Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet! This incredible one-pan meal effortlessly brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, crispy potatoes, and a luscious, tangy barbecue sauce, all crowned with gooey melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy families and anyone craving comforting, delicious food without the fuss.
Effortless Comfort: Your Go-To BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
Imagine a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and unbelievably simple to prepare. This BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is exactly that. It’s designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum cleanup, making it a dream come true for hectic evenings. Our journey begins with crispy, golden hash browns – delightfully prepared in an air fryer for ultimate convenience and perfect texture. These aren’t just any potatoes; their cubed shape offers a fantastic bite, creating a delightful contrast to the succulent chicken.
Next, we introduce the star of the show: tender chicken, sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic and a robust blend of seasonings. This savory chicken is then generously coated in your favorite zesty barbecue sauce, infusing every bite with that irresistible sweet and smoky flavor. Finally, a generous layer of Monterey Jack cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy finish, binding all the delicious elements together into a harmonious skillet dinner.
This dish isn’t just a tasty treat; it’s a smart choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after a long day, a hearty meal to feed the whole family, or an impressive yet easy dish for guests, this skillet has you covered. The magic of a one-pan meal means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation and the company around your table. We all appreciate that, don’t we?
Easy to make and so delicious! We absolutely loved this!
– Betina
Frequently Asked Questions
This skillet dinner is already quite wholesome, but adding a fresh vegetable side can elevate the meal even further. I love pairing it with simple steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus – those convenient bags of steamable veggies are perfect for a quick addition when you’re short on time. A crisp green side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken and potatoes. For a heartier option, consider serving with a side of cornbread or garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
For this recipe, I specifically recommend using Southern Style Hash Browns. These are distinct because they come as small, diced potato pieces, not the shredded variety often found in the freezer aisle. The diced shape allows them to get wonderfully crispy in the air fryer, adding a fantastic texture to the skillet. If you can’t find Southern Style Hash Browns, you can use fresh potatoes, but make sure to dice them into very small, uniform pieces. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes will require a slightly longer cooking time to reach that desired tenderness and golden crispness. I haven’t tested this recipe with shredded hash browns, as their texture might not hold up as well or achieve the same crispiness in this particular dish. Refer to the ingredient image below to see exactly what kind of potatoes to look for.
No air fryer? No problem! While an air fryer is excellent for achieving extra crispy potatoes with minimal oil, you can certainly cook your hash browns using other methods. Most bags of frozen hash browns provide instructions for cooking them in a conventional oven or on the stovetop. For oven baking, spread the diced hash browns in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If using the stovetop, heat a little oil in a large skillet and cook the hash browns over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re deliciously crisp. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to achieve your preferred level of crispness.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and scales up easily to feed a larger crowd or provide extra leftovers. When doubling the recipe, the most important thing to keep in mind is the capacity of your skillet and air fryer (if using). If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all the ingredients in a relatively single layer, you might need to cook the chicken and potatoes in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. For the potatoes, you may need to air fry them in two separate batches to get them perfectly crispy. Just keep an eye on everything as it cooks and adjust timings slightly if necessary.
Leftovers of this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day! To store, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors tend to meld even more wonderfully after a day or two, making for fantastic meal prep!
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
Creating this delightful BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. While the full recipe card below provides precise measurements, here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes: This is crucial for the right texture! Unlike the shredded hash browns often found in breakfast sections, Southern style hash browns consist of small, uniformly diced potato pieces. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer or skillet, providing a lovely textural contrast to the tender chicken. Make sure to check the ingredient image below to ensure you pick up the correct type.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: This quartet forms my go-to seasoning blend, offering a balanced profile of savory, pungent, and mildly smoky notes. These spices are divided for seasoning both the potatoes and the chicken, ensuring flavor is layered throughout the dish. Feel free to adjust quantities to your taste or substitute with your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend if you have one you love.
- Butter: Whether you choose salted or unsalted, butter adds a rich, savory base for cooking the chicken and contributes to its golden-brown sear. It also helps to meld the flavors together in the skillet. If you prefer, a neutral cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil can also be used.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized cubes, chicken breast cooks quickly and evenly, soaking up the delicious barbecue sauce. For a slightly different flavor and texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative – they’re often more budget-friendly and offer a richer, darker meat. Chicken tenderloins can also be used for even faster cooking times.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for its pungent aroma and depth of flavor. It’s added towards the end of the chicken’s cooking time to prevent burning and ensure its vibrant taste shines through. Using freshly minced garlic truly makes a difference, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used in a pinch.
- BBQ Sauce: The heart and soul of this skillet! Choose your favorite brand and flavor profile – from a sweet and sticky Kansas City style to a tangy Carolina vinegar-based sauce. I often use a classic like Sweet Baby Ray’s, but don’t hesitate to use a homemade BBQ sauce if you have a special recipe. The sauce is divided, with some mixed into the skillet and the remainder drizzled on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is selected for its superior melting qualities and mild, creamy flavor that complements the barbecue sauce without overpowering it. However, the beauty of this dish is its flexibility! Feel free to substitute with other good melting cheeses like shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a more sophisticated twist.
How to Prepare Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
Get ready to create a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly simple. Follow these steps to bring your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet to life:
Step 1: Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In the air fryer basket, evenly spread 16 ounces of Southern style hash brown potatoes. Sprinkle these potatoes with ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Give them a quick toss to ensure they are well coated with the seasonings. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the basket, toss the potatoes again for even browning, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. Set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Seasoned Chicken
While your potatoes are crisping up, start on the savory chicken. In a large, sturdy skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add 1 pound of cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast to the skillet. Season the chicken with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Combine Flavors
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the cooked chicken in the skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and aromatic. Be careful not to burn it! Now, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. To the skillet, add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, the golden-brown cooked potatoes you prepared earlier, and ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish
Stir all the ingredients in the skillet until the potatoes and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich barbecue sauce and the first layer of cheese has beautifully melted into a creamy embrace. Once everything is well combined and heated through, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
Step 5: The Final Touch and Serve
Place a lid on your skillet and let it sit for about 3 minutes on low heat, or until the second layer of cheese has completely melted and is bubbly. Remove the skillet from the heat. Before serving, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the top – use as little or as much as your heart desires! For an optional burst of freshness and color, garnish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet!
Craving More Easy Skillet Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of one-pan meals like this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet, you’re in luck! We have an array of other fantastic skillet recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners. Explore these other favorites:
- Taco Potato Skillet
- Skillet Lasagna
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
- Easy, Cheesy Macaroni Skillet
- BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
- Meatball Parmesan Skillet
BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
Ratings: (Based on 2 reviews) – 5 Stars
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag Southern hash brown potatoes (no need to thaw first)
- ½ teaspoon salt (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (divided use)
- 2 Tablespoons butter (can use salted or unsalted)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce (divided use)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (divided use)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a 6 quart air fryer or larger, add in 16 ounce bag Southern hash brown potatoes.
Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika on the potatoes.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
Toss the potatoes and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
While the potatoes are cooking, start on the chicken. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 Tablespoons butter.
Once the butter has melted, add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed and season the chicken with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes or until the juices run clear – stirring occasionally as it cooks. (Note: internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.)
Add in 2 garlic cloves, minced. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), stirring continuously.
To the skillet, add in ½ cup barbecue sauce, the cooked potatoes, and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Turn the heat to low.
Mix until the potatoes and chicken are well coated in the barbecue sauce and the cheese has melted, creating a creamy texture.
Top with the remaining ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Place a lid on top of the skillet for 3 minutes or until all the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Remove from the heat.
Drizzle the remaining ½ cup barbecue sauce on top (using as little or as much as you prefer for extra flavor).
Optional: Top with chopped parsley for a fresh garnish, then serve warm!
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- NOTE: This recipe was tested with a 6-quart basket air fryer. If you have a different type or style, you may need to adjust the cooking time since not all styles of air fryers cook the same. Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 485 kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 1406mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used, and preparation methods may also influence the final nutritional content.
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