When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, nothing beats a sizzling BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet. This one-pan wonder is bursting with flavorful chicken, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese, all coated in your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a hearty meal for the week, this skillet is the answer to your cravings.

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What Is a BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet?

The BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet is a one-pan meal made by combining pan-seared or air-fried potatoes, tender cooked chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and shredded cheese. Everything cooks together in a skillet—usually cast iron or oven-safe—to create a gooey, crispy, flavor-packed dish.

Unlike baked casseroles or grilled entrees, this meal gives you a full-flavored result with minimal cleanup and maximum texture: crispy edges, saucy bites, and stringy cheese in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Here’s why this one-skillet recipe needs to be on your menu:

One pan, minimal mess
Bold BBQ flavor in every bite
Crispy potatoes with caramelized edges
Juicy chicken cooked to perfection
Cheesy topping that ties everything together
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces

Whether you’re a busy home cook or a weekend flavor chaser, this skillet delivers satisfaction in under 45 minutes.

Core Ingredients Breakdown

A few staple ingredients and seasonings are all it takes to pull this off. Let’s look at what makes each component essential to building the perfect skillet.

Potatoes

Potatoes are the hearty base of this dish. You can:

Use Yukon Gold for creamy interiors and crispy edges
Choose red potatoes for color and bite
Swap in frozen hash browns for a shortcut
Dice into ½-inch cubes for even cooking

Chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs work best here. Key tips:

Dice into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking
Season with a simple blend: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
Cook until golden and fully opaque (internal temp of 165°F)

Seasonings

Season the potatoes and chicken separately. Try:

Paprika, smoked paprika, or chipotle for heat
Garlic powder and onion powder for depth
Salt and pepper to taste
Add dried parsley or ranch seasoning for extra flavor

BBQ Sauce

Use a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce. Sweet and smoky sauces work great. Try:

Hickory BBQ
Honey BBQ
Spicy chipotle BBQ
Or make your own—check out this BBQ sauce recipe for inspiration.

Cheese

Use cheeses that melt well, such as:

Monterey Jack
Mozzarella
Sharp cheddar
Gouda or pepper jack for variety

BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet in a cast-iron pan with melted cheese and fresh parsley

Recommended Tools

You’ll want a solid setup to get the best texture and flavor:

Large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe sauté pan
Spatula for tossing
Tongs for flipping chicken
Optional: air fryer or oven to pre-cook potatoes

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet to life.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and dice 4–5 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes
Toss with:
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, or roast in oven on parchment-lined sheet until golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter or oil on medium-high heat
Add 1 lb diced chicken breast or thighs
Season with paprika, garlic powder, and pepper
Cook 6–7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked potatoes into the skillet with the chicken
Pour in ½ cup BBQ sauce and toss to coat
Cook 1–2 more minutes until everything is evenly mixed and sizzling

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle 1 to 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil
Let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, or transfer skillet to broiler briefly

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with:

Fresh parsley
Chopped green onions
Extra BBQ drizzle

Serve hot, straight from the skillet. Add optional sides like a green salad or grilled veggies for contrast.

Variations & Creative Twists

This dish is ultra-flexible. Try switching things up:

Swap the Protein

Pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken
Ground beef for a cheeseburger-style twist
Bacon bits for smoky add-ons

Use Different Potatoes

Sweet potatoes for a sweeter contrast
Frozen hash browns for quicker prep
Tater tots as a fun swap (bake until crisp!)

Try New Sauces

Buffalo hot sauce for spicy lovers
Honey mustard for tang
White BBQ sauce for Southern flair

Add Veggies

Bell peppers, onions, or corn sautéed in the skillet
Zucchini or broccoli for contrast
Black beans or pinto beans for a Tex-Mex feel

Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Every Time

Cut potatoes evenly so they crisp at the same rate
Don’t crowd the skillet—cook chicken in batches if needed
Use a cast-iron pan for the best texture and flavor
Add cheese last to avoid burning
Let the dish rest 2–3 minutes before serving for easier scooping

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freeze for up to 3 months
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce on low heat

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal because they hold shape and crisp well. Avoid overly starchy varieties like russets unless you’re making hash browns.

Can I make this without a cast-iron pan?

Yes. Any large nonstick or oven-safe skillet will do. You just won’t get the same crispness or heat retention.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and reheat gently when ready.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Sub in chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a plant-based protein and use a vegetarian BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

If you’re after a dish that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with bold BBQ flavor, this BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet checks every box. From the crispy golden potatoes to the juicy bites of seasoned chicken, all smothered in melty cheese and smoky sauce, this one-pan wonder is pure comfort in a skillet.