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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

4.5 from 79 reviews

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken breast pieces with a flavorful honey BBQ sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Cooked all in one skillet, this dish offers a quick and satisfying dinner option packed with bold flavors and a wonderful balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta and Broth

  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
  • 12 oz (340g) penne pasta

Cheeses and Garnish

  • 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it until browned on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
  3. Make the BBQ sauce mixture: In the same skillet, combine BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add broth and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce consistency.
  5. Reintroduce the chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet and stir well to coat it evenly with the tangy honey BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Add the cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta and chicken. Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2 minutes until the cheeses melt and become gooey and delicious.
  7. Garnish and serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a fresh herbal note and vibrant color to the dish.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • Fresh parsley garnish can be substituted with basil or cilantro depending on your preference.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
  • For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the cheeses.

Keywords: one-pan, honey BBQ chicken, penne pasta, easy dinner, stovetop pasta recipe, quick chicken recipe, BBQ sauce pasta