Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Unlock a weeknight wonder with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Succulent chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and savory honey BBQ sauce, then simmered with pasta, creating a cohesive, comforting meal all in a single skillet. This dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
30-35 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Ultimate Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet honey BBQ with savory chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
- Speedy Weeknight Meal: Ready from start to finish in just over 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to all ages.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels or add your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 225 grams (8 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) honey barbecue sauce
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) soy sauce
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, heat 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over medium-high heat. This high heat is crucial for developing a delicious crust on the chicken, which adds depth to the dish.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot oil. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of smoked paprika, and 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) of garlic powder. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it's beautifully browned on all sides, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates rich, savory flavors.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the 240 milliliters (1 cup) of honey BBQ sauce, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of soy sauce, and 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring all the flavors are well combined and the sauce is bubbling slightly.
- Add the 225 grams (8 ounces) of uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet, submerging it as much as possible in the sauce. Stir everything together well to coat the pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and al dente and the sauce has thickened. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
- If desired, evenly sprinkle 60 grams (1/2 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese and/or 60 grams (1/2 cup) of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt for 1 to 2 minutes. The residual heat will perfectly melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer.
- Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if you enjoy a touch of heat. Serve the dish hot directly from the pan and savor the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid (e.g., cast iron or stainless steel)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or stirring spoon
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a proper sear rather than steaming. This develops a crucial layer of flavor.
- Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid. This helps trap steam, which is essential for cooking the pasta evenly and thoroughly in the sauce.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during the simmering phase. This prevents sticking and ensures each piece of penne absorbs the delicious sauce uniformly.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since soy sauce and BBQ sauce already contain sodium.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or even a touch more BBQ sauce if you desire a stronger flavor.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of smoky depth, quickly char a red onion or bell pepper directly in the pan before adding the chicken, then remove and stir back in with the pasta.
- To achieve truly al dente pasta while cooking in sauce, check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cook time. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly off the heat.
- Elevate the flavor profile by deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after browning the chicken, before adding the BBQ sauce and broth. This scrapes up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add 120 grams (1 cup) of frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers along with the pasta for added nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: For a bolder kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while penne is recommended for its ability to hold sauce, other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi would also work well in this one-pan dish. Just ensure they are fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in an additional splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin after the pasta is cooked, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to rapidly thicken it.
Can I use chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders work perfectly in this dish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces just like the thighs or breasts. The cooking time for tenders might be slightly shorter, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Fat: 18g, Carbs: 45g (approximate per serving, without optional cheese)
Allergy Information
Contains gluten (pasta, soy sauce) and may contain dairy (optional cheese). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese.
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