One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Unleash a burst of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors with this incredibly simple one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious BBQ sauce all cooked in a single skillet, promising minimal cleanup and maximum deliciousness. It's the ultimate weeknight warrior, delivering robust flavors without the fuss.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly easy cleanup, thanks to the single-pan method.
- Explosive flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- A comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
- Highly adaptable for adding extra vegetables or adjusting spice levels.
Ingredients
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 500 grams (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 200 grams (2 cups) uncooked penne pasta
- 350 ml (1.5 cups) water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) good quality smoky BBQ sauce
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) honey
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- Freshly chopped parsley or green onions, for optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer, indicating it's ready for searing.
- Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it's golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the water or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits, known as 'fond,' are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
- Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the simmering liquid. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, aromatic sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, folding it into the saucy pasta. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and for the chicken to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the tangy honey BBQ chicken penne hot, directly from the skillet, for an effortless and satisfying meal.
- Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid (30 cm / 12 inch recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients; a crowded pan can lead to uneven cooking.
- Do not skip searing the chicken; this step builds a foundational layer of flavor, and the fond left behind is crucial for the sauce.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back and adjust seasonings if necessary; a dash more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili flakes can make a difference.
- Use a good quality BBQ sauce you enjoy, as it's a primary flavor component of the dish.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer flavor, use a homemade chicken stock instead of water. The depth of flavor it brings will elevate the entire dish.
- Consider marinating the chicken in a little milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes before dicing and searing; this tenderizes the chicken beautifully and keeps it juicy.
- If you like a thicker sauce, once the chicken is returned to the pan, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, allowing more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, a tiny cornstarch slurry (5g cornstarch mixed with 15ml cold water) can be added during the final simmer.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Variations: Feel free to add some diced bell peppers, onions, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of pasta cooking for added vegetables and color. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese would also be delicious.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder, or choose a spicy BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can certainly use other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed, following package directions for al dente, and keep an eye on the liquid level.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of hot water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a very small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir while it heats until thickened.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and even the sauce ahead of time separately. Then, combine and cook the pasta just before serving. The assembled dish can be refrigerated, but the pasta may absorb more sauce upon reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 520, Protein: 35g, Fat: 18g, Carbs: 55g (Estimated per serving)
Allergy Information
Contains gluten (from pasta and potentially Worcestershire sauce) and soy (common in BBQ sauce). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta and verify your BBQ and Worcestershire sauces are gluten-free.
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