Savory One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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 that’s tangy enough to make your mouth water. The penne pasta soaks up all the savory goodness, creating a dish that’s a flavor explosion in every forkful. This recipe is not just about food; it’s 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 it—friends 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 it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to steal the spotlight and leave everyone craving more.

I once made this dish for my friends’ potluck, and let’s just say, there were no leftovers!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many you’re feeding; they’ll soak up that sauce beautifully.

• Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Honey: Choose pure honey for its rich sweetness; it makes all the difference in balancing flavors.

• BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite brand; homemade works too if you’re feeling adventurous!

• Fresh Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Onions): These add color and crunch; choose vibrant varieties for visual appeal.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic addition.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth and richness to your dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning ingredients that enhance all other flavors.

• 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.

Let’s 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 sides—about 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. Sauté until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften—around 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 evenly—this will smell heavenly!

Serve It Up!: Remove from heat after another minute of simmering for thickening. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot—your guests won’t 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!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal results, start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While that’s happening, cook the penne and prepare your sauce simultaneously. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything’s 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.

Creating this dish reminds me of a summer barbecue with friends where I accidentally mixed up my sauces—turns 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 it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even results.

What can I substitute if I don’t 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.

Print

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

---

• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

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, it’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary journey.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 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

1. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
2. 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).
3. Add minced garlic, bell peppers, and onions to the skillet; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. 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.
5. 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.