Let’s face it, weeknights are a culinary battlefield. You’re tired, hungry, and the last thing you want is a three-hour cooking marathon. That’s where our One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne comes in—a delicious, stress-free solution to your dinner dilemma. This recipe is a total game-changer, promising a flavor explosion that’ll have you saying “hallelujah!”
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure. Imagine the sweet and tangy aroma filling your kitchen, the perfectly cooked chicken, the al dente pasta, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. Prepare yourself for a taste sensation that’s both incredibly easy and ridiculously satisfying.
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne boasts several amazing features:
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cleanup.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory.
The dish is visually stunning, making it perfect for entertaining.
Its versatility allows for easy customization to suit different preferences.
Ingredients for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and paprika. Set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the prepared skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the penne pasta to the skillet, along with about 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and pasta, making sure everything is coated evenly. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Transfer to plates and enjoy this easy, delicious meal.
Tips and Variations for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Adding bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced zucchini during the last 10-15 minutes of baking would be delicious. You could also swap out the penne for your favorite pasta shape, such as rotini or farfalle. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time, saving you time on busy weeknights. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the dish right before serving to ensure the pasta remains al dente and the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Can I use other types of chicken? You can certainly use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just be aware that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the pasta separately in a pot, then combine it with the chicken and sauce in a baking dish for the final baking step.
What are some suitable side dishes? This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a simple green salad or some crusty bread would make a nice accompaniment.
Enjoy your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown. Then, cook the penne according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the tangy honey BBQ sauce. Finally, combine everything in the pan for a delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for beef or turkey. Experiment with different BBQ sauces or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also toss in some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
Use a high-quality chicken broth for a richer sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; this ensures proper browning. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving – your taste buds are the ultimate judge!
My Aunt Millie, known for her discerning palate, declared my One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne “the best thing she’d ever tasted.” It was her 80th birthday, and the compliments were almost as sweet as the sauce.
Conclusion for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe is a winner for its simplicity, deliciousness, and ease of cleanup. The tangy honey BBQ sauce adds a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile that complements the chicken and penne perfectly. With minimal prep time and incredibly satisfying results, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, making for easy cleanup. So ditch the dishes and enjoy a fantastic meal!
Print
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Delicious one-pan tangy honey bbq chicken penne recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Step 2: Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Pour the entire mixture into a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness.
- Serve this vibrant dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tangy sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey-BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, resulting in an even more delicious meal. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, as the cold dish will take a bit longer to heat through. Enjoy the convenience!
What can I substitute for the chicken in this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe?
Feel free to experiment! This recipe works beautifully with beef, lamb, or turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have varying cooking times. For example, beef might require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through. Consider the size and thickness of your chosen meat when planning the cooking time. You could even try it with firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Is this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free! However, the type of penne pasta you use will determine the final outcome. Ensure you buy gluten-free penne pasta to enjoy a completely gluten-free meal. Many brands offer gluten-free pasta options that are just as delicious as traditional pasta. Always double-check the packaging to confirm the pasta’s ingredients.
How can I make this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne recipe spicier?
For those who appreciate a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce is a simple way to spice things up. A finely diced jalapeño pepper would also add a delightful kick. Remember to start with a small amount and add more to taste, as the heat level can be easily adjusted to your preference. You could even add a drizzle of sriracha at the end for an extra fiery finish!