BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your family’s cravings in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines juicy chicken and crispy potatoes with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any occasion when you want something easy yet delicious. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward steps, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting combination of chicken and potatoes.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever leftover veggies you have on hand to customize this dish further.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, cleanup is a breeze after enjoying this delicious meal.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The blend of BBQ sauce, spices, and cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To create your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, you’ll need some essential tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Provides a healthier way to crisp up the potatoes without excess oil while ensuring they are perfectly cooked.
• Skillet: Allows for even cooking of the chicken and lets you easily combine all ingredients in one pan for maximum flavor.

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
• 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 potatoes, and cut them into cubes.
2. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (you can adjust these seasonings to your taste).

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

• Cook potatoes in the air fryer at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to shake them around at least a couple times during cooking for even crispiness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. While the potatoes are cooking, cut chicken into cubes.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken with a little butter until it’s browned.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

• Once cooked through, season the chicken with 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper along with 1 tsp each of paprika, ranch seasoning, and onion powder. Add minced garlic and about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce to coat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet with chicken.
2. Stir everything together well to ensure flavors meld.
3. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Melt Cheese

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

Step 7: Final Touches

• Drizzle a little more BBQ sauce on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

The BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a hearty dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will delight your family and friends.

Classic Serving

• Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. This allows everyone to dig in and enjoy the melty cheese and BBQ goodness right away.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. It brings freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Accompany with Extra BBQ Sauce

• Place a small bowl of BBQ sauce on the side for those who love an extra kick. This allows guests to customize their meal just as they like it.

Pair with Cornbread

• Serve slices of warm cornbread alongside the skillet. This sweet, buttery bread complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Offer a Green Salad

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich skillet. The crunch from the vegetables adds texture to your meal.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

To achieve the best results with your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor and the perfect texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and potatoes make a difference in taste. Always opt for high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly, resulting in perfectly tender bites.
• Don’t Skip Seasoning: Proper seasoning is key for flavor. Make sure to coat both the chicken and potatoes well before cooking.
• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is delicious, feel free to experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on both chicken and potatoes while cooking. Adjust time based on your stove’s heat settings for optimal doneness.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together even more before serving.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

Complementing your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair well and add variety to your dinner table.

1. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture contrast and balances out the richness of the skillet.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add vibrant colors and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall healthiness.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans bring a classic BBQ flavor that pairs wonderfully with this dish.
4. Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn on the cob is sweet and juicy, making it an ideal side during summer months.
5. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad can be a great addition if you want something different but still potato-based.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can help soak up any leftover BBQ sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.
7. Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf offers a nice texture contrast while soaking up flavors from the skillet’s sauce.
8. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutritional value while providing a fresh, green contrast on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet can be simple, but there are common mistakes to steer clear of to ensure a perfect dish.

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the chicken and potatoes can lead to bland results. Always use salt, pepper, and other spices generously.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once cooked through.
• Skipping the broiling step: Broiling helps achieve that delicious melted cheese on top. Don’t skip this; it makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are suitable for this dish. Opt for small to medium waxy or all-purpose potatoes for the best texture.
• Not shaking the air fryer basket: If you don’t shake the basket occasionally while cooking, some potatoes may cook unevenly. Make sure to give them a good shake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe container and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet recipe.

Can I customize the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

What type of cheese works best?

While mozzarella is great, you can also use cheddar or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of cheese or using low-fat options.

What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With its comforting flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese types for a personal touch!