BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

Even on the busiest weeknights, I always strive to put a wholesome and delicious meal on the table for my family. Finding recipes that are both quick to prepare and satisfying can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. That’s where this BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet recipe has become an absolute game-changer in our household. From the moment the smoky aroma of BBQ sauce and savory chicken fills the kitchen, to the last bite of tender sweet potato and juicy chicken, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour this skillet meal without hesitation, and my husband and I appreciate its balanced flavors and nutritional value. It’s become a regular feature in our weekly meal rotation, not just for its ease and taste, but also because it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy vegetables without any complaints. If you’re searching for a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under an hour, look no further – this BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

To create this flavorful and satisfying skillet meal, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the overall taste and texture of the dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless): The protein powerhouse of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, cook quickly in the skillet, and absorb the BBQ sauce beautifully. Look for breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Sweet Potatoes (2 large, about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced): These vibrant orange tubers add a touch of sweetness and a wealth of nutrients to the skillet. Opt for firm sweet potatoes and dice them into uniform cubes, about ½-inch in size, so they cook evenly with the chicken.
• Red Onion (1 medium, sliced): Red onion provides a sharp, slightly pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and the tanginess of the BBQ sauce. Slicing the onion allows it to soften and caramelize slightly in the skillet.
• Bell Pepper (1 large, any color, diced): Bell peppers contribute color, crunch, and a mild sweetness to the dish. You can use any color bell pepper – red, yellow, orange, or green – depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Dicing ensures they cook through quickly.
• BBQ Sauce (1 cup, your favorite): The star flavor component! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce – whether it’s smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy. The sauce will coat the chicken and vegetables, creating a delicious glaze as it cooks down in the skillet. Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties to find your perfect flavor profile.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken. Olive oil is a healthy fat that adds a subtle richness to the dish and prevents sticking in the skillet. You can also use avocado oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor that enhances both the chicken and the vegetables. It’s a convenient pantry staple that blends seamlessly into the dish.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Similar to garlic powder, onion powder boosts the savory notes and complements the fresh red onion. It adds a subtle umami flavor to the skillet.
• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ theme of the dish. It adds complexity and depth that regular paprika doesn’t provide.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors and enhance the taste of all the ingredients. Season generously to taste throughout the cooking process.
• Optional Garnishes (fresh parsley, cilantro, green onions): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. Chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions make excellent garnishes, adding a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Your BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet. Each step is designed to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)

Before you begin cooking, it’s always helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This culinary technique, known as “mise en place,” will streamline the cooking process and make it much more efficient.

• Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the skillet. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized pieces will cook evenly.
• Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster, ensuring they become tender in the skillet.
• Red Onion: Peel and slice the red onion thinly. Slicing allows the onion to soften and caramelize as it cooks.
• Bell Pepper: Remove the core and seeds from the bell pepper. Dice the bell pepper into ½-inch pieces, similar in size to the sweet potatoes and chicken.
• Measure Spices and BBQ Sauce: Have your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce measured out and ready to use. This will make the cooking process smoother and prevent you from scrambling for ingredients while cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Getting the vegetables started first is key, as they typically take longer to cook than the chicken. This ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time.

• Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or oven-safe) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. A hot skillet is essential for proper sautéing.
• Add Onions and Sweet Potatoes: Add the sliced red onion and diced sweet potatoes to the hot skillet. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible.
• Sauté and Season: Sauté the onions and sweet potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are starting to soften and the onions are becoming translucent. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sautéing allows the vegetables to develop flavor and begin to cook through.
• Add Bell Pepper: Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly softened but still has a bit of crispness. Adding the bell pepper later prevents it from becoming mushy.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to add the chicken to the skillet. Cooking the chicken with the vegetables allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Push Vegetables to the Side: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet to create space in the center.
• Add Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the cleared space in the skillet. Spread it out in a single layer if possible.
• Season Chicken: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
• Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. The chicken should develop a nice golden-brown color.

Step 4: Combine and Glaze with BBQ Sauce

The final step is to bring everything together and create that signature BBQ flavor by glazing the chicken and vegetables with BBQ sauce.

• Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Stir the cooked chicken and vegetables together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed in the skillet.
• Add BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Simmer and Glaze: Stir to coat everything evenly with the BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and glazed the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to become rich and sticky.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish (Optional)

Your BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is now ready to be served!

• Check for Doneness: Before serving, ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy! This skillet meal is delicious served on its own or with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts for BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (per serving)

This BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories: A moderate calorie count, making it suitable for a balanced meal. Calories will vary slightly depending on the specific BBQ sauce used and portion sizes.
• Protein: 40-45 grams: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall satiety. Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, which can aid in weight management.
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams: Primarily from sweet potatoes and bell peppers, providing complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Sweet potatoes are a healthier carbohydrate source compared to refined grains.
• Fiber: 8-10 grams: Sweet potatoes and bell peppers are good sources of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, blood sugar control, and promoting fullness. Fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiome.
• Vitamin A: Excellent source: Sweet potatoes are incredibly rich in Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), an antioxidant important for vision, immune function, and cell growth. This skillet is a great way to boost your Vitamin A intake.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, focusing on efficiency and speed.

• Total Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes which includes chopping vegetables, dicing chicken, and measuring out spices. This quick prep time allows you to get dinner started even when you’re short on time.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes in the skillet, including sautéing vegetables, cooking chicken, and simmering in BBQ sauce. The relatively short cooking time ensures dinner is on the table in under an hour.
• Total Time from Start to Finish: Under 1 hour. This makes it an ideal weeknight meal solution when you need a healthy and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Your Delicious BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

This versatile skillet meal can be served in various ways, making it adaptable to different preferences and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Complete Meal on its Own: The skillet is already packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and balanced meal in itself. Simply serve it directly from the skillet or portion it onto plates.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet over a bed of cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice) or quinoa. The grains absorb the flavorful BBQ sauce and add extra carbohydrates and fiber.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter and low-carb option, spoon the skillet mixture into crisp lettuce cups (like romaine or butter lettuce). This makes a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional wraps.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the skillet with a fresh side salad to add extra greens and freshness to your meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the BBQ flavors.
• Topped on Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Load up baked potatoes or extra baked sweet potatoes with the skillet mixture for a comforting and customizable meal. This is a great way to use leftover baked potatoes.
• As Filling for Tacos or Burritos: Get creative and use the BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos. Warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings complete the meal.
• Alongside Cornbread or Biscuits: For a Southern-inspired meal, serve the skillet with warm cornbread or biscuits. These sides are perfect for soaking up the delicious BBQ sauce.
• With a Side of Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Boost your vegetable intake by serving the skillet with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus.

Additional Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

To ensure your BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is a resounding success, consider these helpful tips:

• Cut Vegetables and Chicken Uniformly: Dicing the sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and chicken into similar-sized pieces is crucial for even cooking. This ensures that everything cooks through at the same rate and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of sautéing and browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the vegetables and chicken brown properly. Proper browning enhances flavor development.
• Use a Good Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a key flavor component, so choose one you love. Experiment with different styles – smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy – to find your favorite flavor profile. High-quality BBQ sauce can significantly elevate the dish.
• Adjust Spices to Your Preference: Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Customizing spices allows you to tailor the flavor to your taste.
• Pre-cook Sweet Potatoes for Faster Cooking (Optional): If you want to speed up the cooking process even further, you can partially pre-cook the sweet potatoes by microwaving them for a few minutes before dicing and sautéing. This reduces the sautéing time and ensures they become tender quickly.
• Make it a Sheet Pan Meal for Easier Cleanup: For even easier cleanup, you can adapt this recipe to a sheet pan. Toss the vegetables and chicken with olive oil and spices, spread them on a sheet pan, roast in the oven until cooked through, and then toss with BBQ sauce at the end.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, yellow squash, corn kernels, or black beans. This is a great way to use up vegetables you have on hand and add more variety and nutrients to the dish.
• Make it Ahead for Meal Prep: This skillet meal is excellent for meal prepping. Cook it ahead of time and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They are more flavorful and tend to stay moister during cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work best in this recipe. Just be aware that chicken thighs may take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. For a vegan version, use tofu or chickpeas and ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly (some may contain honey). Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water and then cubed before sautéing. Chickpeas can be added directly to the skillet with the vegetables.

Q3: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
A: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes in a pinch. Thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet and be mindful that they may release more moisture during cooking, so you might need to cook them a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.

Q4: What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Can I use regular paprika?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika if needed. However, smoked paprika adds a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ theme of the dish. If you don’t have smoked paprika, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke (use sparingly as it’s potent) or a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky element.

Q5: How do I store leftovers of BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet?
A: Store leftover BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the leftovers cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.

Q6: How do I reheat BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet leftovers?
A: You can reheat leftovers in the microwave, skillet, or oven. For the microwave, heat in intervals until warmed through. For the skillet, reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. For the oven, reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this skillet?
A: While not traditionally included, you can definitely add cheese to this skillet if you like! Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend would pair well with the BBQ flavors. Sprinkle cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking or after plating and let it melt slightly.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as long as you use a gluten-free and dairy-free BBQ sauce. Most BBQ sauces are naturally dairy-free, but always check the label to be sure, especially if you have strict dietary restrictions. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

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