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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 small red onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced For the chicken, I always go for boneless and skinless breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to help them cook evenly and absorb flavors. Sweet potatoes are a must for this dish. Peel them and dice them into small cubes. This helps them cook fast and mix well with other ingredients. Don’t forget the veggies! I like to add a red bell pepper for sweetness and color. A small red onion adds a nice bite. Finally, garlic brings all the flavors together. - ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste For the sauce, you can use your favorite BBQ sauce. I like to use a smoky flavor for depth. The spices are simple but effective. Paprika adds a slight smokiness, while cumin gives warmth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The olive oil is key for sautéing. It helps cook the sweet potatoes and veggies perfectly, adding richness to the dish. - Fresh cilantro, for garnish A sprinkle of fresh cilantro makes a big difference. It adds freshness and brightens the dish. Just chop it up and sprinkle it on top before serving. Enjoy the burst of flavor it brings! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced sweet potatoes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Sauté the sweet potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them to become tender and slightly caramelized. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish. After the sweet potatoes soften, it’s time to add more flavor. Toss in the chopped red onion and red bell pepper. Cook these for another 5 minutes. This allows the veggies to soften and blend with the sweet potatoes. Stir them well for even cooking. You want every bite to have that great taste. Now, we create space for the chicken. Push the sweet potato mixture to the side of the skillet. Add the diced chicken pieces to the center. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want it to brown and cook through. Stir everything together after the chicken is ready. This is when the BBQ sauce comes in. Pour it over the mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. It sets the tone for your dish. I like a sauce that is both sweet and tangy. This balance makes the chicken pop. Don't be afraid to try different brands or homemade options. Each sauce brings its own flair. Next, spice it right. I use paprika and cumin for warmth. These spices add depth to the sweet potatoes and chicken. A little salt and pepper also go a long way. Taste as you cook to find your perfect mix. For even cooking, I prefer a heavy skillet, like cast iron. It holds heat well and gives a nice sear to the chicken. When cooking, keep the heat medium. This helps everything cook at the same time. Stirring is important too. Mix the ingredients gently to keep the sweet potatoes intact. This way, you enjoy their texture. When adding the chicken, create a spot in the center of the skillet. Let it brown without crowding the pan. Prep ahead to save time. I often chop the sweet potatoes and veggies in advance. Store them in the fridge for easy access. This way, you cut down on cooking time during the week. If you’re short on time, consider pre-cooked chicken. It cuts your cooking time in half. Just add it in the last few minutes to heat through. This keeps dinner quick and easy while still being tasty. Pro Tips Use Starchy Sweet Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for starchy sweet potatoes like the orange-fleshed varieties, which caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness to the dish. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your preferred flavor profile. Smoky, spicy, or sweet varieties can all complement the chicken and sweet potatoes differently. Pre-Cook the Sweet Potatoes: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will speed up the cooking process significantly. Add Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the skillet. Spinach, zucchini, or corn can work well and add vibrant color and flavor to the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients in this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet. Here are some ideas: - Alternative vegetables: Try adding zucchini, broccoli, or carrots. They will add color and nutrition. - Different proteins: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both cook quickly and soak up flavors well. You can change the flavor by adjusting your seasonings. Here are some ways to add a twist: - Different spice blends: Try using chili powder or taco seasoning for a kick. You can also use Italian herbs for a fresh taste. - Unique BBQ sauce alternatives: Experiment with honey BBQ or spicy chipotle sauce. Each brings a new flavor profile to the dish. Think about how you present your dish. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal: - Side dishes: Serve with a simple salad, cornbread, or roasted veggies. These pair well with the sweet and smoky flavors. - Serving styles: You can serve the skillet directly on the table for a casual style. Alternatively, plate it in bowls for a more formal look. To keep your BBQ chicken sweet potato skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Place the skillet in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Your dish will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this dish. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. It will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the stovetop for the best results. Heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it gently to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken and sweet potatoes tender. Can I use skin-on chicken? Yes, you can use skin-on chicken. The skin adds flavor and moisture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Skin-on chicken may take longer to cook than skinless. What can I substitute for BBQ sauce? You can use teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Another option is honey mustard for a tangy flavor. You can also make a simple sauce with ketchup and vinegar. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just check the BBQ sauce label to ensure it has no gluten ingredients. Most sauces are safe, but it’s good to verify. Can it be made dairy-free? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. No dairy ingredients are used, so it fits well for a dairy-free diet. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also be white, with no pink inside. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Chop your veggies and chicken the night before. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This blog post detailed a delicious recipe that's both easy and flexible. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken and sweet potatoes, and how to prepare them. I shared tips for seasoning and cooking techniques to boost flavor. You also saw adaptations for variations based on your taste and dietary needs. Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. With these tips, you can create a meal that's tasty and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking journey and don’t hesitate to get creative!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

A delicious and hearty skillet dish featuring tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, all coated in BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Add the chopped red onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Push the sweet potato mixture to the side of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add the diced chicken pieces to the center and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it's browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the BBQ sauce over the mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the veggies or BBQ sauce to your taste.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, skillet, sweet potato