Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 49 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Sauces: Stir in barbecue sauce and honey, combining well with the sautéed onion and garlic to create a tangy, sweet sauce.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, mixing so the pasta is well coated in the flavorful sauce.
  7. 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.
  8. Preheat Broiler: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler to get ready for the cheese topping.
  9. Add Cheeses: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the pasta and chicken in the pan.
  10. Broil: Place the pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://savorytablerecipes.com/one-pan-tangy-honey-bbq-chicken-penne-recipe/