One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken (Printable Version)

Tangy honey BBQ chicken and penne simmer together in one skillet for a comforting, fuss-free meal.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
03 - 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - Optional Garnishes: Chopped parsley, Crushed red pepper flakes, Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up brown bits.
04 - Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
05 - Add uncooked penne and enough water to barely cover pasta (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
06 - Return chicken to skillet. Stir and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Add garnishes if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses only one skillet for minimal cleanup
  • Bursting with BBQ flavor thanks to honey and smoked paprika
  • Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes
  • Flexible with chicken thighs or breasts and plenty of topping options
02 -
  • Packed with protein and full of satisfying carbs
  • Naturally family friendly
  • Great for busy weeknights
03 -
  • Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for even cooking and maximum browning
  • Let the sauce simmer with the pasta uncovered for the last few minutes to thicken perfectly
  • Do not skip deglazing the skillet the browned bits from the chicken create the richest sauce