Some meals just get you.
You don’t need them to be fancy. You don’t need them to come with a story. You just need them to taste amazing, feel warm, and hit the spot after a long day. That’s this one.
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken and Potatoes Bake is smoky, rich, hearty, ridiculously cheesy, and has the kind of flavor that makes you lean back in your chair and go: okay yeah, this is dinner. It’s packed with crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, that sweet-smoky BBQ thing we all love, and a serious helping of melted sharp cheddar. Oh, and bacon. Because why not.
The best part? It’s not complicated. There’s no long list of ingredients you’ve never heard of, no need to marinate something for 14 hours, and no fussy prep steps. If you can chop, mix, and toss something in the oven… you’re in.
Let’s make it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want to grab from the kitchen or store before you get started:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow potatoes | 1.5 lbs | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Or avocado oil if that’s what you have |
| Garlic salt & pepper blend | 2-3 tbsp | Adjust to taste |
| Boneless skinless chicken | 1 lb | Breast or thigh, chopped |
| BBQ dry rub | 2-3 tbsp | Any brand or homemade |
| Avocado oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing the chicken |
| BBQ sauce | 1-2 cups | Go with your favorite brand |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups (shredded) | Freshly shredded melts best |
| Cooked bacon | 6 slices, crumbled | Optional but highly recommended |
Tools You’ll Need
This is pretty beginner-friendly, so no fancy gadgets needed. But these will help:
- Mixing bowls
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Skillet (nonstick or cast iron both work)
- Air fryer or oven
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Pro Tips
These tips aren’t must-dos, but they make this recipe smoother, faster, and honestly just better.
- Chop your potatoes and chicken small and even
Uneven pieces mean uneven cooking. Keep things bite-sized, and they’ll all cook up beautifully at the same time. - Use an air fryer for the potatoes if you have one
It makes them crispier and cooks them faster than the oven. 20 minutes at 400°F, shake halfway. - Don’t skimp on the cheese
Sharp cheddar gives you that bold flavor that stands up to the BBQ sauce. Mild cheddar just kind of disappears. - Taste your BBQ sauce before committing
Some are sweeter, some are spicier. Use one you actually like, or mix two if you want balance. - Use leftover cooked chicken if you’re in a rush
Rotisserie chicken works great. Just chop, heat, toss in the sauce, and move on.
Substitutions and Variations
You’ve got flexibility here. Here are a few swaps you can make:
| Instead of | Try this |
|---|---|
| Yellow potatoes | Sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or cauliflower |
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs, turkey, or even tofu |
| Cheddar cheese | Pepper jack, mozzarella, or dairy-free shreds |
| Bacon | Omit it, or use turkey bacon |
| BBQ sauce | Buffalo sauce, chipotle ranch, or honey mustard |
You can also add extras like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of green onions on top for freshness.
Make Ahead Tips
This bake is weeknight-friendly, but here’s how you can make it even faster:
- Chop everything the night before and store it in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Pre-cook the bacon and keep it in a paper towel-lined container so it stays crisp.
- Use leftover potatoes or chicken from a previous meal to cut your cooking time in half.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken and Potatoes Bake
Here’s your step-by-step breakdown:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prep the potatoes:
In a bowl, toss your chopped potatoes with olive oil and garlic salt & pepper seasoning.
If using an air fryer: cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway.
If using the oven: roast them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 25-30 minutes, flipping once. - Cook the chicken:
In a skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat.
Add chopped chicken and BBQ rub.
Cook until no longer pink and lightly golden on the edges (internal temp 165°F). - Combine the good stuff:
Once the potatoes are cooked, add them to the skillet with the chicken.
Pour in the BBQ sauce and mix until everything is coated and looking saucy. - Assemble the bake:
Transfer everything to a greased oven-safe baking dish.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar.
Add the crumbled bacon on top (try not to eat it all before it goes in). - Bake it up:
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbling, and maybe just starting to crisp on the edges. - Serve:
Let it sit for a few minutes out of the oven.
Then dig in.
Leftovers and Storage
If by some miracle you have leftovers, here’s what to do:
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, or pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freeze if needed: cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Extra Notes
Nutrition Breakdown (approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480–550 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g (varies by sauce) |
For lower carbs, swap potatoes with cauliflower.
For lower fat, use chicken breast, less cheese, and skip bacon.
For gluten-free, just make sure your BBQ sauce is certified GF.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Light coleslaw or cucumber salad
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Cold lemonade or unsweetened iced tea
Time-Saving Tip:
Make this a two-pan meal—one skillet, one baking dish. Clean-up’s easier, and you keep all the flavor from cooking the chicken in the same pan.
FAQ
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or two. Make sure everything’s spread evenly so it cooks the same.
Is this kid-friendly?
Totally. You can adjust the BBQ sauce to be mild or sweet and even cut back a bit if your little ones are sensitive to bold flavors.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use what you like! Some people love smoky, others like sweet or vinegar-based. Test a couple to see what works for you.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use your favorite dairy-free cheese, and skip the bacon or use a plant-based version.
Can I prep this in the morning and bake at night?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge until dinner.
Wrap Up
This isn’t a recipe that needs to convince you. You already know—crispy potatoes, saucy BBQ chicken, melted cheese, bacon? That’s not a hard sell. This is the kind of dinner that’s satisfying, crave-worthy, and actually fun to make. You don’t need to be a chef to pull it off, and it’s flexible enough to work with what you’ve got in your kitchen.
So grab those ingredients, crank the oven, and make something you’ll look forward to eating.
If you try this Cheesy BBQ Chicken and Potatoes Bake, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—or share what twists you added. I’m always here for good food ideas and kitchen wins.
