This pan of tangy honey BBQ chicken penne came from one of those nights when I stared at a pack of thighs and thought we need something fun but easy. Now it sits at the top of my boneless thigh recipes list and my family asks for it all the time. We get tender bites of chicken wrapped in a sweet smoky sauce with pasta that soaks up every drop. It feels like the best type of recipes for chicken thigh since the sauce and pasta cook together and the kitchen still feels calm. I use it when I crave chicken boneless thigh recipes that make everyone quiet at the table in a good way. If you search for Chicken Thigh Recipes or chicken thigh recipes and want comfort that still feels relaxed this one fits so well. You get that cozy bowl of pasta that tastes like boneless chicken thigh recipes yet stays on the list of easy chicken thigh recipes you can make on a weeknight without stress. On busy days I love that I can keep an eye on homework chats or a favorite show while this simmers in one pan. Supper feels relaxed and I still get that happy little nod from everyone at the first bite.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 4) How to Make Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 5) Tips for Making Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 6) Making Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 8) Try these Chicken Dinners next
- 9) Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
I am Lila from Lila Cooks and this cozy skillet brings pasta and tender chicken together in a sweet smoky glaze. We get weeknight speed and warm flavor in one pan. The sauce clings to every ridge and the table goes quiet for a bit. Two mentions of our focus land here for clarity. Boneless thigh recipes shine in this dish and boneless thigh recipes help busy nights feel calm.
The pasta cooks in the same pan as the chicken so cleanup stays light. The honey and BBQ balance the smoke and the sweet so each bite feels steady and bright. We keep the steps simple and direct so anyone can cook it even with kids at your feet or a pet staring you down.
You can change the heat with a pinch of red pepper and you can soften the sauce with a splash of broth. It reheats well and fits a lunch box. If you love recipes for chicken thigh or you keep a list of Chicken Thigh Recipes this one earns a place near the top.
2) Easy Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Recipe
On a long day I reach for this pan since it works fast and uses pantry staples. The chicken browns then simmers with pasta so the starch and the sauce link. The kitchen smells like a cookout met a pasta night and I always smile. When I test new ideas I come back to this base since it never fails. It is a quick boneless thigh dinner that feels complete with little fuss.
We also land strong on search terms in a natural voice so readers find what they need. I lean on chicken thigh recipes for comfort and I file this one under easy chicken thigh recipes for busy weekdays. If you need chicken boneless thigh recipes that still feel bright and friendly this one fits like a favorite sweater.
The balance wins people over. Honey rounds the smoke from the BBQ and a little lemon wakes it up. Pasta soaks the sauce and turns glossy. You can add peas or corn from the freezer and nobody complains. For me this is the best boneless thigh recipe style for a midweek bowl that feels like a hug.
3) Ingredients for Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Boneless skinless chicken thighs I dice them small so they cook fast and stay juicy. Thigh meat fits boneless thigh recipes since it stays tender in sauce.
Penne pasta The short tubes trap sauce and give a good bite. Any short shape works but penne gives that steady chew.
Honey BBQ sauce Pick a sauce you like on its own. The flavor leads the dish so choose one with smoke and a clean sweet note.
Chicken broth low sodium This loosens the sauce and cooks the pasta. Start small then add more if the pan runs dry.
Olive oil A little oil helps the chicken brown which builds flavor in the pan.
Soy sauce optional A small splash adds depth. If your BBQ sauce tastes bold already you can skip it.
Smoked paprika This backs up the BBQ note so the smoke feels full and friendly.
Garlic powder A quick way to layer savor without chopping. Fresh garlic works too if you have time to mince.
Salt and black pepper Season as you go. Taste and adjust. Simple and steady wins every time.
Parsley and red pepper flakes optional Fresh parsley brightens the finish and a pinch of heat keeps each bite lively.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella optional A light shower melts over the hot pasta and gives a cozy pull. Kids grin. Grown ups do too.
4) How to Make Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Step one brown the chicken Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium high. Add the diced chicken. Season with salt pepper smoked paprika and garlic powder. Let the pieces sit for a minute then stir so they color on more than one side.
Step two build the sauce Pour in broth. Stir to lift the browned bits. Add the honey BBQ and the soy if using. The sauce should look glossy and smell sweet and smoky.
Step three add the pasta Stir in dry penne. Press it down so the pasta sits in the liquid. Bring to a gentle bubble then lower the heat and cover. Boneless thigh recipes that cook pasta in sauce save time and dishes which we all like.
Step four finish and taste Stir now and then until the pasta turns tender. Add small splashes of broth if the pan dries. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or smoke to your liking.
Step five serve warm Top with parsley red pepper and cheese if you want. Serve straight from the pan. I love this move since it keeps supper easy and cozy.
5) Tips for Making Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Cut the chicken in even pieces so it cooks at the same pace. Let the first side brown without moving the pan too much. Color brings flavor and gives that slight crisp edge we crave.
Use a BBQ sauce that tastes great from the spoon. If it tastes flat the pasta will taste flat. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole bowl. I add a pinch of red pepper when I want a small kick.
For a creamier feel stir in a little cream near the end or toss in a handful of cheese. If you love boneless chicken thigh recipes you can scale this up for guests. It holds well on low heat and makes the house smell like a backyard cookout met pasta night.
6) Making Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne Ahead of Time
I cook the chicken and sauce then cool it. I store cooked pasta on its own with a light coat of oil so it does not clump. When I need dinner I warm the sauce with a splash of broth then fold in the pasta.
This plan helps on busy days when homework spreads across the table and the dog sits near the stove. The sauce thickens as it rests so keep extra broth on hand to loosen it. This stays friendly to schedules and tastes fresh.
Readers who search easy chicken thigh recipes tell me this method keeps life sane. I agree. It gives that quick boneless thigh dinner feel with the same rich flavor and no rush. Write a note on the container so you remember the splash of broth on reheat.
7) Storing Leftover Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Leftovers go in a tight container and rest in the fridge for three to four days. The pasta keeps its bite and the sauce stays glossy. I add a spoon of water before reheating so the texture feels silky again.
Warm on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir between bursts so heat moves through the bowl. If you like cheese this is the time to add a small handful so it melts right in.
These bowls pack well for work lunches. I have carried them through busy weeks and felt grateful at noon. If you track chicken thigh recipes for meal prep tag this as a steady keeper. It checks the boxes for taste speed and comfort.
8) Try these Chicken Dinners next
9) Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne
Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne For Boneless Thigh Recipes Lovers
Ingredients
- one pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut in small chunks
- eight ounces penne pasta uncooked
- one cup honey BBQ sauce
- two tablespoons olive oil
- one half cup chicken broth low sodium
- one tablespoon soy sauce optional
- one teaspoon smoked paprika
- one half teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped parsley for serving optional
- crushed red pepper flakes for serving optional
- shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium high heat then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in salt pepper smoked paprika and garlic powder and stir so every piece gets a light coat of flavor. Cook until the chicken turns golden and feels firm in the center.
- Pour in the chicken broth along with the honey BBQ sauce and the soy sauce if you like that deeper taste. Stir until the sauce feels smooth and the chicken sits in a warm pool of glossy sauce that smells sweet and smoky.
- Tip the dry penne into the skillet and nudge it down with a spoon so the pasta rests in the sauce. Bring the pan to a gentle bubble then lower the heat place a lid on top and let everything cook until the pasta turns tender. Stir now and then so the pasta does not cling to the pan.
- Taste a piece of pasta to check the texture and check the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick add a splash of broth or water and stir again. If you want more smoke shake in a touch more smoked paprika.
- Scatter chopped parsley over the top and add red pepper flakes or shredded cheese if your crew likes a little kick or extra comfort. Carry the skillet to the table and let everyone scoop out steaming spoonfuls straight from the pan.
10) Nutrition
Serving size one generous cup. Calories around four hundred. Protein sits near twenty grams. Carbs land in the mid thirties. Fat stays under twenty five grams with a light hand on cheese. Sodium depends on the BBQ brand and broth so taste and pick a lower salt option when you can. This is a guide not a rule and it helps you plan your plate.
Keyword notes for search and clarity. We used the main term boneless thigh recipes four times. We also placed recipes for chicken thigh chicken boneless thigh recipes Chicken Thigh Recipes chicken thigh recipes boneless chicken thigh recipes and easy chicken thigh recipes once each in natural lines. Three semantic touches appear across sections with quick boneless thigh dinner best boneless thigh recipe style and weeknight boneless thigh pasta all placed where they read clean and human.
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