If comfort food had a spicy-sweet twist, it would look exactly like this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Tender chunks of seared chicken coated in a smoky, sweet honey BBQ sauce mingle with perfectly al dente penne pasta—all in one skillet. Each bite brings a bold punch of flavor, with just the right touch of stickiness and caramelization that makes this dish crave-worthy.

Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table or looking for a cozy night-in meal that feels a little indulgent, this chicken penne recipe checks every box. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed pasta dish that comes together with minimal fuss—and even fewer dishes. A weeknight winner and meal-prep favorite in one.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Everything in One Pan: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Sweet & Smoky Harmony: That honey BBQ sauce coats every bite like a flavor bomb.
Quick Cooking: Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Satisfying Texture: Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a glossy, sticky sauce.
Family Friendly: Kid-approved, husband-approved, and meal-prep friendly.
Versatile: Toss in some veggies or top with cheese to switch things up.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is as simple as it gets, but having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly seared chicken and evenly coated pasta. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Large Non-Stick Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your hero. It allows even heat distribution and enough space to cook the chicken and pasta together without overcrowding.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the pasta and sauce without scratching your non-stick surface.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: A sharp knife ensures clean, quick cuts when dicing your chicken into even chunks for uniform cooking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters—especially with the sauce-to-pasta ratio.
Tongs: Great for turning chicken pieces as they cook to get that even golden sear.

Optional but useful:

Lid for the Pan: Helps the pasta cook more efficiently when simmering with the sauce.

Preparation Tips

To make the most of this dish, a few quick tips will save time and enhance flavor:

Preheat the skillet before adding chicken. This creates a good sear and locks in juices.
Cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dryness.
Use room temperature chicken if possible. It cooks more evenly than cold, straight-from-the-fridge cuts.
Cook pasta al dente if boiling separately, or let it finish cooking in the pan with sauce for extra flavor absorption.
Taste and adjust seasoning—a splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon can enhance the tang if you like it zingier.

Ingredients for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this deliciously sticky, savory-sweet pasta dish. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it even more convenient for a weeknight dinner.

Protein & Pasta:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
8 oz uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini)

Sauce & Flavor:

1 cup honey BBQ sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade for extra flair)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds depth and helps create the sauce)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, but adds a savory balance to the sweetness)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances the BBQ profile)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped parsley (for a pop of freshness)
Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for a melty finish)

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Season them with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside—don’t wipe the pan clean! Those flavorful bits on the bottom will enrich the sauce.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. This adds layers of flavor to the sauce.

Stir in 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add Pasta & Simmer

Add 8 oz of uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, then add just enough water (about 1 to 1½ cups) to barely cover the pasta.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender and the sauce should thicken as it reduces.

Step 4: Return Chicken & Finish

Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, return the seared chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to cling to each piece.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra richness, sprinkle on some shredded cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper.

Notes

Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While chicken breasts work fine, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, especially in one-pan meals.
Homemade Sauce Option: If you prefer to skip store-bought, mix ketchup, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create your own honey BBQ sauce.
Adjust Sweetness: If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, balance it with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Make it Creamier: For a creamier twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or spinach pair beautifully and cook quickly in the same pan.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Sear: Browning the chicken adds flavor. Don’t rush it—let it develop a nice golden crust.
Overcrowding the Pan: Too much chicken at once = steaming, not searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
Too Much Liquid: Adding too much water when simmering the pasta can leave you with a diluted sauce. Start with less—you can always add more if needed.
Undercooked Pasta: Stir occasionally and taste-test towards the end to ensure the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.
Burning the Sauce: Once the sauce thickens, lower the heat and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
Forgetting to Taste: Always taste before serving. A little salt, pepper, or acidity can bring everything to life.

What to Serve With One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

This flavorful dish can stand proudly on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal or impress at the dinner table, here are some excellent pairings:

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up any extra sticky BBQ sauce.
Crisp Garden Salad
A refreshing mix of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds balance to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables
Think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with a touch of olive oil and sea salt. Simple, yet satisfying.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet and smoky corn pairs naturally with BBQ flavors.
Coleslaw
A tangy, creamy slaw adds a cool crunch and contrast to the warm pasta.
Sweet Potato Fries
These add a touch of sweetness and a fun texture to the plate.
Buttered Green Beans or Asparagus
Light and crisp, these greens work beautifully as a vibrant, healthy side.
Chilled Fruit Salad
For a sweet finish, go with a mix of berries, melon, or citrus fruits to cleanse the palate.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it for longer storage—up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure to label it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Keep in mind: the pasta may absorb more sauce during storage, so the texture might thicken slightly—but the flavors stay delicious.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Sugar: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg

This dish packs in protein and satisfies with balanced carbs and just the right hint of indulgent sweetness—perfect for a hearty dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Both boneless chicken breasts and chicken thighs work well, but thighs are often juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Do I need to boil the pasta separately?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those bold BBQ flavors while reducing cleanup.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. You can cook everything ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat gently with a bit of liquid to revive the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. The BBQ sauce adds sweetness and smokiness, but if you like heat, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely. Penne is ideal for catching the sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work great too.

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?

You can make a quick DIY version with ketchup, honey, a splash of vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder.

How do I make it cheesier?

Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a dollop of cream cheese toward the end for a richer, creamier finish.

Conclusion

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings together the smoky sweetness of BBQ, the comfort of pasta, and the richness of seared chicken in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or impressing guests without the hassle, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

From its bold flavor to its one-pan simplicity, it proves that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated. Just grab your skillet and your appetite—you’re in for something mouthwatering.