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One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne for Easy Weeknight Comfort

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines tender chicken and pasta in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Hickory-flavored for a smoky touch.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Adjust to taste; can substitute with maple syrup.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Essential for umami; can be omitted.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitute with 1 clove fresh garlic if desired.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Diced for even cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with another cooking oil if needed.
  • Salt To taste.
  • Black Pepper To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Substitute with regular paprika for less smokiness.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta (uncooked) Can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni.
  • 2 cups Water or Chicken Broth Chicken broth adds more flavor.
For Garnish (optional)
  • Chopped Parsley Enhances color and flavor.
  • Green Onions Sprinkle on before serving.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1–2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
  3. Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
  4. Add 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta to the simmering broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
  6. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the BBQ sauce mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your dish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best flavor, choose a BBQ sauce with a good balance of sweetness and tanginess. You can customize with veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

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