If you’re craving a hearty yet effortless meal that bursts with flavor, this Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful fusion of tender chicken, sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all simmered together in one pan. This dish not only saves you from the hassle of multiple pots and pans but also delivers a comforting, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be your new favorite go-to for easy, tasty meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that makes this meal so special.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing into tender, juicy pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce: The star flavor component that adds sweet, smoky, and tangy notes, bringing the entire dish to life.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: This tubular shape holds onto the sauce so well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with savory goodness and helps create a delicious, slightly thickened sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing chicken, it creates a golden crust that seals in juices and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Optional, but essential for adjusting seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a subtle brightness that elevates each serving.
How to Make Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes. Add the whole chicken breasts and sear them until they develop a beautiful golden crust on both sides, roughly 4-5 minutes per side. At this stage, the chicken might not be cooked through, but don’t worry—this step locks in flavor and juices.
Step 2: Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and place them on a plate to rest. Once cooled enough to handle, slice them into bite-sized pieces. Resting the meat this way helps keep it juicy and tender inside.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Without cleaning the pan, add the penne pasta and chicken broth. The browned bits stuck to the pan add incredible flavor, so be sure to leave them. Bring this mixture to a simmer, which will help infuse the pasta with rich, savory notes as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Al Dente
Let the penne gently simmer in the broth for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be just tender but still firm to the bite—al dente. This ensures a satisfying texture when combined with the chicken and sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce
Return the sliced chicken to the pan and drizzle the honey BBQ sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, allowing the sauce to warm through for about 3 minutes so all those sweet and smoky flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Let Flavors Meld
Keep everything simmering together for an additional 3 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce slightly and lets the flavors blend perfectly for that irresistible finishing touch.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Now’s the time to give it a quick taste test. If you want it sweeter, add a touch more honey. If it needs more depth, a pinch of salt and pepper will do the trick. Adjust to your preference because this dish is all about your personal flavor balance.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe hot, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if you like. These simple garnishes add freshness and a lovely color contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions bring a refreshing brightness and vibrant color that elevates the dish instantly. They cut through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and add a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal. A side of garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce—it’s comfort food at its finest!
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the chicken penne straight from the pan for a rustic vibe. If you’re entertaining, plate individual servings in shallow bowls and garnish with colorful herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to impress your guests with a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it just as delicious the next day—perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture and flavor, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Store them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and pasta. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring to evenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time, but make sure to add it back into the pan towards the end just to warm it through with the sauce without overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or roasted cauliflower and use vegetable broth. The honey BBQ sauce will still bring plenty of delicious flavor.
How sweet is the dish with the honey BBQ sauce?
The honey BBQ sauce provides a balanced sweetness with a tangy undertone. You can always adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences during the seasoning step.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If chicken broth isn’t available, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water mixed with a bit of bouillon. Just know that chicken broth adds a richer depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that feels like a special occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you create something truly comforting and memorable. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and that it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a delightful one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, simmered with penne pasta in savory chicken broth, and finished with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) honey BBQ sauce
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes until shimmering. Add whole chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Note that the chicken might not be fully cooked at this point.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate to rest for a few minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Pasta and Broth to Pan: To the same pan (don’t clean out the browned bits as they add flavor), add the penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Pasta: Cook the pasta while simmering for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente or slightly firmer than usual.
- Return Chicken and Add Sauce: Add the sliced chicken back into the pan and pour the honey BBQ sauce over the ingredients. Stir gently to combine and warm for about 3 minutes.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Allow everything to simmer together for another 3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more honey for sweetness or salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the honey BBQ chicken penne hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Do not discard the browned bits in the pan after searing the chicken; they enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Simmer the pasta until just al dente to avoid overcooking during the final simmer with the sauce.
- Adjust honey BBQ sauce amount for preferred sweetness and tanginess.
- Use fresh parsley or green onions as a garnish to add color and freshness.
- Optionally, salt and pepper can be added at various stages for additional taste.
