BEST TANGY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN PENNE

Imagine twirling perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a luscious, tangy honey BBQ sauce, studded with juicy bites of chicken. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes – sweet, smoky, and just a little bit sassy – and it’s about to become your new weeknight obsession: Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne. Trust me, this recipe is easier than you think, and the results are utterly irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt, or to taste

For the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Prep: Getting Organized is Key!

Okay, friend, before we even think about turning on the stove, let’s get our ducks in a row. Nobody wants to be scrambling for ingredients when the chicken is already sizzling. First, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Then, get your spices ready – measure them out into little bowls if you’re feeling fancy (I sometimes do!). Chop your onion and mince your garlic, too. Finally, measure out all of your sauce ingredients into a separate bowl. This will make the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me on this one!

Crafting the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce: It’s Easier Than You Think!

Don’t be intimidated by making your own BBQ sauce! This Tangy Honey BBQ sauce is incredibly simple and tastes a million times better than anything you can buy in a jar. Just whisk together the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Maybe you want it a little sweeter, so add a touch more honey. Or perhaps you want a little more tang, so add a splash more apple cider vinegar. This is *your* sauce, so make it perfect for *you*!

Sizzle Time: Cooking the Chicken Perfectly

Now, let’s move on to the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sprinkle it with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the Tangy Honey BBQ sauce and stir to coat. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Penne Perfection: Cooking the Pasta Just Right

While the chicken is simmering in the sauce, let’s cook the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – that means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Bringing it All Together: Creating the Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Magic

Melt the butter in the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (after removing the chicken and sauce to a separate bowl) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are packed with flavor! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) for extra richness. Finally, add the Tangy Honey BBQ chicken and sauce back to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations: Make it Your Own!

Time to serve this masterpiece! Garnish the Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve it hot and enjoy every single bite! Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Add veggies: Toss in some cooked bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese over the pasta before serving.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or shredded beef for a different flavor profile.

If you’re looking for other delicious pasta dishes, be sure to check out my recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s a real winner! Or, for a little bit of spice, you might enjoy my Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet. For a recipe that has some kick, try the Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. Similarly, the Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta is another great choice for dinner. Lastly, the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish that you are sure to love. And if you want an elevated version of an existing dish, give my Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try!

Tips and Tricks for Success: My Expert Advice

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook it al dente for the best texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings: The key to a perfect dish is to taste it as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touches and make it your own!
• Reserve pasta water: Pasta water is liquid gold! It helps to create a creamy sauce and bind the ingredients together.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste.

Make-Ahead Instructions: Perfect for Meal Prep!

This Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne is also great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, combine everything together, and enjoy! You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 650-750
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 70-80g

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

There you have it! Your very own Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, ready to impress your family and friends. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’re going to love it. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process! Happy cooking, my friend!