This One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne combines the smoky richness of BBQ sauce with the sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tender chicken and pasta absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite a savory experience. Perfect for busy nights or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum taste. Plus, you can easily customize the level of sweetness and tang by adjusting the amount of honey or BBQ sauce. With only one pan to clean, this meal is as convenient as it is delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 chicken breasts, diced
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12 oz penne pasta
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1/2 cup honey
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
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While the onion is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Once the onion and garlic are softened, add BBQ sauce, honey, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Then, add the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat evenly in the BBQ sauce.
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Serve the dish topped with freshly chopped cilantro and an optional drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Flavorful and Effortless Meal
When it comes to easy, delicious, and filling meals, the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is the ideal choice. This dish is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly convenient, making it the perfect solution for busy families, students, or anyone who needs a quick meal without compromising on flavor. This recipe brings together tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and sweet honey in one skillet, creating an unforgettable flavor combination. Plus, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
The Magic of BBQ Sauce and Honey
The base of this dish relies on the winning combination of BBQ sauce and honey. BBQ sauce is known for its smoky, tangy flavor that adds depth to any dish, while honey provides a delightful sweetness that balances the sharpness of the sauce. Together, they create a harmonious glaze that coats the chicken and pasta, infusing each bite with an irresistible flavor profile.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or extensive preparation, making it accessible even to novice cooks. With just a handful of pantry staples like BBQ sauce, honey, and pasta, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One of the major reasons this recipe shines is because of its versatility and the convenience of cooking it all in one pan. One-pan meals are a huge time-saver because they eliminate the need for multiple pots and pans. This also means less cleanup afterward, making it the perfect choice for busy nights when you don’t want to spend more time in the kitchen than necessary.
Another great aspect of this dish is its balance of flavors. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy elements creates a layered taste experience that is both comforting and exciting. The BBQ sauce adds a robust, savory flavor, while the honey balances it with a soft sweetness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and pasta. This makes the dish not only incredibly flavorful but also highly satisfying.
The chicken used in this dish is lean and protein-packed, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a nutritious, filling meal. The pasta provides the necessary carbohydrates, ensuring that the dish is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
A Meal That Works for Everyone
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a meal for yourself, the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is an excellent choice. Its simplicity and versatility make it easy to adjust based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can easily swap out the chicken for turkey, pork, or even a vegetarian protein option like tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.
The dish is naturally adaptable to a variety of tastes, too. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick. If you like your food sweeter, feel free to add more honey. The recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
The Health Benefits of This Dish
Not only does the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne taste incredible, but it also offers several health benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair, making this dish a great post-workout meal. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, offering a steady source of energy, while the BBQ sauce provides a small amount of antioxidants, especially if you’re using a high-quality sauce with natural ingredients.
Honey, though often considered a sweetener, also has its health benefits. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can contribute to your overall well-being. Additionally, honey has natural antimicrobial properties and can help soothe a sore throat, making this dish a great option when you’re looking for comfort food.
Easy and Quick Meal Preparation
Time is often of the essence, especially when it comes to preparing dinner after a long day. With the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, you can have a delicious meal on the table in just under 30 minutes. The dish comes together quickly, thanks to the efficient use of a single pan. Cooking the chicken and pasta simultaneously and using the same skillet for everything not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together in the same pan.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. All you need to do is dice the chicken, cook it with a few seasonings, and prepare the pasta while the chicken is cooking. The BBQ sauce and honey are added at the end to create a sticky, sweet glaze that coats everything in deliciousness. This simplicity makes the dish perfect for busy weeknights when you just want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Perfect for Meal Prep
The One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is also a great option for meal prep. Because it stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking to plan ahead and save time. Simply make a big batch of the dish, portion it out into containers, and you have ready-to-eat meals for several days. The flavors will actually improve after a day or two, as the sauce continues to soak into the chicken and pasta.
This makes the recipe a great option for anyone with a busy schedule who still wants to enjoy home-cooked meals throughout the week. Meal prepping not only saves time but also helps you avoid the temptation of ordering takeout or grabbing unhealthy fast food on the go.
How to Make This Dish Even Better
While the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is already packed with flavor and easy to prepare, there are a few simple tips to make it even more delightful. First, consider adding some vegetables to the mix. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini not only boost the dish’s nutritional value but also add a pop of color and freshness that complement the rich flavors of the chicken and pasta.
Second, don’t forget the finishing touches. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish even further. These little additions bring a burst of freshness and add a touch of elegance to a simple meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is a fantastic dish that combines the ease of one-pan cooking with the bold, delicious flavors of BBQ and honey. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for anyone looking to create a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-try for anyone seeking an easy and flavorful meal.
