Sweet Potato Skillet with BBQ Chicken & Cheese

This delightful sweet potato skillet with BBQ chicken and cheese is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, offering a comforting, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the right balance of textures and tastes, this dish is a Southern-inspired meal that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy the contrast of tender chicken with crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes, all wrapped in a rich, cheesy embrace.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato and Chicken Bake:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for added heat

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Optional: A dash of liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, finely sliced for garnish
• Optional: Freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a crispy, golden surface for your cheesy sweet potato dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
3. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a golden crust.
4. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the chicken. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps to season the meat thoroughly.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are partially cooked, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. The sweet potatoes should be tender yet firm.
6. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and sweet potatoes, stirring to coat everything evenly. Ensure the sweet potatoes are well covered to absorb the sauce’s smoky sweetness.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This simmering step enhances the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
8. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet ingredients. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese should form a golden-brown crust, encasing the dish in creamy goodness.
9. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add a fresh, crisp element to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

For a perfectly cooked one-pan chicken dinner, ensure that the chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the spices. You can also prepare the BBQ sauce a day ahead to save time, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. For added convenience, consider using pre-diced sweet potatoes and pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Variations

To make this a gluten-free dinner recipe, ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. For a vegan option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein and use a vegan cheese alternative. To add more veggies, consider including bell peppers or zucchini. For a smoky twist, use smoked cheddar cheese or add a drop of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce. Try adding cooked bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. Check out our related guide for more tips.

Serving Suggestions

This nutritious chicken meal pairs beautifully with a light side salad, such as our Slow Cooker Onion Butter Potatoes or Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. For a refreshing beverage, consider serving it with a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade. Add a dash of freshness with a sprinkle of cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Complement the meal with a warm crusty bread to soak up the rich BBQ sauce and cheese, making it a full and satisfying dinner experience.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties. Gouda and Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives, adding their unique flavors to the dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier? Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more smoked paprika or incorporating a spicy BBQ sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the heat level.

Can I prepare the dish in advance? You can chop the sweet potatoes and prepare the chicken up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to cook. The BBQ sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Preparing in advance allows the flavors to intensify, making for an even more delicious meal.

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Sweet Potato Skillet with BBQ Chicken & Cheese

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Southern Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

45 min

🔥

Calories

—

This delightful sweet potato skillet with BBQ chicken and cheese is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, offering a comforting, one-pan meal that's perfect for any night of the week. With the right balance of textures and tastes, this dish is a Southern-inspired meal that will surely become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for added heat
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Optional: A dash of liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, finely sliced for garnish
• Optional: Freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2.

In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3.

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4.

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the chicken by tossing it with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5.

Once the sweet potatoes are partially cooked, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6.

In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture over the chicken and sweet potatoes, stirring to coat everything evenly.

7.

Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

8.

Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet ingredients. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

9.

Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.