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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savor the delicious flavors of this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, a quick and easy meal that combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a comforting dish with a tangy-sweet twist that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta & 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

Garnish

  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough to sear the chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth into the same skillet to deglaze. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift any caramelized bits which add flavor to the dish. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked 2 cups of penne pasta, making sure the pasta is submerged in the simmering liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the pasta to cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in ¾ cup smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce and pasta mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dish hot straight from the skillet for easy cleanup and a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra depth of flavor to the pasta.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to avoid sticking to the skillet.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the seasonings.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta and checking the BBQ sauce ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: one-pan meal, BBQ chicken pasta, honey BBQ chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, penne pasta recipe

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/one-pan-tangy-honey-bbq-chicken-penne-recipe/