One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

satisfying one-pan dinner that brings together tender chicken, al dente penne, and a sweet-smoky honey BBQ sauce—all in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish perfectly balances the natural sweetness of honey with the tang and smokiness of your favourite BBQ sauce. The sauce clings beautifully to each piece of chicken and noodle, ensuring every bite is flavourful. Since everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is minimal, making this an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Penne pasta

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Small onion, finely chopped

• BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory style recommended)

• Honey

• Chicken broth

• Soy sauce

• Smoked paprika

• Black pepper

• Salt (adjust to taste)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sauté until browned but not fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.

3. Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, chicken broth, and soy sauce until the mixture is uniform.

4. Add the uncooked penne, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

6. Remove from heat and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 6 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for extra heat.

• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) just before serving.

• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, diced turkey breast, or firm tofu.

• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach in step 3 for additional colour and nutrition.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave covered for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne is ideal because its ridges and tube shape hold the sauce well, but rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli are excellent alternatives.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work equally well and often yield a slightly juicier result.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free penne and substitute soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free alternative.

How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the honey by half and choose a tangier BBQ sauce. You may also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You may chop the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, but for best texture, cook the pasta just before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Freeze in single-portion containers. Note that the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure the pasta remains covered by the liquid. Using a non-stick skillet can also help.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables provide a lovely contrast to the rich pasta.

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Certainly. Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to adjust sweetness and smokiness to your preference.

What garnish works well?

Freshly chopped parsley adds brightness, but you may also use chives or cilantro.

Conclusion

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and savoury flavours in a single skillet. Its simplicity, minimal cleanup, and adaptability for various proteins and spice levels ensure it will become a reliable favourite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike. Enjoy

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