Why Make This Recipe

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can make it all in one pan, reducing clean-up time. The combination of sweet honey BBQ sauce and tender chicken is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, with pasta cooked right alongside the chicken, you’ll have a complete meal ready in no time!

How to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz uncooked penne pasta
1 cup honey BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up the brown bits. This adds flavor to your dish.
Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce (if using). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add uncooked penne pasta and enough water to just cover the pasta (about 1 to 1½ cups). Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add any garnishes if you’d like.

How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

Serve your One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken hot. You can sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh touch. This dish goes great with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Make sure to reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to achieve a nice golden color.
You can use any type of boneless chicken pieces you have on hand.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, for more nutrition and color.

Variation

Try using different kinds of pasta, like elbow macaroni or bowtie pasta. You could also swap out the honey BBQ sauce for a different flavor, such as teriyaki or garlic sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Is the soy sauce necessary?

The soy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, but it’s optional. You can leave it out or replace it with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken