One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
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.
- 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
