One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Juicy, golden-seared chicken and penne pasta are tossed in a tangy honey BBQ sauce and cooked together in one pan for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onion (optional, for garnish)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder; add olive oil and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned (chicken need not be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, BBQ sauce, and honey; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked penne, reduce heat to medium–low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet and simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover for 1–2 minutes (or broil briefly) until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less honey depending on your BBQ sauce.
- Add corn, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version—add it in step 4 instead of raw chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: one-pan honey BBQ chicken penne, easy dinner, pasta, chicken, weeknight meal