If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that brings a beautiful combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness to your table, this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces mingling with golden, crispy potatoes, all coated in a rich barbecue sauce and topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also delivers comfort in every bite, making it perfect for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings when you want something homely yet special. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are easy to find yet essential to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component, from the hearty potatoes to the zesty spices, plays a crucial role in making the dish vibrant and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken and potatoes while adding a subtle richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Offers a warm, aromatic note without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: Brings that smoky BBQ character essential to the dish.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and umami complexity.
- Dried thyme: Contributes an earthy herbal touch for balance.
- Russet potatoes: Provide a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Barbecue sauce: The flavorful glue that brings it all together with tangy and sweet notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, gooey goodness for ultimate comfort.
- Green onions: Add a fresh, crisp finish for brightness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a herbaceous pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Begin by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is your foundation to ensure the chicken and potatoes get a delicious golden crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Then generously season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. These spices transform simple chicken into a smoky and savory delight. Stir everything so the chicken is evenly coated and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the cubed russet potatoes. Cooking them in the leftover oil and seasonings lets them absorb incredible flavor. Stir occasionally as the potatoes cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, until they turn golden brown and tender, with a perfectly crispy exterior that contrasts the soft interior.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
Reduce the heat to medium and return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the potatoes. This reunites all the hearty ingredients, prepping them to soak up the delicious barbecue sauce together.
Step 5: Add the Barbecue Sauce
Pour a generous cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken and potatoes. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every bite is coated with that tangy, sweet smoky sauce that makes this recipe shine. This step is where the signature BBQ flavor truly melds with the other components.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet contents. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and irresistibly gooey. This cheesy blanket melts into the potatoes and chicken, turning the dish into a decadent comfort food feast.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions and freshly chopped cilantro on top. These garnishes add a fresh, bright pop of flavor and color that perfectly balances the rich barbecue and cheese.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Top your skillet creation with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an herby brightness that cuts through the richness. These simple garnishes make the dish feel elevated and fresh every time you serve it.
Side Dishes
This skillet works beautifully as a standalone meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or some buttery corn on the cob. These sides add variety in texture and complement the smoky, cheesy flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe family-style right from the skillet at the table, letting everyone dig in. Alternatively, spoon it into warm, toasted bread bowls or even serve over a bed of steamed rice for a twist that stretches the meal further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after sitting a bit, making leftovers a tasty next-day delight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this meal, portion it out and place it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. To retain the potatoes’ crispness, consider reheating in a skillet with a splash of oil rather than just the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their texture, you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on potato type and size of the cubes.
Is this recipe spicy?
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe has a mild smoky flavor with just a touch of warmth from the smoked paprika and black pepper. If you like spice, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to kick things up.
Can I prepare this dish using chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Choose your favorite barbecue sauce—whether sweet, tangy, or smoky. A thicker sauce works well to cling onto the chicken and potatoes, making every bite deliciously coated.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Just ensure your barbecue sauce is gluten-free (many are, but it’s good to check). All other ingredients in this skillet recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those all-in-one dishes that brings warmth and comfort with every forkful. It’s simple enough for busy nights but delicious enough to serve guests. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to recipe when you want something tasty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make!
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BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken pieces with golden, crispy potatoes, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Potatoes and Sauce
- 2 large russet potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and tender.
- Combine chicken and potatoes: Reduce the heat to medium and return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the potatoes.
- Add barbecue sauce: Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and potatoes, stirring to mix everything evenly.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish the skillet with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro, if using.
- Serve: Serve hot as a delicious and satisfying main dish perfect for family dinners or casual meals.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and added sweetness.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
- For extra crispiness, you can finish the potatoes under a broiler for a minute before adding the chicken.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
