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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

5.3 from 22 reviews

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a tangy honey BBQ sauce with smoky spices, then combined with penne pasta in a single pan for a delightful, comforting meal that’s rich in taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 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

Pasta

  • 8 oz uncooked penne pasta

Garnishes

  • Chopped parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the honey BBQ sauce, low-sodium chicken broth, and soy sauce if using. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the tangy sauce.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce mixture. Add a little extra water or broth if needed to just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pan.
  4. Simmer until Pasta is Tender: Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be tender and have absorbed much of the sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Garnish: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the pan for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  6. Serve: Serve hot directly from the pan, spooning the chicken and pasta onto plates. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful one-pan meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
  • If you like spicier dishes, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it reheats well in the microwave.
  • To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, one-pan pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meal, honey BBQ sauce, skillet chicken pasta