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.
Ingredients
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
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