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sizzling BBQ Chicken Skillet with caramelized onions and vibrant bell peppers

BBQ Chicken Skillet

A one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup required.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 large red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion sliced
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method
 

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  5. Add sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Stir brown sugar into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables.
  8. Brush chicken with half the BBQ sauce and cover skillet with a lid.
  9. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  10. Remove lid, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.