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BBQ Chicken Skillet – One-Pan Recipes for Dinner

Alright, I have to admit—it’s moments like these that make me appreciate dinner simplicity the most. This BBQ Chicken Skillet brings together that smoky, tangy barbecue flavor with juicy chicken all cooked in just one pan. The best part? No fussing over multiple pots and pans, just pure, delicious comfort. I still remember the first time I whipped this up after a long day—my kitchen filled with that irresistible BBQ aroma, and dinner was ready before I even caught my breath. That golden-brown crust on the chicken paired with the slightly caramelized sauce is seriously next-level. Trust me, once you try this, your weeknight dinners will never be the same!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, season the chicken breasts all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t move them around too much, so you get a good crust.

Step 2:

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and a little caramelized around the edges.

Step 3:

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it on top of the veggies. Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over everything, making sure the chicken is well coated. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce. Cover and let it melt for another 2-3 minutes. You want gooey, melty cheese that pulls apart with every bite!

Step 5:

Before serving, give everything one gentle stir to combine those smoky BBQ flavors with the tender veggies. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6:

Serve hot right from the skillet, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions if you have them. Pure, saucy satisfaction in one pan!

Variations & Tips

Try swapping chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicy and have great flavor.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
Mix in corn kernels or black beans with the peppers for a Southwestern vibe.
Use smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheesy kick.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño when cooking the veggies.
If you don’t have a cover, you can loosely tent foil over the skillet while simmering the chicken.

How I Like to Serve It

This skillet meal shines alongside a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette, or you can keep it down-home with buttery corn on the cob and garlic mashed potatoes. In warmer months, it’s a fantastic no-grill backyard dinner, too—paired with some chilled coleslaw or baked beans. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits right into any season!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
For a lighter version, swap cheddar for part-skim cheese and reduce oil to 1 teaspoon.

Closing: This one-pan BBQ Chicken Skillet always delivers the perfect blend of flavors and ease—making dinner feel like a win every single time!