One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious, easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and pasta come together in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
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 the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken 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 the uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped 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 combination.
- Swap penne for rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Include vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition; stir them in when simmering the pasta.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and the right texture.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or simply omit it; the BBQ sauce and honey will still provide plenty of flavor.
PrintOne-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender, smoky chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a flavorful BBQ sauce enhanced with honey and Worcestershire sauce. Prepared all in one skillet, it’s a convenient and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 Olive Oil. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken. Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan. In the same skillet, pour in 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits stuck to the skillet.
- Add and Cook the Pasta. Stir in the uncooked 2 cups of penne pasta. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Mix in the Sauce Ingredients. Lower the heat and add ¾ cup smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it thoroughly with the pasta and sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve the dish hot directly from the skillet for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the pasta.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne rigate.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering pasta to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
Keywords: one-pan, BBQ chicken, honey, penne pasta, easy dinner, skillet meal, weeknight recipe
