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Easy Tangy Chicken

Section: Evening Favorites

This meal starts by getting the chicken nice and browned, then making the pan tasty by adding liquids. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the sweet and smoky flavors. Once the chicken goes back in, everything blends perfectly for a filling dish you can get done under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something good without extra work.

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Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Most recently updated on Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:09:52 GMT
Close up of juicy honey BBQ chicken cooked in one pan. Save
Close up of juicy honey BBQ chicken cooked in one pan. | cookbing.com

This easy one-pan honey BBQ chicken with a tangy twist is great for busy nights when you want something tasty without a big mess. It mixes tender chicken, pasta, and a sauce that’s both sweet and smoky.

I made this after a long day and was surprised how the sauce clings so well to the chicken and pasta. It quickly became a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless: juicy and tasty meat Grab fresh ones without too much liquid for the best results
  • Uncooked penne pasta: perfect for soaking up the sauce Choose a firm, good-quality brand
  • Honey BBQ sauce: adds that sweet and tangy kick Pick your fave brand or make your own for a personal flavor
  • Olive oil for browning: keeps things rich and stops sticking Use extra virgin for better taste
  • Low salt chicken broth: makes the cooking base and boosts flavor Go for one that tastes fresh and balanced
  • Soy sauce, optional: adds savory depth Try naturally brewed to avoid any fake flavors
  • Smoked paprika: gives a warm smoky flavor Use fresh and bright for best aroma
  • Garlic powder: adds savory layers Freshly ground is the best if you have it
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: bring out all the flavors Be careful with salt since the sauce already has seasoning

Steps

Start with the chicken:
Heat some olive oil in a big non-stick pan on medium-high. Throw in chicken cut into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder all over. Don’t move them too much while cooking so they get a nice golden crust about 4-5 minutes each side. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. Take the chicken out when done.
Make the sauce and scrape up flavors:
Pour chicken broth into the hot pan. Use a wooden spoon to loosen all the brown bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits add amazing taste. Stir in honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce if you want. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens a bit and flavors blend.
Cook the pasta right in the sauce:
Add uncooked penne to the pan. Pour enough water in to just cover the pasta, about 1 to 1.5 cups. Cover the pan with a lid or foil. Let it cook slowly, stirring from time to time so it doesn’t stick. This takes around 12 to 15 minutes. The pasta soaks up all the sauce and broth, making it creamy.
Mix it all and finish up:
When pasta is soft, put the chicken back in the pan. Stir well and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes so the chicken warms back up and the flavors come together nicely. Taste it and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve right away, and if you want, add a garnish.
A tasty one-pan honey BBQ chicken dish with zesty flavor.
A tasty one-pan honey BBQ chicken dish with zesty flavor. | cookbing.com

My top pick here is smoked paprika. It brings a gentle smoky flavor that lifts the sauce without being too much. I still remember when my partner said this was good enough for guests right after the first bite.

Storing Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add a bit of water or broth if needed so the sauce doesn’t dry and the pasta stays soft. This works great for lunch the next day.

Switching Ingredients

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you like. Thighs stay juicy while breasts are leaner. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms. Just add a little extra broth to cook the pasta properly.

Serving Tips

Try serving with a simple salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette that cuts the richness. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans go well with the smoky sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh kick on top.

Close-up of a tasty one-pan honey BBQ chicken meal.
Close-up of a tasty one-pan honey BBQ chicken meal. | cookbing.com

This one-pan honey BBQ chicken is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight meals. Feel free to switch up BBQ sauces or toss in fresh veggies to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Can I swap chicken thighs for breasts?

Sure, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead. Just watch the cooking time since breasts tend to dry out if you cook them too long.

→ What pasta is best here?

Penne works great because it holds the sauce well. You could also try rigatoni or ziti if you want to mix it up.

→ Do I have to deglaze with chicken broth?

Deglazing with broth pulls up all the tasty browned bits and adds flavor, but water works fine if you don’t have broth.

→ How do I throw veggies into this?

Try tossing in diced onions or bell peppers right after browning the chicken. Let them soften a bit before adding liquids and pasta.

→ Can I tweak the sauce’s sweetness or tang?

Absolutely. Just add more honey if you want it sweeter, or splash in some lemon juice or vinegar for extra zing.

Honey BBQ Chicken

Juicy chicken and penne tossed in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, all cooked in a single pan for hassle-free cooking.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Type of Recipe: Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yielded: 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences: Dairy-Free Option

Ingredients List

→ Pasta

01 225 g dry penne pasta

→ Protein

02 450 g chicken thighs or breasts without skin, cut into small chunks

→ Seasonings & Oil

03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 Salt and fresh ground black pepper to your liking
05 30 ml olive oil
06 1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ Sauce & Liquid

07 15 ml soy sauce (you can skip this if you want)
08 240 ml honey BBQ sauce
09 120 ml chicken broth with low salt

Detailed Cooking Steps

Step 01

Heat the olive oil in a big non-stick pan on medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken chunks and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook them until they're nicely browned and done. Then set the chicken aside.

Step 02

Pour the dry penne into the pan. Add just enough water to cover it lightly, about 240 to 360 ml. Put a lid on and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then until the pasta is cooked but still chewy.

Step 03

Put the chicken back into the pan. Mix it all together and let it cook gently for 2 to 3 more minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 04

Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Then add the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce if you’re using it. Let everything simmer softly for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 05

Give it a final taste and add more salt or pepper if you want. You can add fresh herbs or veggies for some extra color and nutrition before serving.

Helpful Hints

  1. Pick your favorite BBQ sauce to change the taste. Throwing in some bell peppers or onions boosts the nutrition. You can tweak the amount of water based on what kind of pasta you use and how long you want it cooked.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Big non-stick pan

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and ask a doctor if unsure.
  • May have soy from optional soy sauce and some allergens in BBQ sauce

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

These nutritional values serve as a guide and don’t replace advice from healthcare experts.
  • Calorie Count: 450
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Amount: 35 grams