If you’re in the mood for a cozy comfort dish that’s big on flavor but easy enough for a weeknight, One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is absolutely the answer. It’s a true crowd-pleaser: juicy chicken bites, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious honey BBQ sauce, all coming together in a single pan for an irresistibly sweet, smoky, and savory combination. Every bite bursts with flavor and the minimal cleanup means you can sit back and actually enjoy dinnertime. One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is weeknight magic at its finest!

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe brings its own charm, from the rich BBQ sauce to the creamy cheddar topper. These simple components combine to create a dish that’s bold, balanced, and downright delicious.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces cut into bites so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Penne pasta: Uncooked, because it’ll soak up all that glorious sauce directly in the pan for extra flavor.
Honey BBQ sauce: Brings the bold, tangy-sweet signature flavor to tie everything together.
Olive oil: Helps create the golden sear on your chicken and adds subtle richness.
Chicken broth: Adds extra savory flavor and ensures the pasta cooks up tender and juicy.
Soy sauce (optional): A dash of umami if you want a deeper, more savory profile—but it’s totally up to you!
Smoked paprika: Provides depth and a gentle smokiness for that extra BBQ vibe.
Garlic powder: A little goes a long way for irresistible aroma and flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste; these basics ensure all the other flavors shine.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that pops against the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Perfect if you like a subtle, spicy kick.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, irresistible finish.

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let each piece get a gorgeous golden-brown crust—that brief sear locks in all the juices and gives amazing flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through and temptingly browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside while you build your sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Without touching that heat dial, pour chicken broth into your skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom—these add incredible depth to your sauce. Now, stir in the star of the show: honey BBQ sauce, plus soy sauce if you’re using it. Let the mixture bubble and simmer for a couple of minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.

Step 3: Cook the Penne

Add your uncooked penne straight into the pan, then pour in just enough water (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups) until it’s barely covered. Give everything a good stir. Cover the pan, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to give it an occasional stir so nothing sticks—and watch as the pasta soaks up all the incredible, tangy honey BBQ flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Once the penne is tender and the sauce has thickened (it’ll be glossy and fragrant), add your chicken back into the pan. Toss well so every piece is coated in saucy goodness. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes—just enough for the flavors to mingle and the whole dish to get piping hot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Take the pan off the heat and top your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with a healthy sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella, chopped parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve immediately and watch the cheese melt into gooey perfection!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Garnishes

The finishing touches make this dish sing! Try scattered fresh parsley for brightness, melted cheddar or mozzarella for richness, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little spice. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

This hearty penne is a complete meal on its own, but a crisp salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or some fluffy garlic bread make excellent sides. Each adds freshness or crunch to balance out the saucy, cheesy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style vibe, or portion it into individual bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. For a special occasion, try spooning it into a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and popping it under the broiler for a quick melt and golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, still moist and flavorful for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled penne into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve those lovely saucy textures and robust flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it looks dry. Give it a good stir and finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully for soaking up the tangy honey BBQ sauce, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni are all great alternatives that will hold the sauce just as well.

Is this dish spicy?

By default, One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne has a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor. If you like some heat, simply add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese to keep it creamy without any dairy. The dish will still be absolutely packed with flavor.

How do I make this gluten-free?

All you need to do is swap in a gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. It’ll be just as satisfying and safe for gluten-free eaters.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

You can! Simply skip the initial searing step and add your diced, cooked chicken back into the pan with the penne during the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking to warm it through and mingle all those flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne enough—it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and effortless clean-up in one pan. If you’re ready for a meal that brings everyone running to the table, give this recipe a try tonight. Your taste buds (and your kitchen sink) will thank you!

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up brown bits.
Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add uncooked penne and enough water to barely cover pasta (about 1 to 1½ cups).
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Return chicken to skillet. Stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add garnishes if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan
Cuisine: American