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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/honey-bbq-chicken-penne-recipe/