A crave-worthy weeknight dinner doesn’t have to mean a pile of dirty dishes. This One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne packs bold barbecue flavor, tender bites of seared chicken, and perfectly coated pasta into a single skillet meal that’s fast and ridiculously satisfying.

The magic lies in the balance—sweetness from honey, the smoky tang of BBQ sauce, and the savory punch of garlic and herbs. You get creamy, sticky sauce clinging to every bite of penne, with juicy chicken bites that make it impossible to stop at one bowl. Comfort food? Absolutely. But with a modern, mess-free twist.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

The star here is the BBQ sauce, so pick one that matches your mood. Want smoky depth? Go with mesquite-style. Craving sweet heat? A honey-chipotle blend delivers. Classic Kansas City BBQ sauce brings that rich tomato-molasses vibe that pairs wonderfully with honey.

If you like a homemade touch, mix your own blend using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of mustard or Worcestershire.

Ingredients for the One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, it’s the base protein that soaks up all the BBQ flavor.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce like a champ, creating that craveable coating in every bite.
Honey: Adds the perfect sweet contrast to the smoky BBQ sauce.
BBQ sauce: The hero ingredient that sets the flavor tone. Use your favorite!
Garlic powder: Enhances the savoriness and depth.
Onion powder: Adds mellow sweetness to round out the sauce.
Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the pan, infusing it with flavor.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Parsley: Optional, but great for freshness and a pop of color.
Parmesan cheese: For that final salty, cheesy finish.

How To Make the One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with garlic and onion powder. Sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Simmer the Pasta

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, penne pasta, honey, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in more broth.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, smoky, tangy comfort.

How to Serve and Store This One Pan Meal

This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, topped with a sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan. Got leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.

This meal also freezes surprisingly well—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label. Reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner.

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

Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up that sticky sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The crisp-tender veggies provide a nice balance to the rich pasta.

Simple Green Salad

A light vinaigrette and fresh greens cut through the sweet BBQ glaze.

Corn on the Cob

Classic barbecue-style side with buttery goodness.

Creamy Coleslaw

A chilled, creamy slaw adds crunch and contrast.

Pickled Jalapenos

Bring some heat to your plate!

Grilled Zucchini

Smoky, charred zucchini brings extra depth.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this skillet dinner, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting dishes:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you love velvety sauces.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for rich, romantic flavor.
Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta for smoky, creamy decadence.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re in the mood for pasta with a twist.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another one-pot comfort classic.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go smoky or spicy with your BBQ sauce? Did you sneak in veggies or double down on cheese?

I love seeing how you personalize these recipes. Feel free to ask questions, swap ideas, or share your twists!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and sauces on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort food!

One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This One Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the perfect weeknight dinner—bold, sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Juicy chicken breast chunks are seared to golden perfection, then simmered with penne in a sticky, smoky honey BBQ sauce that clings to every bite. It’s all made in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, a comforting food fix, or a quick family meal, this one-pan wonder delivers big on taste and ease. It’s one of those must-try recipes that makes dinner feel special without the fuss.