One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

When life gets busy, one-pan meals are a saving grace. They’re quick, mess-free, and packed with flavor — and this One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken is no exception. Imagine juicy, caramelized chicken bites coated in a sticky honey barbecue glaze, tossed with tender pasta, all in under 40 minutes. This dish brings together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in one comforting, easy-to-clean skillet. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, it’s bound to become your next go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe ticks all the boxes for home cooks seeking a fast, flavorful dinner without the stress:

• One-pan convenience – no need for multiple pots or pans.
• Perfect balance of flavors – sweet honey, tangy BBQ, and savory garlic meld beautifully.
• Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it.
• Customizable – easily switch the pasta type or add veggies.

The honey and BBQ combination creates a glossy, finger-licking coating that turns ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering experience. Pair it with buttery garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup honey
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (smoky or sweet)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides — about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   Add the uncooked pasta and chicken broth directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and pasta are fully coated with the glossy honey BBQ sauce.
5. Finish & Serve:
   Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving.

One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken

A one-pan dinner of tender chicken and pasta coated in a tangy honey BBQ sauce. Quick, flavorful, and family-approved.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Weeknight

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup honey
• 0.75 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• salt to taste
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, and pepper.
3. Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well and cover to cook for 12–15 minutes.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook until sauce thickens.
5. Finish with butter and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Use smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile. Add vegetables for more nutrition.

Tips for Success

• Use boneless thighs if you want juicier, more flavorful chicken.
• Choose a good BBQ sauce – smoky, spicy, or sweet depending on your taste.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
• Add cheese! For a creamy twist, sprinkle in shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the final 5 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or cayenne to the sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Asian Fusion: Add sesame oil and a dash of ginger for a teriyaki-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh green salad or coleslaw
• Garlic bread or cornbread muffins
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A crisp iced tea or lemonade

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, One-Pan Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken delivers restaurant-level flavor without any of the hassle. Cleanup is minimal, satisfaction is guaranteed.

Fun Fact

The combination of honey and barbecue sauce originated as a way to balance the heat and smokiness of Southern-style BBQ with a touch of sweetness. Today, it’s a staple in kitchens worldwide — and when combined with pasta, it creates a comfort meal that transcends cuisines.

Storage & Meal Prep

This dish keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the saucy texture. It’s also great for lunchboxes or quick weeknight reheats.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g