Introduction

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet, dinner comes together quickly without the mess.

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 and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Step 4: Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 7: Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Step 8: Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
For extra smokiness, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked chili powder.
Try substituting penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for a creamier sauce.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

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 proper texture.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a small amount of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 76 reviews

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared with smoked paprika, then combined with penne pasta simmered in savory broth, and finished off with a smoky BBQ sauce blended with honey and Worcestershire for a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy taste. Ready in just one pan, it minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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)
1½ 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

Instructions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Deglaze the pan: In the same skillet, pour in 1½ cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon to loosen any browned bits, which adds flavor to the dish.
Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Cover the skillet and let the pasta simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in ¾ cup of smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve the dish hot, straight from the skillet for a comforting and hassle-free meal.

Notes

Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
Adjust the level of honey and BBQ sauce to suit your taste preference for sweetness or tanginess.
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering the pasta to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the skillet.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: one-pan chicken penne, BBQ chicken pasta, honey BBQ chicken, quick dinner, easy skillet meal