If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue chicken with tender, golden potatoes all in one pan, this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner go-to. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, wholesome ingredients and a quick cooking process that fills your kitchen with such delicious aromas you won’t be able to wait to dive in. Perfectly seasoned chicken and crispy potatoes meld together with melted cheddar and zesty garnishes, making every bite a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a vital role: the chicken soaks up the smoky spices, the potatoes add that satisfying crispness, and the barbecue sauce ties everything together with a sweet and tangy punch.
- Olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base for cooking and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Quick to cook and perfect for absorbing all the delicious seasoning.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness that’s key to that BBQ vibe.
- Onion powder: Gives a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbal undertone that complements the potatoes.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy nature crisps up nicely while becoming tender inside.
- Barbecue sauce: The heart of the dish, adding moisture, tang, and that signature BBQ flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket, bringing indulgence and richness.
- Green onions: Provide a fresh, sharp contrast and vibrant color on top.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy finish if you love a bit of herbaceous flair.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is your foundation for a perfectly cooked base, ensuring the chicken won’t stick and will develop that lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet and sprinkle on salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Toss everything well so each morsel is coated with the fragrant spices. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to brown on one side, then stir occasionally until it’s cooked through and nicely caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to make room for the potatoes.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes Until Golden
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it), add the cubed russet potatoes. The leftover chicken drippings and spices amplify their flavor, so stir them occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes, until they turn golden brown and fork-tender. This step is where those wonderfully crispy edges develop, giving the dish amazing texture.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
Lower the heat to medium and reintroduce the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the potatoes. This reunites the protein and starch perfectly before the magic finishing touches.
Step 5: Add the Barbecue Sauce
Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and potatoes evenly, stirring gently so every piece gets coated in that delicious tangy glaze. This sauce is what really transforms the dish into an irresistible BBQ sensation.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat, letting the cheese melt into a warm, bubbly blanket in about 3 to 5 minutes. This step makes the skillet indulgently cheesy and sticky in the best way.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top to brighten the dish with a pop of color and freshness. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed hot, the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like green onions and cilantro not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a zesty freshness that balances the smoky, rich flavors of the skillet. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a full meal in itself, but pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus can add a nice crunch and lighten things up a bit. For a more indulgent spread, cornbread or garlic bread are excellent partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe straight from the cast iron skillet at your table for a rustic, welcoming vibe. Alternatively, portion it into individual small skillets or even stuff it inside large baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the texture of the potatoes and chicken.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet leftovers gently in a microwave or skillet over low-medium heat, preferably covered to keep the moisture and ensure the cheese stays melty. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add a deeper flavor, so they work wonderfully in the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until they’re fully cooked through.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s spicy, sweet, or smoky. A thicker sauce works best to coat the chicken and potatoes without becoming too watery.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for hearty plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh and ensure you use a vegetarian BBQ sauce. Roasted mushrooms and additional veggies can also add great texture.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender and golden brown on the outside. You can test by piercing a cube with a fork — it should slide in easily without resistance.
Is this recipe spicy?
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika and black pepper but is not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe is comfort food at its finest—easy to make, packed with flavor, and downright satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, I promise this dish will bring smiles around your table and maybe even turn into a new family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
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
Description
This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, seasoned chicken with crispy golden potatoes, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
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 Oil: 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 hot skillet and season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir to coat all pieces well.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the cubed potatoes. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
- Combine Chicken and Potatoes: Reduce 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.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken and potatoes hot as a filling main dish suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, parboil potatoes for 5 minutes before cubing and cooking.
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Optional cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups using a larger skillet.
