BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

Weeknights in our home can often feel like a whirlwind. Between school runs, after-school activities, and trying to maintain some semblance of order, cooking a healthy and delicious dinner sometimes feels like a Herculean task. That’s why skillet meals have become my absolute best friend. And this BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet? Let’s just say it’s a new family favorite, and for very good reason. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes, all mingled with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Even my pickiest eater, who usually gives sweet potatoes a wide berth, devoured this dish! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly easy to throw together, making it perfect for those busy evenings when time (and energy) are in short supply. The best part? Clean-up is a breeze! Honestly, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and wholesome, and that will please the whole family without requiring hours in the kitchen, you absolutely have to try this BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor can be packed into one simple skillet meal!

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: (About 1.5 pounds) Provide a juicy and flavorful protein base for the skillet. Chicken thighs remain tender during cooking and hold up well to the BBQ sauce.
• Sweet Potatoes: (2 large, peeled and cubed) Offer a naturally sweet and nutritious element, adding fiber, vitamins, and a beautiful color to the dish.
• Bell Pepper: (1 large, any color, chopped) Contributes a vibrant color, crunchy texture, and a slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
• Red Onion: (1 medium, chopped) Adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that mellows as it cooks, complementing the other ingredients.
• BBQ Sauce: (1 cup, your favorite brand) Provides the signature smoky, tangy, and sweet BBQ flavor that ties the dish together. Choose a sauce you love, as it significantly impacts the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, preventing sticking and adding a touch of richness.
• Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
• Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Adds another layer of savory onion flavor, complementing the fresh red onion.
• Smoked Paprika: (1 teaspoon) Imparts a smoky depth and warm color, enhancing the BBQ flavor profile.
• Salt: (To taste) Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: (To taste) Adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): (For garnish, chopped) Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and adds a pop of color when serving.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the skillet. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and chopped red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Searing creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and helps to lock in the juices. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Add the Vegetables: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the seasoned vegetables to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. This step starts to cook the vegetables and release their natural sweetness.
4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it amongst the vegetables. Ensure the chicken is somewhat distributed throughout the vegetables for even cooking.
5. Add BBQ Sauce: Pour your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are nicely coated in the sauce.
6. Bake in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Baking in the oven allows for even cooking and helps the BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.
7. Rest and Garnish (Optional): Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
8. Serve Hot: Serve the BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet hot, directly from the skillet or portioned onto plates. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying one-pan meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Servings Per Recipe: 4

(Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is a weeknight dream! From chopping the vegetables to pulling it out of the oven, you’re looking at under an hour to get a delicious and nutritious meal on the table. The active cooking time is minimal, mostly involving searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, leaving you free to multitask or relax while it bakes to perfection in the oven.

How to Serve

This versatile BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Classic Sides:
  • Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful BBQ sauce.
  • Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is the perfect Southern-inspired accompaniment.
  • Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet.
  • Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.
• Topping Ideas:
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang.
  • Chopped Avocado: Adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
  • Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
  • Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese adds extra flavor and melty goodness.
  • Pickled Onions or Jalapeños: Adds a tangy and spicy kick for those who like a little heat.
  • Green Onions: Sliced green onions offer a mild oniony bite and visual appeal.
• Skillet Variations:
  • Serve in Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the BBQ chicken and sweet potato mixture into crisp lettuce wraps.
  • Stuff into Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the skillet mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Make BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls: Combine the skillet mixture with rice or quinoa and your favorite toppings for customizable bowls.

Additional Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

1. Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is a star ingredient in this recipe, so select a brand and flavor you genuinely enjoy. Experiment with different styles – smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy – to find your perfect match. Consider homemade BBQ sauce for even greater flavor control.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet When Searing Chicken: Searing the chicken in batches if necessary ensures proper browning. Overcrowding the skillet will steam the chicken instead of searing it, resulting in less flavorful meat. Give the chicken space to brown nicely.
3. Cut Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables Uniformly: Cutting the sweet potatoes and vegetables into roughly equal-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly in the skillet. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
4. Adjust Spices to Your Preference: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to suit your taste. You can also add other spices like chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
5. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs (Optional): For even more flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They will require a slightly longer cooking time. If using skin-on thighs, consider searing them skin-side down first to render the fat and crisp up the skin before baking.
6. Add Other Vegetables: Get creative and add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, broccoli florets, corn kernels, or diced carrots. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the vegetables you add.
7. Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the vegetables and sear the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine everything in the skillet, add the BBQ sauce, and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
8. Leftovers are Delicious: This BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet makes fantastic leftovers! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

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

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily if overcooked. Reduce the baking time slightly and ensure you don’t overbake them. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and remain juicier, making them a preferred choice for skillet meals.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you could substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like chickpeas, cubed tofu, or large portobello mushroom slices. For a vegan version, ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly (some contain honey) and use a plant-based protein source like tofu or tempeh. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein substitute.

Q3: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
A: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can still make this recipe! After searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables in a regular skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Pour the BBQ sauce over the top and bake in the oven as directed.

Q4: Can I add spice to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you like a spicier BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for the vegetables. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the skillet during cooking or as a topping.

Q5: How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?
A: Store leftover BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q6: Can I freeze this skillet meal?
A: Yes, you can freeze this skillet meal, although the texture of the sweet potatoes may change slightly after thawing. Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Yes, adding cheese is a delicious option! Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese over the skillet during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, or after it comes out of the oven. Let it melt and get bubbly for extra cheesy goodness.

Q8: What are some good side dishes to serve with this skillet?
A: As mentioned in the “How to Serve” section, classic sides like rice, cornbread, coleslaw, and green salad are excellent choices. Other good options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus), or a simple side of steamed green beans. Choose sides that complement the flavors and textures of the skillet meal.

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