It wasn’t a fancy cookbook or a trendy food show that brought this recipe into my kitchen. It was a quiet Tuesday evening, a little drizzle outside, and my old radio humming in the background. I had just come back from watching my grandson’s school play, heart full, stomach empty, and not a shred of energy left to clean up a sink full of dishes.
That’s when I remembered the bottle of honey barbecue sauce I had picked up last week. I’ve always had a soft spot for simple meals with bold flavor, and one-pan dishes? Even better. Less mess, more flavor mingling, and that comforting feel of everything coming together in one bubbling skillet. I pulled out what I had: some chicken thighs, a half-box of penne, and my trusty skillet.
What happened next turned out to be one of those unplanned weeknight wins that left everyone asking for seconds—even my picky daughter-in-law, who normally avoids anything with “barbecue” in the title.
This meal is warm, tangy, sweet, and savory, all in one pan. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t scream “fancy,” but wraps you in a cozy hug with every bite. And let me tell you, when the kitchen smells of smoky paprika and sweet BBQ mingling with garlic, even the dog parks himself by the stove.
So, if you’re looking for something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free, this one-pan honey BBQ chicken penne might just become your new weeknight hero.
Short Description
A bold, flavorful one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, and penne pasta simmered to perfection—all ready in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup honey barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Tools Needed
- Large non-stick skillet with lid
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or silicone stirrer
- Knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan
Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet while it’s still hot. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom—those bits carry loads of flavor!
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Stir in the honey barbecue sauce and soy sauce. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, about 2–3 minutes, so the flavors start melding.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne pasta into the sauce. Pour in enough water (about 1 to 1½ cups) so that the pasta is just covered. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium.
Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well. Simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can fully come together.
Step 6: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese if you’d like.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed: Sweet honey BBQ blends with savory spices and tender chicken for a crowd-pleasing bite.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet—less mess, more ease.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will go for seconds.
Budget-Conscious: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Great as a main dish, potluck favorite, or weeknight staple.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Undercooked Pasta
Solution: Make sure the water just covers the pasta. Stir a few times while simmering to ensure even cooking. If needed, add a splash more water and continue simmering.
Dry Skillet Before Adding Pasta
Solution: Don’t skimp on the liquid—chicken broth + water are essential to cooking the pasta evenly.
Overcooked Chicken
Solution: Remove chicken once browned and return it at the end to keep it tender and juicy.
Sticky Pasta
Solution: Stir occasionally while it cooks, especially in the first few minutes when the starches release.
Too Sweet or Too Salty
Solution: Use low-sodium broth and balance the sweetness by adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main Dish: Serve it hot straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of parsley and melty cheese on top.
Side Ideas: Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli.
Drinks: Pairs beautifully with iced tea, lemonade, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
Serving Style: Perfect for weeknight family dinners or buffet-style gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat on Stove: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step. Add it in at the end when simmering with the pasta for a quick shortcut.
2. Is it okay to use another type of pasta?
Sure! Fusilli or rotini also work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
4. What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?
Mix regular BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of honey as a substitute, it works beautifully.
5. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild by default. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up!
Tips & Tricks
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Let the sauce simmer before adding pasta, it deepens the flavor.
Shred your own cheese for a creamier melt.
Don’t walk away, stirring is key to preventing sticking.
Want extra smoky flavor? Add a pinch of chipotle powder.
Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Honey BBQ Penne
Add ½ cup heavy cream with the BBQ sauce
Finish with a handful of shredded mozzarella for a creamy twist
Richer, smoother texture with a deeper mouthfeel
2. BBQ Chicken & Veggie Penne
Toss in 1 cup chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the pasta
Adds color, crunch, and nutrition
3. Spicy BBQ Chicken Pasta
Use spicy BBQ sauce or mix in hot sauce
Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the seasonings
4. Bacon BBQ Chicken Penne
Add 4 slices of chopped, cooked bacon before serving
Smoky, savory, and indulgent
5. Cheesy BBQ Bake
After cooking, transfer to a baking dish
Top with extra cheese and broil for 3–5 minutes
Perfect for guests or make-ahead meals
Final Thoughts
Funny how a drizzle outside and an old radio tune can nudge you into making something unexpectedly wonderful. That night wasn’t meant to be special, it was just a tired grandma needing a shortcut to dinner. But with a splash of barbecue sauce, a handful of penne, and a little faith in the skillet I’ve used for decades, it turned into a small moment of joy.
This recipe didn’t just fill our bellies, it sparked conversation, brought laughter to the table, and even had my grandson saying, “Can we have this again tomorrow, Nana?” That’s the kind of magic I chase in the kitchen these days. Not perfection. Just real, good food that fits into a real, busy life.
And when a dish gets even the skeptical daughter-in-law to grab seconds without a word? Well, you know you’ve got a keeper. This penne may not come with a storybook beginning, but it’s earned a cozy little place in our family rotation and maybe it will in yours too.
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup honey barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in honey barbecue sauce and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add penne and enough water (1 to 1½ cups) to just cover. Cover and simmer on medium for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return chicken to the pan. Stir and simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Adjust seasoning. Top with parsley, red pepper flakes, and cheese if desired. Serve warm.
