Description
This delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful barbecue and honey sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make skillet dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups (375ml) barbecue sauce
- ½ cup (125ml) honey
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta, uncooked
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add sauce base: Stir in the barbecue sauce and honey, mixing thoroughly with the sautéed onion and garlic to create the tangy sauce.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine, then return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is well coated in the sauce for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Preheat broiler: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven’s broiler to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Add cheese topping: Once pasta is cooked, evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top of the chicken and pasta in the skillet.
- Broil: Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, comforting one-pan meal with family or friends.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other similar pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if desired.
- Adjust the amount of honey if you prefer more or less sweetness in the sauce.
- Using a large oven-safe skillet ensures even cooking and simplifies the broiling step.
- For spicier variation, add a pinch of chili flakes along with garlic and onions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
