BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chunks of chicken, crispy golden potatoes, a generous drizzle of flavorful BBQ sauce, and perfectly melty cheese. Each bite is loaded with sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a comforting dinner for yourself, this is the kind of dish that guarantees empty plates and plenty of requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet lies in its handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something delicious to the table, from color and crispiness to bold, crave-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Lean, flavorful protein that soaks up the seasonings and BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Potatoes: Small to medium in size, these are the foundation for that craveable, crispy-soft texture.
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes roast up beautifully golden and keeps everything from sticking.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for potatoes): These basic spices take the potatoes from plain to “please pass more!”
• Salt and pepper (for chicken): Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and ties the whole skillet together.
• Paprika, ranch seasoning, and onion powder: A powerhouse trio that gives the chicken its bold color and zesty flavor.
• Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps the chicken cook up juicy and golden.
• Minced garlic: For an extra punch of aromatic flavor that makes the skillet pop.
• BBQ sauce: The star of the show, bringing smoky sweetness and tying everything together in saucy harmony.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, savory perfection over the top of your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes

Start by peeling, washing, and cubing your potatoes. Toss them generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—don’t stress about the exact amounts, just make sure every piece gets coated for ultimate flavor. This step is crucial for that tantalizing crisp outside and pillowy soft inside.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Spread your seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to give them a good shake once or twice as they cook—this ensures every edge gets that golden, irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Cube and Sauté the Chicken

While the potatoes are crisping up, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Heat a skillet over medium-high, melt in the butter, and add the chicken. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing!

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, ranch seasoning, and onion powder. Let the seasonings brown and infuse flavor into the chicken as it cooks. Once the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden, stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for a minute.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce

Pour in about half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, tossing the chicken to coat every piece in sweet, sticky goodness. The sauce caramelizes just a bit in the hot pan for big, bold flavor.

Step 6: Combine and Top with Cheese

Add the cooked potatoes to your skillet and give everything a good mix so the sauces, seasonings, and potatoes all come together. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything—it’s about to get really comforting.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

For the best finish, pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. No broiler? Simply cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt right on the stove.

Step 8: Finish with More BBQ Sauce and Serve

Right before serving, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for a glossy finish and sweet-smoky punch. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet to restaurant level with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. A little extra cheese on top—or even a thin drizzle of ranch—makes it feel extra special. These final touches add vibrant color and a pop of flavor that really make the dish shine.

Side Dishes

While the skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Consider serving it alongside buttery corn on the cob or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out that saucy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet in individual mini skillets or ramekins for each guest. It’s also fantastic stuffed inside a warm tortilla as a wrap, or spooned over a bed of leafy greens for a BBQ chicken salad. The possibilities are as endless as your appetite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3-4 days, making for a quick and delicious lunch later in the week.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet! Once cooled, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 months, letting it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to their melting, saucy best, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce to brighten things up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts like a dream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda can add their own delicious twist to the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet. Use your favorite or mix a couple for extra flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce you love will taste great! Go for a classic smoky-sweet style, or choose a spicy variety if you like it with a little heat. Homemade sauces are wonderful, but a good bottled sauce works perfectly here.

Can I make it without an air fryer?

Definitely! Just toss the seasoned potato cubes on a baking sheet and roast them in a hot oven (425°F) for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

You can! Cook both the chicken and potatoes separately, then combine with BBQ sauce and cheese when you’re ready to serve. Just reheat everything together in a skillet or oven until hot and bubbly.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

No chicken? No problem! Swap in cubes of roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute. You’ll still get that hearty, BBQ-loaded comfort you crave from your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet has earned a spot on my favorites list—it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with those unbeatable sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors. I can’t wait for you to whip up this skillet in your own kitchen and make it a go-to comfort meal. Give it a try, and enjoy every savory, saucy bite!

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