Dinner

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe

BySarah Summers February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet, it’s both easy and satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of penne pasta mixed with pieces of cooked chicken in a thick, rich orange sauce. The pasta is light brown with ridges and is evenly coated with the sauce, which appears glossy. The chicken pieces are white with a slightly browned surface, scattered throughout the pasta. Small bits of herbs and spices are visible on the sauce, adding specks of green and black. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
¾ cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky variety)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add water or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan to deglaze.
Step 4: Stir in uncooked penne pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Once pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 7: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Step 8: Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken broth instead of water for richer flavor in the pasta.
Substitute penne with rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Top with shredded cheese and let it melt for a creamy twist.
For a smoky flavor, choose a BBQ sauce labeled “smoky” or add a dash of liquid smoke.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate full of penne pasta mixed with small pieces of chicken coated in a thick orange-red sauce. The pasta is al dente, with a smooth and slightly shiny texture. The chicken pieces are tender and scattered evenly among the pasta. Bits of fresh green herbs are visible, adding a touch of color contrast on top of the sauce. The sauce has a rich, glossy finish with small flecks of black pepper. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess moisture in the pan, but if using frozen, thaw it completely before dicing and cooking.