Total Time: 25 minutes | Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes
When summer activities have everyone running in different directions, this quick BBQ chicken and corn skillet saves dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 3 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn cut from 3-4 cobs)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add corn kernels and stir to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and everything is well combined.
- Quick check: Cut into a larger piece of chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
- If using cheese, sprinkle on top, cover the skillet for 1 minute to melt, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired and serve straight from the skillet.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice or with tortillas for a complete meal
- Spoon into lettuce cups for a lighter option
- Kid-friendly hack: Set aside some plain cooked chicken pieces before adding BBQ sauce for kids who don’t like “mixed” foods
Easy Swaps:
Protein swap: Use ground turkey or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more time
- Veggie options: Add black beans, zucchini, or frozen peas for extra nutrition
- Sauce alternatives: Ranch-seasoned chicken works great for kids who don’t like BBQ
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative
- Spice level: Add a dash of hot sauce for adults who like heat
Make-Ahead Tips:
Prep all ingredients the night before and store in containers in the fridge. When dinner time arrives, you can have this on the table in less than 15 minutes!
Leftovers Magic:
Turn leftovers into quick lunch wraps or add to quesadillas the next day. This mix also freezes well for up to 3 months – perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
Do you have a quick family dinner that always saves the day? Email your favorite weeknight recipe to contact@organizedmomcollective.com and it might be featured in our next post!
