One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ

This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cleanup. The sweet and smoky sauce coats every bite of tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but satisfying. My family immediately declared it their new favorite pasta dish, and it's been in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work beautifully too.
• Uncooked penne pasta: The tubular shape catches all the delicious sauce.
• Honey BBQ sauce: The star ingredient providing sweet tanginess. Store-bought works perfectly.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality oil for better flavor when searing the chicken.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth while keeping sodium levels in check.
• Soy sauce: Optional but adds wonderful umami richness to balance the sweetness.
• Smoked paprika: Provides that essential smoky flavor that makes BBQ dishes irresistible.
• Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has.
• Salt and pepper: Always essential for properly seasoned food.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure proper browning. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.

Develop the Sauce Base:

Pour chicken broth into the hot pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom. This deglazing step is crucial for building depth of flavor. Let the broth reduce slightly for about 1 minute.

Create the Sauce:

Add honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce to the pan, stirring to combine completely with the broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Cook the Pasta:

Add dry penne directly to the sauce in the pan. Pour in just enough water to barely cover the pasta, approximately 1 to 1½ cups. Stir gently to ensure all pasta is submerged. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Combine and Finish:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet once the pasta is tender. Gently fold everything together, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb some of the sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and coats both the chicken and pasta beautifully.

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This dish reminds me of Sunday family dinners when my grandmother would create something special with whatever ingredients she had on hand. The sweet tanginess of the BBQ sauce always takes me back to those warm gatherings where simple food brought everyone together.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. The honey BBQ sauce provides the foundational flavor, but you can experiment with different varieties like spicy, smoky, or bourbon-infused BBQ sauce to create entirely new flavor profiles without changing the cooking method.

Add Some Veggies

Transform this dish into a complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work wonderfully. For firmer vegetables like bell peppers, add them when you return the chicken to the pan. For leafy greens like spinach, stir them in during the final minute of cooking until just wilted. This not only boosts the nutritional value but adds beautiful color contrast to the dish.

Perfect Pairings

While this dish stands perfectly on its own, pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread works wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

This one-pan wonder gets even better as the flavors meld overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid while stored. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the pasta texture may soften slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While penne works well because it cooks evenly and catches the sauce nicely, you can substitute rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions – smaller shapes may cook faster.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking, especially in the first few minutes. Ensure there's enough liquid to cover the pasta, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days. The pasta may absorb more sauce during storage, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve with corn on the cob or coleslaw to complement the BBQ flavors.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture, or increase the crushed red pepper flakes. For a smoky heat, add chipotle powder or chopped chipotles in adobo sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your BBQ sauce is vegetarian-friendly.