BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet

This BBQ chicken potato skillet is my go to dinner when I need something quick that still feels like comfort food A few pantry staples and a handful of fresh potatoes transform into a meal with big flavors and lots of melty cheese There is nothing better than pulling this off on a busy weeknight especially when everyone rushes to the table before I even call

I first tossed this together when I had just a leftover chicken breast and it has been on constant rotation ever since It is the most requested meal after my son’s soccer practice and I love that it feels indulgent but is secretly easy

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: This is your main protein tender and juicy chicken makes the dish satisfying Choose fresh boneless skinless breasts for easy dicing
• Small or medium potatoes: They become perfectly crispy in the air fryer Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture but russets give nice edges
• Olive oil plus salt pepper garlic powder and paprika: For tossing the potatoes and building a great flavorful crisp Always use a good quality olive oil for both taste and even roasting
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are used for both potatoes and chicken Freshly cracked black pepper adds extra depth
• Paprika ranch seasoning and onion powder: These are magic for making the chicken taste irresistible Use sweet or smoked paprika for added warmth and always choose a ranch seasoning you love the flavor of
• Butter: A bit for the skillet ensures the chicken browns well and gives a rich flavor
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best here as it perfumes the sauce and elevates everything
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite Sweet sticky and smoky BBQ sauce ties all the flavors together You can go classic or spicy depending on your mood
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the finishing touch because it melts beautifully Pick a cheese block to shred yourself for the best melt

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:

Peel and wash the potatoes then cut into small even cubes This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy edges

Air Fry the Potatoes:

Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil salt pepper garlic powder and paprika Make sure every piece is coated Spread potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at four hundred degrees for twenty five minutes Shake the basket a couple times while cooking for even browning

Prep the Chicken:

While the potatoes cook cut chicken breasts into bite size cubes Having everything uniform helps with even cooking and prevents dry spots

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a skillet over medium high and add butter Once melted add chicken cubes Season with salt pepper paprika ranch seasoning and onion powder Stir often Cook until chicken is golden brown and cooked through about seven minutes

Add Aromatics and Sauce:

When chicken is done reduce the heat a bit and add minced garlic Stir constantly for one minute just until fragrant Add BBQ sauce and stir well to coat every piece of chicken in glossy sauce

Combine with Potatoes:

Add the crispy air fried potatoes right into the skillet with the chicken Use a sturdy spatula to mix so nothing breaks up but everything gets sauce

Finish with Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top You can broil in the oven for two to three minutes to melt the cheese until bubbling or cover the skillet on the stove for a few more minutes until the cheese is gooey

Serve and Enjoy:

Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce just before serving Serve right from the skillet for family style fun

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I have a soft spot for ranch seasoning It instantly makes chicken extra flavorful and it is the ingredient my daughter always guesses when she says the chicken tastes like pizza There are so many little memories of scooping this right out of the hot skillet on camping trips or lazy Sunday nights

Storage Tips

This skillet dinner holds up really well in the fridge Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days For reheating the microwave works in a pinch but if you want to keep the potatoes crisp pop leftovers in the air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes The cheese will bubble and the edges get deliciously crunchy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you like a richer flavor Sweet potatoes work instead of regular ones and add an earthy note Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can substitute mozzarella for a sharper taste Out of ranch seasoning Mix your own from dried parsley onion powder and salt

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a meal on its own but I love serving it with a side salad of crisp greens and a tart vinaigrette If you want to bulk it up more roasted broccoli or corn on the cob works really well It also makes amazing leftovers tucked into a wrap for lunches or loaded on a baked potato for a BBQ potato boat

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Cultural and Historical Context

BBQ chicken and potatoes are staples of American comfort food Many families have variations on skillet meals that combine pantry basics with a few special seasonings This recipe echoes the flavors of backyard cookouts with BBQ sauce and the nostalgia of cheese topped casseroles all in one pan

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes for doneness.

→ How do I make the potatoes crispy?

Toss potato cubes in oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer at 400°F, shaking several times for even browning and crispiness.

→ Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning?

You can use extra onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs like dill or parsley to mimic ranch flavor.

→ Can this be made ahead?

It's best enjoyed fresh but you can prepare the potatoes and chicken in advance and assemble just before serving.

→ What cheeses pair well here?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar or pepper jack add extra tang and richness if preferred.