You’re in for a delightful treat with this one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne recipe. It combines the delicious flavors of barbecue chicken with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all made in just one pan! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why this dish earns a spot in your recipe book.
Why We Love This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne stands out for several reasons. First, its simplicity makes it ideal for busy schedules. You can prepare an entire meal in one pan without the hassle of doing multiple dishes. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce infuses the chicken and the pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Additionally, you can enjoy a hearty meal packed with protein and carbs, which is perfect for fueling your day. The vivid colors and aromas make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing. You can effortlessly impress family and friends with a dish that looks as good as it tastes, all while keeping your kitchen clean and tidy.
Ingredients for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Begin by seasoning the boneless chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the barbecue sauce and honey. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the sauce.
- Once cooked, remove the lid and stir the pasta. If the mixture is dry, you can add a little more broth or water as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
When it comes to serving this delicious one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne, presentation plays a key role. Use a large serving bowl or individual plates to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish. You can add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of green, which enhances its visual appeal and freshness. Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you like some crunch, consider including toasted garlic bread or fresh bread on the side. For those looking to elevate the flavor further, a sprinkle of extra barbecue sauce can be drizzled on top just before serving. This adds an enticing aroma and an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this dish warm to fully appreciate its tangy sweetness.
Expert Tips for One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
To ensure the best results with your one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne, here are some expert tips. First, choose chicken thighs over breasts for their juicy texture and flavor. Thighs tend to remain moist even after cooking. As you prepare the pasta, make sure to stir it occasionally while it simmers. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking. If you want to add a spicy kick, consider mixing in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the barbecue sauce. To enhance the flavor complexity, you can use homemade barbecue sauce or try different store-bought varieties—look for unique flavors that excite your palate. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking process; let the flavors meld together by allowing the dish to simmer properly. The result will be a deep, satisfying taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Store One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
If you have leftovers of your one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne, proper storage will keep it fresh for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove excess air. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Variations of One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
This one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own. Try swapping out penne for a different pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. Simply add these veggies to the skillet alongside the bell peppers and onions. If you are looking for a lighter version, you can use grilled chicken or turkey instead of the chicken thighs. Adding some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking can create a delicious, cheesy crust. For a twist on flavor, experiment with different sauces—teriyaki sauce or a spicy barbecue sauce can offer exciting variations. No matter how you choose to adapt this dish, it’s sure to please at any meal.
FAQ about One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
If you’re wondering more about this one-pan tangy honey BBQ chicken penne, you may have some common questions. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer helps ensure proper cooking. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it to enjoy later, making weeknight meals convenient. Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can divide it into single servings and store them for quick lunches or dinners. Can I substitute the penne with another pasta type? Yes, you can use any pasta shape, including gluten-free varieties. Experiment to find what you enjoy the most. Each variation opens a door to a unique culinary experience!
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs Choose thighs for a juicier texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika For seasoning the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For seasoning the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning.
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey For sweetness.
- 1 cup chicken broth For cooking the pasta.
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped Add color and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced For flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For additional flavor.
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the boneless chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with barbecue sauce and honey. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and add penne pasta. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and let cook for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the sauce.
- Remove the lid, stir the pasta, and add more broth if the mixture is dry.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
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