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 one pan and 30 minutes, dinner is served without the fuss!
Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and tangy flavors; it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Minimal Cleanup: Less time washing dishes means more time spent with your loved ones after dinner.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe with what you have on hand or your family’s favorites.
Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of BBQ sauce and pasta creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! You probably have most of them in your kitchen already.

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 some heat
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using diced turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
Change the pasta shape: If you don’t have penne on hand, any short pasta like rotini or fusilli will work just as well.
Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because searing the chicken creates that beautiful golden-brown crust while locking in moisture. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Deglaze with Broth

Next up is deglazing! Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth into the same skillet. Scraping up those delicious brown bits left behind from cooking the chicken adds depth to your sauce. Stir gently and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Pasta

Now comes the fun part! Stir in your honey BBQ sauce along with soy sauce if you’re using it. Let this simmer together for just a couple of minutes—this melds all those amazing flavors together beautifully. Then add your uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to barely cover it (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your penne is perfectly al dente, return your seared chicken back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine all those gorgeous flavors together. Simmer for another couple of minutes so everything can mingle nicely.

Step 5: Final Touches

Finally, taste your creation! Adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or even some crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like more heat. Serve hot topped with chopped parsley and shredded cheese if desired.

And there you have it—your very own One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne ready to enjoy!

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

Creating a delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use high-quality BBQ sauce: A good honey BBQ sauce makes all the difference in flavor. Opt for one that is free from artificial additives for a cleaner taste.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing the chicken in batches if necessary ensures it cooks evenly and develops a lovely brown crust, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Adjust pasta cooking time: Since different brands and types of penne may have varying cooking times, be sure to check your pasta for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time to prevent overcooking.
Add veggies for extra nutrition: Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added with the chicken for a pop of color and additional nutrients, making your meal even more well-rounded.
Save some cheese for topping: If you sprinkle shredded cheese on top just before serving, it melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of richness that everyone will love.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Serving this dish is all about creating an inviting presentation that highlights its vibrant flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal feel special!

Garnishes

Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding red pepper flakes gives it an extra kick.
Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows diners to add a splash of citrus for balance, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the flavors of the dish perfectly and is great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Steamed broccoli: This nutritious side adds color and crunch, providing a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta.
Caesar salad without anchovies: Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing balance to the rich pasta.
Coleslaw: A light cabbage slaw can add crunch and zest, making it a great accompaniment that pairs well with BBQ flavors.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will not only be delicious but also visually appealing and satisfying! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Here’s how to keep your delicious dish fresh.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, check the flavor and seasoning, as they may need a little adjustment after refrigeration.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne without chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with plant-based proteins or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option.

How do I adjust the spiciness of One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

You can control the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small amount and increase it according to your spice preference!

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may differ slightly.

Is One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne suitable for kids?

Definitely! This dish is kid-friendly with its sweet and savory flavors. Adjust the spice level if needed to suit younger palates.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comfort and flavor that brings everyone together at the table. Enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every sticky, savory bite!