One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, each groove cradling a luscious, tangy honey BBQ sauce. Tender pieces of chicken mingle with the pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate in a sweet and savory harmony.

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a comforting embrace of deliciousness that’s ready in under an hour. Think of it as the ultimate weeknight dinner hero, rescuing you from the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” dilemma with a guaranteed smile on everyone’s face.

• Effortless cleanup with just one pan for cooking and minimal dishes.
• A delightful fusion of sweet honey and smoky BBQ tang, irresistible for all palates.
• Vibrant colors and textures make it as visually appealing as it is scrumptious.
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Ingredients for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Penne Pasta Use your favorite brand of penne pasta; its ridged surface is perfect for grabbing onto that delicious sauce.
• Chicken Breast Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces are best. They cook quickly and evenly in the pan.
• Honey Adds a natural sweetness to the BBQ sauce, balancing out the tang and creating a lovely glaze.
• BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite BBQ sauce as a base; the better the sauce, the better the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar This adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey, ensuring the sauce isn’t cloying.
• Tomato Paste Provides a rich depth of flavor and helps to thicken the BBQ sauce.
• Garlic Powder Adds a savory element that complements the other flavors in the sauce beautifully.
• Onion Powder Enhances the savory notes and adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika Gives the sauce a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey and BBQ sauce.
• Olive Oil Use a good quality olive oil to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
• Chicken Broth Adds moisture to the pan, helping to cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce.
• Salt and Pepper To taste, for seasoning the chicken and the overall dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Pasta

Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Ensure your penne pasta is ready to go; no pre-cooking is needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce

In the same skillet, add the honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Tang

Remove the skillet from the oven. If you want a slightly caramelized top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Transfer to plates and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne a success, sear the chicken first to lock in those delicious juices. Then, kick back while the pasta cooks in the same pan. While it cooks, craft your tangy honey BBQ sauce, making for one flavorful dish.

Add Your Touch

Want to get creative? Swap out penne for rotini or farfalle. Play around with seasonings like smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For extra veggies, toss in some bell peppers or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Here are a few tips that can help enhance your dish:

• Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking to ensure every bite is perfectly juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the heat and can steam the chicken instead of searing it, for best results sear in batches.
• Taste and adjust the honey BBQ sauce for sweetness and tanginess to match your personal preferences and create the perfect flavor profile.

(Personal anecdote)

My family always raves about this dish, especially when I add a secret ingredient: a tiny bit of Dijon mustard. It’s a hit at every potluck, and I always bring home an empty dish!

The Star of the Show: The Chicken

Alright, let’s talk chicken. Not just any chicken, mind you. We’re talking about the juicy, flavorful, “where-did-you-get-this-recipe” chicken that’s going to make your taste buds sing. We’re not talking about some bland, lifeless protein that’s just there to fill space. No, this is the kind of chicken that steals the spotlight, even in a pasta dish. Forget boring chicken recipes; this is chicken elevated.

Choosing the Right Cut

Now, before you grab the first package of chicken you see, let’s have a little chat about cuts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe. Why? Because they stay wonderfully moist and tender, even when subjected to the heat of a one-pan cooking extravaganza. Chicken breasts work too, but be careful not to overcook them! Nobody wants dry chicken. It’s like a culinary crime. Remember to trim any excess fat – we want flavor, not grease.

Prepping the Chicken Like a Pro

Okay, you’ve got your chicken. Now what? Pat those beauties dry with a paper towel. This is crucial! Dry chicken sears better, and searing equals flavor. Trust me on this one. Next, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor from the ground up. Consider this your blank canvas, waiting for the masterpiece that is One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.

Searing for Success

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your trusty one-pan (a large skillet or Dutch oven works wonders) over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy. This is where the magic happens. That sear adds a layer of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Pasta Perfection

Alright, so the chicken’s taking a break. It’s time to bring in the pasta! We are going for al dente perfection. Nobody likes mushy pasta, unless, of course, you’re five years old. But seriously, properly cooked pasta is key to a great dish.

Choosing Your Penne

Penne is the classic choice for this recipe, those little tubes are perfect for capturing all that delicious honey BBQ sauce. But feel free to experiment! Rotini, fusilli, or even bow ties would work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The goal here is to have a great texture, so that every bite provides the ultimate experience.

Cooking it Right

Add the penne to the same pan where you seared the chicken, along with four cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to cook the pasta in the pan with all of the delicious chicken drippings, so that the starches release into the chicken broth.

Dealing with Leftover Liquid

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there might be a little extra liquid hanging around. Don’t panic! Just crank up the heat for a minute or two and let it evaporate. Alternatively, you can drain off the excess liquid before adding the sauce. We want saucy, not soupy. Finding that balance is key to getting it right, every time.

Crafting the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce

Now for the pièce de résistance: the tangy honey BBQ sauce. This isn’t your average store-bought sauce, folks. We’re talking homemade goodness that’s going to knock your socks off. The key is to use quality ingredients and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors.

Gathering the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need: ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of smoked paprika. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. It is so good that you can eat it with a spoon.

Mixing the Magic

In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Need more tang? A splash of apple cider vinegar will do the trick. The beauty of homemade sauce is that you can customize it to your liking. This part is really important.

Bringing it All Together

Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is evenly coated in that glorious sauce. This is the final stage where all of the elements come together to create culinary harmony.

Serving Suggestions

So, you’ve made it through the cooking process. Congratulations! Now it’s time to serve up your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Here are a few ideas to make it extra special.

Garnishing with Flair

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce never hurts either. For a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. Garnishes are all about adding visual appeal and enhancing the flavor of the dish.

Side Dish Sensations

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli would be a welcome addition. A crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is always a good idea too. Don’t overthink it, sometimes the simplest sides are the best.

Making it a Meal Prep Marvel

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is perfect for meal prepping. Divide it into containers and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. Meal prepping is a great way to save time and eat healthy.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: The Verdict

There you have it, folks! One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, a dish that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup. What’s not to love? So go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! It’s quick, easy, delicious and definitely a winner.

Conclusion for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne :

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a weeknight winner for its ease and flavor. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, sweet honey, and tender chicken creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the one-pan method means less cleanup! So, gather your ingredients, crank up the tunes, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget that the recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

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FAQs :

What makes this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne so special?

Let’s be honest, the magic lies in the minimal cleanup! But beyond that, it’s the symphony of flavors dancing in your mouth. The tangy barbecue sauce, the sweet honey, and savory chicken all meld together, coating every piece of penne pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with a burst of excitement. It is also a very versatile meal that is adaptable to your preferences. You can add or remove any ingredient you want. So, it is a very customizable dish!

Can I substitute the chicken in this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Absolutely! If you’re not feeling chicken, turkey works wonderfully. You could even use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian spin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through. No matter what protein you choose, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This chicken penne is the perfect family dinner recipe.

What if I don’t have penne pasta? Can I use a different shape?

Don’t you worry about that! While penne is ideal for grabbing all that delicious sauce, feel free to experiment! Rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook at slightly different rates. Be sure to check the pasta often.

How do I store leftovers of this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Lucky you, if you have leftovers! Simply transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. It will taste just as delicious the next day, or even better.