One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

There are certain recipes that instantly become a staple in our home, and this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is one of them. It all started on a hectic weeknight when I needed something fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing. I wanted a dish that felt a little indulgent but didn’t require endless cleanup or complicated prep work. Enter this recipe—a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that cling beautifully to tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all made in just one pan. The very first time I served it, the kids were practically licking their plates clean, and my husband went back for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this recipe such a hit is how well-balanced the flavors are—the honey brings a subtle sweetness, the BBQ sauce offers its signature smoky tang, and the simple seasonings elevate the dish without overpowering it. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on those nights when you don’t have the energy for an elaborate meal but still want something that feels special. Watching my family devour this dish with happy smiles always makes me feel like a dinnertime superhero. And the best part? Only one pan to wash at the end of it all! This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or when you’re hosting friends who need some serious comfort food.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli would also work great.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce. A smoky or hickory-flavored sauce works particularly well with the honey.

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes! Shrimp, diced turkey breast, or even tofu can be used as alternatives.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just know the pasta may soften slightly when reheated.

How spicy is it?
The recipe is generally mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicier BBQ sauce.

What You Need to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (smoky or hickory style recommended)

⅓ cup honey

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Special equipment:

Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid

Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions start to soften.

Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Mix everything together well.

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully coated and submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Give it a final stir and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot!

Tips for Making the Best One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Don’t overcook the chicken at the beginning; it will continue cooking as the pasta simmers.

Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking.

For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese at the end.

If you like a bit more heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for dinner last night and the whole family devoured it! Love that it only uses one pan.” — Jessica M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy and delicious. Next time I might add a bit more honey to make it extra sweet.” — Mark L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights. My kids even asked for seconds!” — Amanda P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great flavors! I used a spicy BBQ sauce for a little kick, and it turned out amazing.” — Rachel T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is going straight into our regular dinner rotation. So simple and so good!” — Emily K.

Printable Recipe

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