One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
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.
- 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
