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Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne, a featured image showcasing a delicious pasta dish with chicken and a tangy honey barbecue sauce.

BEST Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

This recipe delivers a flavor explosion of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes with perfectly cooked penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a luscious honey BBQ sauce. It's an easy weeknight meal that's sure to become a new family favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Measure out all spices and sauce ingredients into separate bowls.
  3. Whisk together ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl to create the Tangy Honey BBQ sauce. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned on all sides (6-8 minutes). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Pour Tangy Honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
  8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  9. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  10. Melt butter in the same skillet (after removing chicken and sauce) over medium heat.
  11. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  12. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  13. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  14. Add 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.
  15. Stir in heavy cream (if using) for extra richness.
  16. Add the Tangy Honey BBQ chicken and sauce back to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
  17. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  18. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta; cook it al dente for the best texture. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. This recipe is great for meal prep; cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Variations: Add cooked bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrients. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese before serving. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or shredded beef for a different flavor profile. Pasta water is liquid gold! It helps to create a creamy sauce and bind the ingredients together.