Introduction

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a perfect weeknight meal that combines smoky barbecue flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a deliciously tangy and sweet taste that the whole family 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 from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze and lift any browned bits.
Step 4: Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Once pasta is cooked, 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 allow flavors to blend.
Step 7: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Step 8: Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken broth instead of water for more depth of flavor in the pasta.
Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli to change the texture and hold more sauce.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in some sautéed bell peppers or onions for added vegetables.
For a smoky touch, try using smoked BBQ sauce or add a bit more smoked paprika.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

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 chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before dicing and proceeding with the recipe to ensure it cooks properly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. Be sure to check that your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 371 reviews

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and sweet honey in a creamy pasta dish that’s cooked entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish balances savory and sweet flavors with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic powder, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser.

Author: zara
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, to taste
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

Instructions

Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
Sear chicken: Add diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Deglaze skillet: Pour water or chicken broth into the same skillet and bring to a simmer while scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits for added flavor.
Cook pasta: Stir in uncooked penne pasta, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta becomes tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add sauce ingredients: Reduce heat and mix BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder into the skillet, combining thoroughly with the pasta.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Garnish and serve: Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

Using chicken broth instead of water will enhance the flavor of the dish.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the smoked paprika.
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or grated cheese after simmering the sauce.
Ensure the pasta is covered with liquid while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey BBQ chicken, one-pan pasta, penne recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken pasta, smoky BBQ sauce, weeknight meal