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BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

One-pan dinner with cubed chicken breast, caramelized sweet potatoes, red onion, and smoky BBQ sauce topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 medium red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce choose a low-sugar version for healthier profile
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup black beans or corn optional mix-ins
  • fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Lid for skillet
  • Tongs or large spoon

Method
 

  1. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until partially softened. Drain any excess water and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced red onion and pre-softened sweet potatoes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are lightly browned, tender, and the onions are soft and caramelized.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. If using black beans or corn, add them now and stir to combine.
  5. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together until well-coated and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and remove from heat. Let sit for 1 minute until the cheese is completely melted.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Excellent for meal prep. Reheats well in microwave for 2-3 minutes or on stovetop for 4-5 minutes. Freezes for up to 2 months. Substitutions: Chicken thighs work well for more flavor. Ground chicken or turkey for faster cooking. Regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. Sugar-free BBQ sauce for lower carbs. Dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely. Variations: Tex-Mex version with salsa instead of BBQ sauce and lime juice. Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Use bacon fat for extra flavor. Pro Tip: The microwave head-start for sweet potatoes is essential to keep cooking time to 30 minutes without overcooking the chicken.