If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that combines smoky, sweet, and savory notes all in one pan, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet – Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Delight Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that melds tender sweet potatoes with juicy chicken and just the right amount of tangy BBQ sauce, making for a comforting dish the entire family will love. And the best part? It all comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the skillet. Every item plays a key role—from the natural sweetness of the potatoes and corn to the smoky depth of paprika and the melty cheddar cheese topping. Getting the ingredients right means your dish will have the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 2 cups Sweet Potatoes: Cut evenly to ensure they cook perfectly tender and caramelize nicely.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for that delicious tangy base the dish is built on.
- 1 medium Red Onion: Adds sweetness and slight sharpness, but yellow onion is a fine substitute.
- 1 cup Corn: Fresh, canned, or frozen—whatever you have on hand brings a pop of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey top; dairy-free cheese works for a lactose-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Or avocado oil, perfect for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste to bring everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth; regular paprika is fine if that’s what you have.
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions: Optional garnish that brightens up the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes; chives are a good alternative.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet – Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Delight Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the evenly chopped sweet potatoes and cook them for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to become tender while developing a beautiful caramelized exterior—this step is key to bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a delicious texture contrast in the dish.
Step 2: Add Onion and Corn
Once your sweet potatoes have softened and are golden brown, toss in the diced red onion and corn. Sauté everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the onions becoming translucent and sweet, while the corn adds bursts of juicy crunch and vibrant color. This layer of veggies perfectly complements the heartiness of the sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and BBQ Sauce
Next, stir in the cooked chicken along with the BBQ sauce. Give everything a good mix so that the BBQ sauce coats every morsel. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to heat through, allowing the flavors to meld together so beautifully. This step transforms your skillet into a smoky, tangy, protein-packed meal.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover it loosely with a lid or foil, and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. The gooey cheese melting over the BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes makes this dish truly irresistible—this is where comfort food heaven really comes to life.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet – Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh green onions right before serving lifts the dish with a subtle sharpness and fresh color, making the skillet even more inviting. If you want to get creative, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of chopped cilantro can add an extra dimension of flavor that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce’s tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet is quite a hearty plate on its own, but feel free to pair it with a crisp green salad for some refreshing crunch or steamed veggies to boost the nutrient profile. For something extra special, cornbread or warm dinner rolls also make wonderful companions, soaking up any leftover sauce from the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet straight from the pan for a rustic and cozy vibe that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Alternatively, plate individual portions topped with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs for a restaurant-style presentation that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers are just as tasty—if not more—than the day you made it.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the skillet in a freezer-safe dish or bag for up to 2 months. It’s a great option for meal prepping or saving for busy days when you want a quick, wholesome dinner with zero fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently in a pan over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out. If needed, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture and bring back that fresh-from-the-skillet deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding the sweet potatoes. However, using cooked chicken like rotisserie saves time and delivers great flavor quickly.
What BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
Any BBQ sauce you love will work here, whether sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy. Feel free to choose a brand you already enjoy, or experiment with homemade sauce for a personalized touch.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein, and use dairy-free cheese. Just be sure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of this skillet.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop your veggies and shred the chicken in advance to cut down on prep time. The actual cooking is quick, so assembling and cooking it right before serving yields the best texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! Regular paprika can be used as a substitute. While it won’t have the same smoky depth, the dish will still be delicious with the other robust flavors carrying the profile.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet – Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Delight Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves fuss-free, flavorful meals that come together quickly and satisfy completely. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this skillet offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and cheesy goodness. Give it a try and see just how easy and rewarding a one-pan dinner can be!
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BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet – Your Easy One-Pan Dinner Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender caramelized sweet potatoes, juicy BBQ chicken, sautéed onions and corn, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a convenient, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups Sweet Potatoes (cut evenly for consistent cooking)
- 1 medium Red Onion (can substitute with yellow onion)
- 1 cup Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (optional garnish, can be substituted with chives)
Protein
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute)
Dairy
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (or dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (opt for your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- to taste Salt & Black Pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (regular paprika can be used if necessary)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the chopped sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and caramelized for enhanced flavor.
- Sauté Onion and Corn: Toss in the diced red onion and corn, then sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the corn is softened, blending the flavors well.
- Add Chicken and BBQ Sauce: Incorporate the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce into the skillet, stirring thoroughly. Heat the mixture for 3-4 minutes to ensure everything is combined and warmed through.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet contents, cover it, and allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes. Serve the dish warm directly from the skillet for a comforting dinner experience.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut that adds great flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preference or spice level.
- Fresh corn provides the best texture, but canned or frozen corn works well too.
- Garnish with green onions or chives for added freshness and color.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cut uniformly to cook evenly.
