BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Classic

Few things hit the dinner table quite like a hot, sizzling skillet of BBQ chicken and potatoes—tender chunks of chicken coated in smoky barbecue sauce, nestled among golden-brown potatoes, all brought together in a single pan with melted cheese, fresh herbs, and crisped edges. The BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort food, made fast and easy for busy families, weeknight dinners, or weekend gatherings.

This dish offers everything you want in a homestyle meal: bold flavors, satisfying textures, minimal cleanup, and ingredients that are both affordable and pantry-friendly. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it took hours to make, but actually comes together in less than an hour with the help of a trusty skillet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, swap in sweet potatoes, or add veggies like bell peppers or corn to make it your own.

Barbecue sauce brings a signature depth to this dish. Whether you prefer a sweet Kansas City-style sauce, a tangy Carolina vinegar base, or something spicy with chipotle heat, your choice of BBQ sauce allows you to tailor the flavor profile to your personal taste. The potatoes act as the hearty base, absorbing the juices and sauce while crisping up beautifully around the edges.

In this in-depth recipe guide, we’ll break down everything you need to master the BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet—from selecting the best potatoes and preparing your chicken, to crafting flavor-enhancing add-ins and achieving the perfect balance between saucy and crispy. We’ll explore technique, timing, and seasoning in a way that ensures this dish becomes a reliable favorite in your home kitchen.

You’ll also learn how to modify the recipe for special diets, batch-cook it for meal prep, or turn it into a complete meal with side dishes and toppings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this skillet has you covered.

Let’s turn up the heat, grab a cast-iron pan, and dig into the irresistible world of BBQ chicken and potatoes—simple, soulful, and utterly satisfying.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Ingredients Overview

Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Mise en place is especially important here, as the cooking process moves quickly once it begins.

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or green onions), for garnish

Optional Add-ins and Variations:

• Chopped bell peppers or corn kernels (for color and sweetness)

• Crispy cooked bacon (for extra flavor)

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

• Fresh jalapeños or pickled onions, as toppings

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Cut and Parboil (Optional but Recommended)

Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Halve or quarter them depending on their size, aiming for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

For faster skillet cooking and better texture, parboil the potatoes for 6–8 minutes in salted boiling water. They should be just fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.

Why parboil? It helps achieve a soft interior and crisp exterior more efficiently in the skillet without burning the outside.

Step 2: Sear and Crisp the Potatoes

In a large skillet (preferably cast iron for better heat retention), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the parboiled potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust on one side, then stir and continue cooking for another 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely crisped on most sides.

Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook the potatoes in two batches for better browning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Optional: Add diced onion halfway through cooking the chicken to build flavor, or wait and sauté the onion separately if you want it softer.

Add the minced garlic in the final minute of cooking. Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Barbecue Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned, lower the heat to medium and pour in the barbecue sauce. Stir until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and absorb into the chicken.

Tip: If your BBQ sauce is very thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of water or chicken broth to help coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Combine with Potatoes

Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet, folding them gently into the saucy chicken mixture. Toss well to combine, making sure everything is coated in that smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce.

At this stage, your skillet is already looking delicious—but we’re going to take it a step further with cheese.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil if your skillet doesn’t have a lid), and reduce heat to low.

Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Want a golden top? Instead of covering, place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to bubble and brown the cheese. Make sure your skillet is oven-safe.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the top for color and freshness.

Serve hot, directly from the skillet. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but also works great with side salads, cornbread, or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side

• Add sliced avocado for creaminess

• Top with crispy bacon or fried onions for added crunch

Cleanup Tip:

Soak the skillet with warm water immediately after serving. A cast iron pan will clean up easily if you don’t let the cheese or sauce harden onto the surface.

Visual & Texture Indicators:

• Chicken is bite-sized, juicy, and glazed with BBQ sauce

• Potatoes are golden and crisp around the edges, tender inside

• Cheese is fully melted and pulling into strands with each spoonful

• Garnishes add a touch of freshness and balance to the richness