Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This one-pan Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta are coated in a tangy, sweet, and smoky homemade BBQ sauce for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and clean up.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Lid for skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this point.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
- Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Check for doneness: The pasta should be tender and the chicken should be cooked through. If there's still too much liquid in the pan, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or green onions (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality chicken broth and don't overcook the pasta. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.