If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor while staying wholesome and colorful, the BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, tangy BBQ-marinated chicken cubes with sweet, caramelized potatoes and vibrant green broccoli, all brought together in a quick, one-skillet wonder. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting and fresh at the same time, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delicious BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring the dish has that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and fresh notes.
- 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes): Tender chicken is the heart of this dish, soaking up all the BBQ sauce goodness.
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce: Provides the smoky, tangy flavor that makes the chicken irresistible.
- 1 Tbsp. honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory sauce perfectly.
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt (divided): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the ingredients.
- ½ tsp. pepper (divided): Adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering the dish.
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil (divided): Used to sauté the veggies and chicken, creating a lovely golden finish and enhancing richness.
- 3 cups sweet potatoes (peeled, cut into ½-inch cubes): Their natural sweetness gives the dish a fantastic depth and a beautiful color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses the whole dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces): Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and bursts of green that brighten the plate.
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh herb option to add a burst of brightness at the end.
- Green onions (optional): Adds mild oniony notes and a pop of color as a garnish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the BBQ sauce, honey, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl. Pour this luscious mixture over the cubed chicken inside a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least 10 to 15 minutes—or, if you have the time, marinate overnight to maximize the taste. This step ensures each bite is bursting with tangy, sweet, and smoky notes.
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the sweet potatoes along with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Sauté these cubes, stirring occasionally, until they’re almost tender and a little caramelized on the edges. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely, soft texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken
Push the almost-cooked sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet, then add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and your crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for about a minute to release that fragrant aroma. Now, add the marinated chicken and pour in the remaining BBQ sauce from the bag. Cook everything together over medium heat for around five minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken will start to cook through and soak up the sauce, giving the dish its iconic BBQ flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Broccoli
Finally, it’s time to bring in the fresh broccoli. Scatter the bite-sized pieces over the chicken and sweet potatoes, then sprinkle on the last quarter teaspoon of salt. Cover the skillet with a lid, turn the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. This step allows the broccoli to steam gently, getting tender but still crisp, adding a beautiful green contrast and wonderful crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, your BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe is ready to serve. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro if you like, adding those final fresh, vibrant touches that make this dish sing. Grab your fork and dive into this hearty, perfectly balanced meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped cilantro or sliced green onions not only brightens up the plate but adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the smokiness of the BBQ chicken. They bring a lovely color pop and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully on its own since it’s packed with protein and veggies. However, to round it out, consider serving a simple side like a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A creamy coleslaw also works wonders, adding a cool, crunchy element alongside the warm skillet goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe over fluffy rice or quinoa to make it even heartier. You could also stuff it inside warm pita pockets or use it as a filling for tacos, giving it a handheld twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch. Just be sure to consume within three to four days for the best freshness and safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep this BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe on hand for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until everything is heated through and the broccoli is still crisp-tender. Alternatively, a microwave works fine—just cover your dish to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which can make the dish even juicier and add an extra layer of flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. Other than that, the recipe naturally avoids gluten-containing ingredients.
What if I don’t have sweet potatoes? Can I substitute?
You can swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or even butternut squash. Keep in mind the sweetness and texture will vary slightly, but these substitutes will still work well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this dish, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan BBQ sauce. The sweet potatoes and broccoli stay the same, offering a delicious plant-based alternative.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 10 to 15 minutes works in a pinch, marinating overnight gives the chicken a deeper, more infused BBQ taste that’s absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe is one of those rare finds: simple to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and wonderfully nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your next weeknight winner!
Print
BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken, Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli recipe offers a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast cubes are marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce and honey mixture, then sautéed alongside sweet potatoes and fresh broccoli. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors makes this dish a perfect weeknight dinner for 4 servings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- ½ tsp. salt (divided)
- ½ tsp. pepper (divided)
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
Vegetables
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
Optional Garnish
- Cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the cubed chicken in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Seal and marinate for at least 10-15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop.
- Sauté the sweet potatoes: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes along with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are almost tender but still firm.
- Add garlic and chicken: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the crushed garlic cloves to the empty side. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the marinated chicken along with the BBQ sauce from the bag. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken begins to cook through and browns slightly.
- Incorporate the broccoli: Place the broccoli on top of the chicken and sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer gently for 7-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy this wholesome and delicious BBQ chicken skillet meal!
Notes
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to overnight) for enhanced flavor.
- If preferred, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juiciness.
- Adjust seasonings according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a spicier version, add red chili flakes when sautéing.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- Ensure broccoli pieces are bite-sized for even cooking.
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid for best results during simmering.
