Dinner

Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne for a Quick Dinner Delight! Recipe

ByVictor Layne November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a flavorful and easy dinner that combines tender chicken, smoky seasonings, and a sweet barbecue sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a satisfying meal you can prepare quickly with minimal cleanup.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is penne pasta cooked to a light golden yellow with a soft texture, the middle layer is chunks of grilled chicken showing a slightly charred brown color, and the top layer is a mix of red tomato sauce drizzled over the chicken and pasta, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs for garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1 cup honey barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the honey barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the dish. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors.

Tips & Variations

For extra smokiness, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder along with the smoked paprika.
Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
Swap penne for rigatoni or another pasta shape to mix things up.
Add a handful of spinach or sliced bell peppers during the simmer step for added veggies.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan instead of cheddar or mozzarella for a sharper flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but still tastes great reheated.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with penne pasta mixed with grilled chicken pieces. The pasta is coated in a reddish-orange sauce, giving it a glossy and rich look. The chicken pieces are golden brown with slightly charred edges, scattered evenly on top and mixed within the pasta. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled carefully on the dish, adding a fresh touch. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute penne with other shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The honey BBQ sauce will still add great flavor.