Description
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and easy dinner recipe combining tender chicken, flavorful honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in a single skillet. With a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sauce and pasta: Stir in the honey barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth into the skillet. Then add the uncooked penne pasta and bring the entire mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the pasta: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich consistency.
- Melt the cheese (optional): If you wish to add cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the dish. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne hot, enjoying the flavorful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs will result in a juicier, more flavorful dish compared to chicken breasts.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness; adjust salt to taste.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one pan dinner, honey BBQ chicken, penne pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, skillet recipe
