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BBQ chicken sweet potato skillet dish served in a cast iron pan

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large large sweet potatoes (about 1.5–2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great) Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash, peel (optional), and cut sweet potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
  2. If you want browned edges quickly, toss the cubes in 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika before cooking.
Cook Sweet Potatoes
  1. For the skillet method: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato cubes in a single layer if possible and let them sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes to get color, then stir and continue to cook 8–10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  2. For roasting: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cubes with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika on a baking tray. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until fork-tender and caramelized.
  3. Tip: Boiling sweet potatoes is an option if you’re short on time: boil cubes for 8–10 minutes until just tender, drain thoroughly, then pan-sear for color.
Add Vegetables and Aromatics
  1. Once sweet potatoes are nearly cooked, push them to one side of the skillet. Add sliced red onion and corn; sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions are translucent and corn is warmed through.
  2. Stir everything together so flavors meld.
  3. Variation: Add diced bell pepper or a handful of baby spinach for color and extra nutrients.
Stir in BBQ Chicken
  1. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour BBQ sauce over the mixture. Gently stir to coat all ingredients.
  2. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is slightly sticky.
  3. Tip: For deeper flavor, mix 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon into the BBQ sauce before tossing.
Top with Cheese and Serve
  1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the skillet. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese, or cover with a lid for a couple of minutes on low heat until cheese melts.
  2. Garnish with sliced green onions and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, portion into individual containers, label with date, and freeze for 2–3 months.