One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne — Sweet, Smoky, and Ready in Minutes

There’s something deeply comforting about a dinner that comes together in one pan — minimal cleanup, big flavor, and that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. When you make One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, you’re not just throwing ingredients together; you’re creating a weeknight miracle. The first time I made it, I wasn’t expecting it to taste this good — sweet, smoky, and perfectly saucy, just the way a home-cooked comfort dish should be.

If you’ve ever wanted a meal that feels like barbecue season met pasta night, this one’s for you. Juicy bites of chicken mingle with penne pasta, all coated in a sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce that clings to every curve of the noodles. You’ll love how it satisfies your craving for something bold yet balanced — and you’ll only need one pan to do it.

What Makes This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne So Special

You might have tried other one-pot pastas, but this one hits differently. The magic lies in how the pasta cooks directly in the sauce. Instead of boiling separately, the penne soaks up every bit of that tangy, smoky BBQ flavor as it softens. It’s like the pasta becomes a sponge for deliciousness.

The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a perfect harmony — not too sweet, not too tangy, and just a touch of spice. You get the familiar comfort of barbecue chicken, but with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner after work.

If you love smoky flavors, the addition of smoked paprika or chipotle BBQ sauce can take it to another level. For a creamier twist, toss in a bit of cheddar or mozzarella right before serving — that melting cheese turns the sauce into a glossy, irresistible glaze.

One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

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• Author: Maha Al-Sayed
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and sweet honey in one skillet for a flavorful, mess-free dinner. With pasta that cooks directly in the sauce, it’s creamy, saucy, and ready in under 40 minutes — the perfect weeknight comfort food.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

• Optional add-ins: ½cup corn kernels, ½ diced bell pepper, or a handful of baby spinach

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Instructions

• Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

• Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic (and optional vegetables). Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

• Add pasta and liquids: Stir in uncooked penne, chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Mix well, scraping the bottom of the pan.

• Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

• Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

• Add cheese (optional): Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Adjust sweetness by reducing honey or using a tangier BBQ sauce.

For a spicier version, add cayenne or chipotle powder.

The dish thickens as it cools — add a splash of broth if reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One Pan / Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 ½ cups)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for your One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite smoky or hickory-style)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Optional add-ins: ½ cup corn kernels, ½ diced bell pepper, or a handful of baby spinach for a veggie boost.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides — about five to seven minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet; they’ll finish in the sauce.

Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the chicken and, in the same skillet, add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant — it should smell amazing after about 30 seconds. If you’re adding veggies like bell peppers or corn, toss them in now to get a little caramelization going.

Build the Sauce and Simmer

Add the uncooked penne to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom to release all the flavorful bits left by the chicken. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the sauce and thicken naturally. When the pasta is nearly al dente, return the chicken to the skillet and let it finish cooking in the sauce for another 3–5 minutes.

Add the Finishing Touches

If you want a creamier texture, stir in the shredded cheese and cover until melted. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions, and your one-pan dinner is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is bold enough to stand on its own, but pairing it smartly makes it shine even brighter. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly. You could also serve it with warm garlic bread or cornbread to soak up any extra BBQ sauce — trust me, you’ll want to.

If you’re serving guests, a light side like coleslaw adds a cool crunch that complements the smoky pasta beautifully. For casual nights, a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade fits the Southern BBQ vibe just right.

Dietary Variations & Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different dietary needs without losing flavor.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne made from rice or chickpeas. Just watch the cook time — some GF pastas soften faster.

Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or swap in a plant-based version that melts well. The BBQ and honey combination still delivers plenty of richness.

Vegan: Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based “chicken” pieces. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and choose a vegan BBQ sauce.

Low-Calorie: Go light on the honey, reduce cheese, and use lean chicken breast. You can also add more vegetables to bulk it up while keeping calories in check.

Halal or Kosher: Use certified halal or kosher chicken and make sure the BBQ sauce meets dietary standards.

No matter which version you try, the tangy-sweet BBQ flavor remains the star.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers of One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne taste just as good the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce before microwaving or warming on the stove.

If you’d like to freeze it, portion it into meal-sized containers and let it cool completely before sealing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently — the pasta might soften slightly, but the flavors deepen beautifully over time.

This dish also works great for meal prep. You can cook it on Sunday night, store it in the fridge, and enjoy flavorful lunches all week.

When it comes to comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love, One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne checks every box. It’s smoky, sweet, satisfying, and simple — the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation — because some meals just deserve to be repeated.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use rotisserie or leftover chicken. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it heats through without drying out. It’s a great shortcut for making One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne even faster.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky or hickory-style BBQ sauce pairs best with the honey and chicken. If you prefer a bolder flavor, go for a tangy chipotle or spicy BBQ blend. The key is using a sauce that balances sweetness and acidity.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. It keeps its flavor and creamy texture beautifully.

How can I make this dish less sweet?

If you want less sweetness, reduce the honey to one tablespoon and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce. You can also add a dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for more tang.

Is One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne freezer-friendly?

Yes, this recipe freezes well for up to two months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.