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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

A flavorful and easy one-pan recipe combining tender chicken, tangy honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner bursting with smoky, sweet, and savory notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz uncooked penne pasta

Sauces & Liquids

  • 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups water (to cover pasta)

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

  • Chopped parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for searing the chicken.
  2. Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Deglaze pan: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds rich flavor to the sauce.
  4. Add sauces and simmer: Stir in the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce (if using). Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add pasta and water: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet along with enough water to just cover the pasta, roughly 1 to 1 1/2 cups. Stir to combine.
  6. Cook pasta: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  7. Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content; adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, BBQ chicken, penne pasta, honey BBQ sauce, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, skillet meal

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/one-pan-tangy-honey-bbq-chicken-penne-recipe/