If you love the magic of one-pan meals, this One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and rich with layers of flavor that build in just one skillet. Juicy chicken breast chunks are seared until golden and then simmered in a bold honey BBQ sauce with tender penne pasta. Everything comes together effortlessly for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it took hours to make.

The beauty of this recipe isn’t just its flavor. It’s how it makes cleanup practically vanish. One pan means less mess, and less mess means more time to enjoy your evening. It’s the kind of comforting dish you serve to friends on a casual night or whip up when the craving for something hearty and flavorful hits.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, thanks to the combo of honey and barbecue sauce. The pasta absorbs every drop of the sauce, becoming incredibly flavorful. You don’t need a separate pot to boil pasta, and the sauce thickens naturally as everything simmers together. It’s a satisfying meal that feels cozy, indulgent, and simple all at once.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Works Best for This Recipe?

A thick, smoky BBQ sauce with a touch of sweetness works beautifully here. Look for one that has molasses or brown sugar in the ingredients to match the honey. If you love spice, go for a spicy BBQ blend to add heat to the sweetness. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s a sauce you enjoy on its own since it drives the entire flavor profile of this dish.

Ingredients for the One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

You’ll love how pantry-friendly this recipe is. Everything simmers together for maximum flavor, so choose fresh ingredients where possible to make each bite shine.

Chicken breast
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion
Penne pasta
Chicken broth
Honey
BBQ sauce
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a role in layering flavor. The chicken is your base protein, the garlic and onion add aromatic depth, and the broth hydrates and cooks the pasta right in the pan. Honey brings in sweetness, BBQ sauce adds tang and richness, while paprika, salt, and pepper round out the flavor.

One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne (1)

How To Make the One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook Pasta

Add penne pasta to the pan with chicken broth, honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and stir until melted.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley for color and brightness. Serve hot straight from the pan.

How to Serve and Store One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This dish serves four people generously, making it perfect for a small family or meal prep. It’s rich enough to stand alone, but also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce and stir well as it warms.

What to Serve With One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

A bright and simple vegetable side helps balance the richness of the pasta.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly, they pair beautifully with the tangy BBQ flavor.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing add a refreshing crunch.

Pickled Veggies

The acidity of pickled cucumbers, onions, or peppers cuts through the hearty sauce.

Sweet Potato Fries

A fun, flavorful twist that leans into the Southern-style BBQ vibe.

Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar is a great cold contrast to the warm pasta.

Grilled Zucchini

Quick and easy, and brings a light char that complements the smoky BBQ.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, you might enjoy these other satisfying meals:

Try the comforting Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex twist on pasta night.
Cozy up with Cajun Potato Soup on a chilly evening.
Make your weeknight easy with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli, a classic crowd-pleaser.
Keep the Southern flavors going with Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for something crispy and juicy.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go spicy with the BBQ? Add extra cheese? Swap in rotini or shells?

I love hearing how others tweak these dishes to fit their kitchen style. Ask away if you have questions – let’s cook smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and weekday hits on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy dinner idea.

Conclusion

This One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne brings comfort food to your dinner table without the hassle. With just one pan, bold flavors, and simple ingredients, it proves that weeknight dinners can be both effortless and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this is one dish that satisfies every time.