Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. If using black beans or corn, add them now and stir to combine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
