccoli: A simple yet nutritious option that adds color and texture. Its slight bitterness balances out the sweetness of the sauce.
Caesar salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken penne.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw provide a delightful textural contrast, enhancing your meal experience while keeping it light.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will not only be delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week without any hassle. You can make a big batch ahead of time or store extras for quick lunches or dinners.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Make sure the dish has cooled down completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I use whole wheat penne in the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! Whole wheat penne adds extra fiber and nutrition while still absorbing all that delightful BBQ flavor.

How can I adjust the spice level in One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

You can easily customize the spice level by adding more crushed red pepper flakes for heat or omitting them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use turkey or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding them back into the dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne finds its way into your kitchen and your heart! Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it such a special dish to share with family and friends. Enjoy every sticky, savory bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!