BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a delightful and easy 30-minute dinner that your entire family will love! This dish combines tender chicken and crispy potatoes, all tossed in a rich BBQ sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, this recipe stands out for its flavor and simplicity, making it a go-to for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding veggies or different seasonings based on your preference.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one skillet.
• Satisfying Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce, spices, and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Cooks the potatoes quickly while keeping them crispy without excess oil.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and mixing all ingredients together seamlessly.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting chicken and potatoes efficiently.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.

Ingredients

This is an easy 30-minute dinner the whole family loves!

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts

For the Potatoes

• 5 small/medium potatoes
• olive oil + salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for potatoes)

For Seasoning the Chicken

• 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp each of paprika, ranch seasoning, and onion powder

For Cooking

• 2 TBSP butter
• 1 TBSP minced garlic

For Topping

• 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel, wash the potatoes, and cut them into cubes.
2. Toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Place the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook for about 20-25 minutes; shake them around at least a couple of times during cooking to ensure even crisping.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. While potatoes are cooking, cut the chicken into cubes.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt a little butter and add the chicken cubes.
3. Season the chicken with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper, along with 1 tsp each of paprika, ranch seasoning, and onion powder.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Once the chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), add minced garlic to the skillet.
2. Pour in about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce and stir well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

1. Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the chicken mixture.
2. Stir everything together thoroughly before topping it off with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Melt Cheese

1. Broil in the oven for just a few minutes until cheese melts (or cover with a lid on the stove until melted).

Step 7: Serve

1. Drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet!

Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Serving your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ideas to complement this delicious dish.

Family Style

• Serve the skillet directly from the pan for a casual, family-style meal. This encourages everyone to dig in and helps create a warm atmosphere.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

BBQ Drizzle

• Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top just before serving. This gives an extra punch of flavor that BBQ lovers will appreciate.

Pair with Salad

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad. A light salad balances the richness of the skillet and adds freshness.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

To ensure your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use uniform potato sizes: Cutting potatoes into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly, resulting in perfectly tender bites.

• Preheat your air fryer: If you’re using an air fryer for the potatoes, preheating it can yield crisper results.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give chicken enough space in the skillet to brown properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.

• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices or add new ones according to your taste preferences. This dish is versatile!

• Let it rest briefly: After cooking, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side, coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess that complements the rich flavors of the skillet.

2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and pairs well with BBQ sauces, making it a perfect accompaniment.

3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce from the skillet and adds a delicious touch.

4. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty contrast to the savory chicken and potatoes, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor.

5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until charred add freshness and vibrant colors to your plate.

6. Potato Salad: If you’re still craving more potatoes, creamy potato salad is an excellent way to keep things cohesive while adding variety.

7. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is another classic side that pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes for added texture.

8. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to the warm skillet, balancing out flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of.

• Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and potatoes can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and other spices generously.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them mushy. Aim for a crispy texture by checking them regularly in the air fryer.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to prepare all ingredients beforehand can slow down cooking. Have everything ready before you start cooking.
• Ignoring Cheese Melting Tips: Broiling the cheese for too long can burn it. Keep an eye on it to achieve a bubbly, golden finish without burning.
• Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: A bad BBQ sauce can ruin the dish. Choose a flavorful sauce that complements your chicken and enhances overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1 minute at a time) until hot, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it when combining with the potatoes.

What type of potatoes should I use?

Small to medium-sized potatoes work best, such as Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes. They hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or any veggies you like for added flavor and nutrition.

How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet?

The spice level depends on your choice of BBQ sauce. Use a mild sauce for less heat or a spicy one if you enjoy more kick!

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is not just easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or sauces. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. Give it a try and make it your own!