One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a smoky honey BBQ sauce and creamy goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, delivering comfort in every bite. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Pasta
• For the Sauce
• For the Vegetables
• For Cooking
• Seasoning
• Garnish (optional)
• How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Step 1: Sear the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Onions
• Step 3: Add Sauce Components
• Step 4: Cook the Pasta
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Final Touches
• How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Add Some Bread
• Garnish Creatively
• How to Perfect One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Reheating One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne spicier?
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• What can I serve with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?
• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy less cleanup with this one-pan meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of honey BBQ sauce, cream, and chicken creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out chicken for other proteins or use different types of pasta to suit your preferences.
• Perfect Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or lunchboxes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools to make your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: Provides ample space for sautéing chicken and cooking pasta all in one place.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring ingredients gently without scratching the skillet‘s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for a balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs, smoky honey BBQ sauce, and cream, creating a bold and satisfying dish that is not overly heavy. It is a one-pan meal that offers comfort and flavor in every bite, perfect for a busy night or a cozy family dinner.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

For the Sauce

• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion

For Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional)

• Chopped cilantro

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

In the same skillet, add sliced red onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Sauce Components

Pour in chicken broth and honey BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add penne pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat it in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is nearly done.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, add corn, heavy cream, and cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving hot.

Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne!

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish that will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the flavors perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can balance the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Fluffy rolls can be served warm on the side for a comforting touch.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds a burst of flavor.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado enhances the richness of the meal.

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How to Perfect One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

To ensure your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken thighs and good-quality honey BBQ sauce make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the penne while cooking; it should be al dente for the best texture.
• Adjust Seasonings Last: Taste before adding more salt or pepper; flavors intensify as they cook together.
• Use High Heat for Searing: Getting a nice sear on the chicken thighs adds depth to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Complement your meal with these tasty side dishes that pair well with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Each option brings additional flavor and texture to your plate.

1. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add a healthy crunch and color.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and absorb any leftover sauce beautifully.
3. Roasted Asparagus: This vegetable’s earthy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet BBQ sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers extra protein and a nutty flavor profile.
5. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These add a crispy texture that complements the dish without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your culinary experience.

• Using low-quality chicken: Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. This ensures a tender and juicy result.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to get the right amounts of pasta and sauce.
• Skipping the browning step: Searing the chicken adds depth to the dish. Don’t rush this step; take time to achieve a nice golden color.
• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on cooking times. Pasta should be al dente when added to the sauce for the best consistency.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels based on your preference for a balanced flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use microwave-safe dishes. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about this delicious recipe.

How can I make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While penne works well, you can substitute with fusilli or rotini for similar results.

What can I serve with One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is not just easy to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors that will please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!