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Easy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

smoky bbq chicken sweet potato skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes coated in a smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, and slice the red onion if using. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Place your skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking—about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without stirring for about 3 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through but not dry. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin as it cooks.
  4. Scoop the chicken out onto a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  5. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in sweet potatoes and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and get golden edges.
  6. Stir in minced garlic and pour ¼ cup of water or chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to steam the sweet potatoes for about 7-8 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Check occasionally and add more liquid if it evaporates too quickly.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the smoky BBQ sauce evenly over everything. Stir gently to coat all pieces. Cook uncovered for another 3-4 minutes to heat through and let the sauce thicken.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra smoked paprika if desired.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet. Serve hot straight from the pan.

Notes

Use a smoky BBQ sauce with molasses or chipotle for richer flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to ensure a good crust. If sweet potatoes aren’t softening, lower heat and add a splash more broth. Fresh garlic is preferred over pre-minced for better flavor. For gluten-free, ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, sweet potato skillet, smoky BBQ, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-smoky-bbq-chicken-sweet-potato-skillet-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/