Nothing says comfort food like a delicious pasta dish that comes together quickly and packs a punch of flavor. The One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—rich, saucy, and vibrant with a perfect balance of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet honey that clings to tender chicken pieces and al dente penne. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also makes cleanup a breeze, letting you spend more time enjoying the meal and less time scrubbing pots. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite weeknight go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet incredibly effective in building layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the savory chicken to the creamy cheeses melting on top—bringing together a colorful, comforting dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites packed with flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the other flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Barbecue sauce (1 ½ cups): The heart of the tangy flavor that makes this pasta so irresistible.
- Honey (½ cup): Balances the tang of the BBQ sauce with a luscious natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds moisture and a subtle savory undertone.
- Water (1 cup): Helps cook the penne evenly in the sauce.
- Penne pasta, uncooked (12 oz): Picks up the sauce beautifully with its tube shape and adds a satisfying bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy, gooey perfection on top.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Brings a sharper flavor and golden-bubbly finish under the broiler.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Offers a pop of fresh color and a mild herbaceous note to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, which enhances their natural flavor and creates a savory base. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor that really makes this dish shine.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Remove the chicken from the pan to avoid overcooking. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic releases its heavenly fragrance. These aromatics build a foundation of flavor that blends beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Mix in Barbecue Sauce and Honey
Now stir in the barbecue sauce and honey, melding together the tangy and sweet components that define this recipe. Mixing these ingredients with the sautéed onion and garlic allows the flavors to meld and deepen before adding liquids and pasta.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Return Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and water, giving everything a good stir to combine. Then, return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they’re submerged in the flavorful sauce base. This liquid blend is key to cooking the pasta perfectly right in the sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Penne Pasta
Add the uncooked penne to the skillet, stirring well to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. This ensures that every bite will be bursting with BBQ-infused deliciousness. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it cooks, taking on beautifully rich flavor throughout.
Step 6: Simmer until Pasta is Perfect
Bring the skillet mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. This slow simmer is the magic that makes the penne tender yet perfectly al dente, while thickening the sauce to luscious consistency.
Step 7: Broil with Cheese
While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler. Once the pasta is ready, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the dish in the pan. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection and adds a creamy finish to the tangy honey BBQ chicken and pasta.
Step 8: Garnish and Rest
Remove your skillet from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce settle and the flavors meld even further. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. Your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is ready to serve and delight everyone at the table.
How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate this dish, I recommend adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a refreshing pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant sauce and cheese. You can even add a light drizzle of extra honey or BBQ sauce on top if you’re feeling adventurous, adding an extra layer of sweet and tangy flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty, rich pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that complement without overwhelming. Consider a crisp garden salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or even a simple coleslaw. These options bring brightness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet, encouraging everyone to scoop generous portions right onto their plates. Alternatively, transfer to individual oven-safe bowls before broiling the cheese for impressive single servings. This makes it both practical and visually inviting for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight, making your post-meal lunches completely irresistible.
Freezing
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe freezes well but keep in mind the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce inside its tubes, other sturdy pastas like rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli would work beautifully with the tangy honey BBQ sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure to season well so it absorbs the delicious BBQ flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it?
Definitely! Prepare the entire recipe up to broiling the cheese, then cool and refrigerate. When ready, sprinkle the cheese on and broil just before serving for that freshly melted topping.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce, you can create a quick substitute by mixing ketchup, a splash of vinegar, a bit of honey, smoked paprika, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic that sweet and tangy flavor profile.
How spicy is this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe?
This recipe leans toward mild and sweet thanks to the honey and BBQ sauce. If you prefer some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the sauce-making step.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is a bright, comforting dish that brings together the best of sweet, tangy, and cheesy goodness with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without complicated steps or excessive cleanup. I’m so excited for you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to that your whole family will ask for again and again!
Print
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken pieces, smoky barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Finished with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese under the broiler and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce & Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (375ml) barbecue sauce
- ½ cup (125ml) honey
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, developing a nice crust.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, building the base of the sauce.
- Add Sauces: Stir in barbecue sauce and honey, combining well with the sautéed onion and garlic to create a tangy, sweet sauce.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and water, stir thoroughly, then return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are coated in sauce.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, mixing so the pasta is well coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
- Preheat Broiler: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler to get ready for the cheese topping.
- Add Cheeses: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the pasta and chicken in the pan.
- Broil: Place the pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden.
- Rest & Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the tangy honey BBQ chicken penne hot and enjoy this hearty, one-pan meal with your family or friends.
Notes
- Ensure the pan you use is oven-safe for broiling the cheese topping directly in it.
- Stirring occasionally while simmering prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- You can customize the barbecue sauce to your preferred flavor profile (mild, smoky, spicy).
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to provide a fresh, herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
