Some recipes have a way of instantly pulling you back to a cherished moment, and One‑Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne does exactly that for me. It’s the kind of dish that quietly steals the show—not with flashy ingredients, but with soul-warming flavors and simplicity. I first made this meal on a crisp autumn evening. The kind where the sun slips away early, and you crave something hearty to chase away the chill. I had a fridge full of chicken and not much else, so I decided to improvise. That night, the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce combined with the richness of honey and the comforting chew of penne pasta became a family favorite.
It’s more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a reminder of how a few pantry staples can create something unexpectedly delightful. The one-pan magic means less mess, and the flavors remind you of summer BBQs, even when it’s snowing outside. It’s been a hit at casual dinners, potlucks, and even as a quick meal after soccer practice. The blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors paired with perfectly cooked pasta gives this recipe a balanced depth that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet—from sautéing to simmering.
- Flavor-Packed: The honey BBQ sauce delivers smoky, sweet, and tangy notes all in one.
- Quick and Family-Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, loved by both adults and kids.
- Perfectly Saucy: Pasta cooks in the same pan, absorbing all the rich flavors.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, swap in your favorite cheese, or spice it up.
- Comfort Food Classic: Like a summer BBQ wrapped in a cozy winter dinner.
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Sweet & Smoky Comfort Meal in 30 Minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Some recipes have a way of instantly pulling you back to a cherished moment, and One‑Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne does exactly that for me. It’s the kind of dish that quietly steals the show—not with flashy ingredients, but with soul-warming flavors and simplicity. I first made this meal on a crisp autumn evening. The kind where the sun slips away early, and you crave something hearty to chase away the chill. I had a fridge full of chicken and not much else, so I decided to improvise. That night, the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce combined with the richness of honey and the comforting chew of penne pasta became a family favorite.
It’s more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a reminder of how a few pantry staples can create something unexpectedly delightful. The one-pan magic means less mess, and the flavors remind you of summer BBQs, even when it’s snowing outside. It’s been a hit at casual dinners, potlucks, and even as a quick meal after soccer practice. The blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors paired with perfectly cooked pasta gives this recipe a balanced depth that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup honey BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teapoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side without moving it too much—this helps develop a deep, golden-brown crust that boosts flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
After the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a clean plate, leaving behind the tasty brown bits stuck to the skillet. This is where the magic starts. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful residue. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce, if using, and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will start to bubble and thicken slightly, forming a rich base.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Next, stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Pour just enough water to cover the pasta—usually around 1 to 1½ cups. Stir well, making sure all the pasta is submerged and coated in the sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This is when the dish comes together—the sauce thickens, the flavors blend, and the chicken soaks up that delicious BBQ essence.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in shredded cheese and let it melt over the hot pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Notes
This dish is easy to double for a crowd and holds up well for leftovers. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great meal-prep option. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper
How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side without moving it too much—this helps develop a deep, golden-brown crust that boosts flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
After the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a clean plate, leaving behind the tasty brown bits stuck to the skillet. This is where the magic starts. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful residue. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce, if using, and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will start to bubble and thicken slightly, forming a rich base.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Next, stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Pour just enough water to cover the pasta—usually around 1 to 1½ cups. Stir well, making sure all the pasta is submerged and coated in the sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. This is when the dish comes together—the sauce thickens, the flavors blend, and the chicken soaks up that delicious BBQ essence.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in shredded cheese and let it melt over the hot pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Use a deep skillet with a lid for even cooking and minimal mess.
- Stir pasta every 4–5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or corn in Step 3 for variety.
- Swap BBQ sauces depending on your preference—sweet, spicy, or smoky.
DETAILS
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten, dairy-optional
NOTES
This dish is easy to double for a crowd and holds up well for leftovers. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great meal-prep option. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook, cool, and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
What if I don’t have penne?
Rotini, rigatoni, or shells work just as well. Stick to similar cooking times.
How do I make it spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or red chili flakes.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in mozzarella or cheddar at the end for gooey, melty deliciousness.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely before freezing in zip-top bags or containers.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you loved this, try these cheesy skillet favorites:
- Cozy Comfort in a Skillet: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta – A Creamy, Sweet-Heat Southern Classic
- Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy, Comforting Pasta You’ll Crave
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first time making One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne or it’s already a household favorite, this recipe is bound to leave a lasting impression. It captures everything we love about comfort food—simple, flavorful, hearty—and elevates it with ease and warmth. So light a candle, pour a drink, and enjoy a meal that feels like a hug on a plate.