The moment you take a bite of One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, your taste buds will dance like they just won the lottery. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce thatβs tangy enough to make your mouth water. The penne pasta soaks up all the savory goodness, creating a dish thatβs a flavor explosion in every forkful. This recipe is not just about food; itβs an experience that wraps you in comfort and warmth, perfect for those cozy nights when you want to impress guests or treat yourself.
This delightful dish has become my go-to for family gatherings and lazy Sundays alike. I remember the first time I prepared itβfriends gathered around the table with eager eyes, and as soon as they took their first bite, I knew I had hit culinary gold. The laughter and compliments flowed like the sweet tangy sauce! Whether itβs a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to steal the spotlight and leave everyone craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is incredibly easy to whip up with minimal cleanup involved
- The flavor profile combines sweetness and tanginess for a deliciously addictive meal
- Vibrant colors from the veggies make this dish visually appealing on any table
- Itβs versatile enough to serve as a fancy dinner or a casual weeknight meal
I once made this dish for my friendsβ potluck, and letβs just say, there were no leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many youβre feeding; theyβll soak up that sauce beautifully.
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Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
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Honey: Choose pure honey for its rich sweetness; it makes all the difference in balancing flavors.
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BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite brand; homemade works too if youβre feeling adventurous!
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Fresh Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Onions): These add color and crunch; choose vibrant varieties for visual appeal.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates flavor; donβt skimp on this aromatic addition.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautΓ©ing; it adds depth and richness to your dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning ingredients that enhance all other flavors.
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Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of these herbs adds warmth and complexity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence when cooked.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sidesβabout 5-7 minutes each side.
Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic along with chopped onions and bell peppers once the chicken is cooked through. SautΓ© until onions turn translucent and vegetables softenβaround 3-4 minutes.
Pasta Time!: Pour in uncooked penne pasta along with enough water to cover it by an inch. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer. Cook until pasta is al dente; about 10-12 minutes should do.
Create Sauce Magic: Stir together honey, BBQ sauce, dried oregano, and any remaining salt/pepper into the pan once pasta has absorbed most liquid. Mix well until everything is coated evenlyβthis will smell heavenly!
Serve It Up!: Remove from heat after another minute of simmering for thickening. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hotβyour guests wonβt be able to resist!
Now you have an incredible One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne ready to share! Enjoy the smiles it brings at your dinner table as much as the flavors tantalizing your taste buds!
You Must Know
- The One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just easy, itβs a flavor explosion
- The harmonious blend of tangy BBQ and sweet honey will make your taste buds dance
- Plus, youβll only need one pan, so less cleanup for more fun!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal results, start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While thatβs happening, cook the penne and prepare your sauce simultaneously. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everythingβs ready to mingle at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix things up! Swap out penne for whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate this dish even further!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep things moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking chicken, always let it rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy
- Never skip seasoning; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Keep an eye on pasta while cooking; al dente is key for perfect texture
Creating this dish reminds me of a summer barbecue with friends where I accidentally mixed up my saucesβturns out honey BBQ is a hit! Everyone came back for seconds, and I felt like a culinary genius that day.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?
Yes, just ensure itβs fully thawed before cooking to achieve even results.
What can I substitute if I donβt have honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can provide similar sweetness in this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a hearty option.
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a deliciously simple dish that combines tender chicken, savory BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a flavor-packed experience that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal cleanup and vibrant colors from fresh veggies, itβs not just a meal; itβs a delightful culinary journey.
Ingredients
- 3β4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
- Add minced garlic, bell peppers, and onions to the skillet; sautΓ© for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in uncooked penne pasta and enough water to cover by an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, oregano, and any remaining salt/pepper until well combined. Simmer for one additional minute before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 280g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider adding zucchini or spinach. Substitute whole grain or gluten-free penne for dietary preferences. Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.