Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

Introduction

Honey BBQ Chicken is a flavorful fusion dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Cover and simmer according to pasta package instructions until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta. Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce if using. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasonings with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
• Swap penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or onions while cooking the chicken for extra veggies and flavor.
• Make your own honey BBQ sauce by mixing barbecue sauce with honey and a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli works well in this recipe. The key is to use pasta that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.

Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken pieces with penne pasta in a sticky, savory-sweet honey BBQ sauce. Using pantry staples and minimal ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The sauce balances sweetness from honey BBQ with smoky paprika and a hint of garlic, delivering satisfying comfort in every bite.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Pasta

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta such as rigatoni or rotini)

Sauce & Flavor

• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
2. Add Liquids and Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the ½ cup chicken broth, 1 cup honey BBQ sauce, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the saucy chicken mixture. Stir well to ensure pasta is coated. Cover and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce, approximately 12-15 minutes. Add a splash of extra water or chicken broth if the mixture gets too thick before the pasta cooks.
4. Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through, give everything a final stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Serve the honey BBQ chicken penne hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting one-pan dish right away!

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for leaner protein.
• Substitute penne with other short pasta shapes such as rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli if preferred.
• Low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the dish balanced and healthy. Regular broth or stock can be used but adjust salt accordingly.
• If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
• This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups; just use a bigger skillet.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, One-Pan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Chicken Penne, BBQ Sauce Recipe