One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that combines tender seared chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a flavorful smoky BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness from honey. Prepared entirely in one skillet, it’s a convenient and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- 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 Seasoning
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta. Cover and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in ¾ cup smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it well with the pasta and sauce. Let it simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve the dish hot straight from the pan.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for water to add more flavor to the pasta.
- Using smoky BBQ sauce enhances the depth of flavor, but any favorite BBQ sauce can be used.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during step 5.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- This recipe serves well as leftovers and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Keywords: one-pan, BBQ chicken, penne pasta, honey BBQ sauce, quick dinner, easy skillet recipe
