When you need a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet effortless, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the recipe you’ll want on repeat. Tender chunks of juicy chicken are tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all simmered in a smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? Everything comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
This dish has the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make it irresistible for both kids and adults. Think of it as comfort food with a bold, smoky kick—ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some warm garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Pasta Recipe
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One skillet wonder: Minimal dishes and easy cleanup—everything cooks in the same pan.
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Family-friendly flavors: The smoky sweetness of honey BBQ is loved by kids and adults alike.
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Perfect for busy nights: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner.
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Customizable: Add cheese, veggies, or spice to make it your own.
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Meal prep ready: Stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken thighs or breasts: The protein star of this dish—thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner option.
Penne pasta: Holds up well to the bold BBQ sauce, with ridges that grab every bit of flavor.
Honey BBQ sauce: The heart of the recipe, giving it that sweet, tangy, and smoky taste.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, adding richness and keeping it from sticking.
Chicken broth: Provides moisture for cooking the pasta while adding savory depth.
Soy sauce (optional): A splash enhances the umami and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor that deepens the BBQ profile.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the seasoning with warmth and aroma.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley adds brightness, red pepper flakes give heat, and shredded cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pasta
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Sear the chicken properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures golden brown, flavorful bites.
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Use a lid while simmering: Helps the pasta cook evenly and soak up maximum flavor.
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Stir occasionally: Prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
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Finish with cheese: For extra creaminess, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
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Don’t skip the deglaze: Scraping those browned bits after cooking the chicken adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
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Protein switch: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp instead of chicken thighs.
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Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini to sneak in more nutrition.
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Spicy kick: Swap honey BBQ for spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of cayenne.
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Cheesy twist: Stir in cream cheese for a tangy, creamy texture.
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Gluten-free option: Swap penne for gluten-free pasta without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta is versatile enough to serve solo, but pairing it with sides can take it to the next level:
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A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette.
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Warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
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Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
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A light coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep ahead: Chop chicken and measure ingredients earlier in the day for a quicker cook.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce.
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Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cultural or Historical Notes
This dish draws inspiration from American BBQ traditions, where smoky, sweet, and tangy sauces are a staple. By marrying BBQ with pasta—an Italian comfort food classic—you get a creative fusion that’s hearty, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet exciting, bridging the gap between two beloved cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or shells all work well in this recipe.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts are a leaner option if you prefer.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and use plant-based protein or extra vegetables. The BBQ sauce still gives it a bold flavor.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No—the beauty of this dish is that the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and adjust the liquid slightly as needed.
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits.
- Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add uncooked penne and enough water (about 1–1½ cups) to barely cover. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Return chicken to skillet. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley, cheese, or red pepper flakes if desired.
