Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and delicious dinner option that combines tender chicken, flavorful honey barbecue sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in a single skillet. With a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this easy skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with cheese and fresh herbs for extra flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Optional Toppings

Chopped fresh parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Brown the Chicken: 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 the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through and develops a nice sear for flavor.
Add Sauces and Pasta: Stir in the honey barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and chicken broth to the browned chicken. Next, add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet and bring the entire mixture to a boil, which helps begin cooking the pasta in the flavored liquid.
Simmer with Lid On: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the pasta to cook through and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Optional Cheese Melt: If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes, creating a creamy and cheesy finish.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, 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 harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs based on preference.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness but regular broth can be used.
The dish can be made dairy-free by omitting the optional cheese toppings.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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