Introduction

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with smoky BBQ sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a satisfying dish that comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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
Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze any browned bits.
Step 4: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Step 8: Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce.
Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a creamier dish, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end.
Use chicken broth instead of water to enhance the depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before dicing and cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts seared and combined with creamy penne pasta cooked right in the skillet. The dish is flavored with a smoky BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, this meal is a flavorful, fuss-free option for a weeknight dinner.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

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

Pasta and 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

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Deglaze the pan: In the same skillet, pour in water or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Use a spoon to scrape and loosen the browned bits from the pan bottom to add flavor.
Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the sauce ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until everything is combined evenly.
Combine chicken and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix well with the pasta and sauce, allowing the flavors to blend by simmering gently for 2–3 minutes.
Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired to add freshness and color.
Serve: Serve the dish hot directly from the skillet for an easy and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
You can substitute penne with other short pasta such as rigatoni or ziti.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: One-Pan Chicken, BBQ Chicken Pasta, Honey BBQ Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Skillet Dinner, Penne Pasta Recipe