One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

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If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to pull together, you are going to love this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe. Imagine tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious blend of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet honey, simmered together with penne pasta until perfectly al dente, then topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for that irresistible gooey finish. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and the perfect answer for busy weeknights or casual dinners where everyone deserves a little indulgence without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are marvelously simple yet essential. Each one plays a starring role—from the tender chicken and smoky BBQ sauce to the creamy blend of cheeses that elevate this dish into a true comfort meal, plus the fresh parsley that adds a pop of color and brightness.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide juicy protein that soaks up all the amazing sauce flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the dish overall.
• Olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics with a subtle fruity note.
• Small onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a warm, savory aroma that wakes up the palate.
• Barbecue sauce: The heart of the dish with its smoky tang that pairs beautifully with honey’s sweetness.
• Honey: Balances the tanginess with a natural, rich sweetness that creates harmony in every bite.
• Chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory foundation, ensuring everything cooks perfectly together.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency while cooking the pasta in the same pan.
• Penne pasta: The ideal shape to cradle the chunky sauce and chicken perfectly with every forkful.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey bliss, giving the dish a luscious creamy texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy finish on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh green that refreshes and brightens visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and lays the groundwork for the sauce to cling to perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. This step creates depth in flavor thanks to those delicious browned bits, which you’ll later stir into the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering garlicky aroma. This base is what makes the sauce truly special.

Step 4: Stir in Barbecue Sauce and Honey

Now, pour in the barbecue sauce and honey, stirring everything together so the sweetness and tang blend seamlessly with the softened onion and garlic. This combo is the signature flavor star of the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Return Chicken

Add chicken broth and water to the pan, stirring to combine all those luscious flavors. Bring the chicken pieces back into the mix, coating them in the rich sauce that’s beginning to come together beautifully.

Step 6: Incorporate Penne Pasta

Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce. This step ensures the pasta cooks right in the flavorful sauce, soaking up every bit of goodness.

Step 7: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet slightly firm and the sauce thickens to a dreamy consistency.

Step 8: Get Ready to Broil

While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler to get ready for that irresistible cheesy top coat that will finish this dish with a bang.

Step 9: Top with Cheeses

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top. This cheesy blanket will melt into something truly divine under the broiler.

Step 10: Broil Until Bubbling

Place the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final touch adds texture and richness that’s hard to resist.

Step 11: Garnish and Rest

Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the rich flavors and add that final pop of color.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up hot and enjoy this comforting, crowd-pleasing One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe with your loved ones toasting to simple meals with big flavor.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley to give the dish a fresh, herbal note and a touch of vibrant green that’s so inviting. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of ranch dressing on top—both complement the BBQ flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to pair it with something light and crisp, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette creates a refreshing balance. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or garlic bread work wonderfully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel that invites everyone to dig in. You can also portion it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese and parsley, and broil them separately for personalized cheesy delights. Presentation truly elevates the fun of sharing this recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making leftovers taste just as good, if not better!

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of pasta can soften slightly after freezing and reheating, but the rich sauce helps keep it delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwaving covered in short bursts until hot works great for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free penne or another gluten-free pasta variety. Also, double-check your barbecue sauce to confirm it’s gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat or soy-based ingredients.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts for another protein?

Definitely. Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully for juicier texture. For a vegetarian twist, you could use grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe?

This recipe leans more toward sweet and tangy than spicy. However, you can easily add some heat by including chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce if you like a kick.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it directly?

You can prepare the sauce and cooked chicken in advance, then assemble the penne and cheese topping right before baking or broiling. This helps deliver that fresh oven-bubbled cheese experience even on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving time and again. Its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors wrapped up in a fuss-free, one-pan meal is a real winner for busy cooks and comfort-food lovers alike. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your family to this delightful recipe that promises smiles at every bite.

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