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Dinner / Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

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Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine tender penne pasta, perfectly coated in a luscious, homemade honey BBQ sauce, studded with juicy chunks of grilled chicken. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of combining pasta with BBQ sauce are somewhat shrouded in mystery, the concept draws inspiration from the American South’s love affair with BBQ and the Italian tradition of pasta dishes. It’s a delightful fusion that brings together comforting flavors and textures from two distinct culinary worlds. Think of it as a delicious melting pot on your plate!

What makes this Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy BBQ sauce, while the grilled chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. The penne pasta, with its ridged surface, expertly captures every drop of that flavorful sauce. But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly convenient. This one-pot wonder is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Everyone loves a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, and this recipe delivers on both fronts. Get ready to create a new family favorite!

Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce:
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • For the Penne Pasta:
    • 1 lb penne pasta
    • 8 cups water
    • 1 tbsp salt
  • For the Vegetables:
    • 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
    • 1 medium red onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For Garnish (optional):
    • Fresh parsley, chopped
    • Shredded cheddar cheese
    • Green onions, sliced

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
  2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-seasoned. I like to use my hands to really get the spices worked in, but a spatula works just fine too!
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the chicken, making it extra delicious. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours.

Making the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce:

  1. While the chicken is marinating, we can whip up the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want it tangier, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. If you want it spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Remember, you are the chef, so make it to your liking! Once you are happy with the taste, remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Cooking the Penne Pasta:

  1. Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. This will season the pasta as it cooks.
  2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm to the bite.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface will help the sauce cling to it.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

  1. While the pasta is cooking, let’s sauté the vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
  4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken and Assembling the Dish:

  1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, add the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet.
  5. Pour the Tangy Honey BBQ Sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat evenly.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
  8. Serve the Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions, if desired.
  2. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  3. This dish is also great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  4. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or use a spicier BBQ sauce.
  5. If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use any other type of pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
  6. To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
  7. You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.

Tips and Tricks:

  1. Marinating the chicken is key to getting the best flavor. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be.
  2. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Cook it until it is al dente.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it your own!
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
  5. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
  6. Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing the vegetables. It can become bitter if it is overcooked.
  7. If you are using frozen vegetables, thaw them before adding them to the skillet.
  8. This dish is also great for potlucks and parties. It can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
  9. For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce.
  10. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice.
  11. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard.
  12. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika.

Variations:

  1. Spicy Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce.
  2. Creamy Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving.
  3. Vegetarian Tangy Honey BBQ Penne: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables to the dish.
  4. Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken and Broccoli Penne: Add broccoli florets to the skillet along with the other vegetables.
  5. Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken and Mushroom Penne: Add sliced mushrooms to

    Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne

    Conclusion:

    This Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, perfectly balanced with the tang of honey and the savory chicken, creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor you achieve with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a casual weekend gathering.

    But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick. Looking for a vegetarian option? Simply swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. The possibilities are truly endless!

    Serving Suggestions and Variations:

    For a complete meal, I love serving this Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus would also be excellent choices.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:

    * Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for an extra creamy and decadent dish.
    * Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a fiery twist.
    * Cheesy Goodness: Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and bake it in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
    * Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.
    * Different Pasta Shapes: While I personally love penne, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni.

    Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The key is to have fun and enjoy the process.

    I truly believe that this Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for?

    So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? Did you make any modifications of your own? Share your thoughts, photos, and feedback in the comments below. Let’s create a community of passionate home cooks who love to share their culinary creations! Happy cooking!

    Tangy Honey BBQ Chicken Penne: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

    Tender chicken and penne pasta tossed in a tangy and sweet homemade honey BBQ sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions. A flavorful and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time20 minutes
    Cook Time40 minutes
    Total Time60 minutes
    Yield6-8 servings
    👨‍🍳By: Sharey
    📂Category: Dinner
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 6-8 servings
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Marinating the chicken is key for flavor.
    • Don’t overcook the pasta.
    • Adjust the BBQ sauce seasonings to your preference.
    • For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
    • For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce.
    • Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
    • Other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle can be used.
    • Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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