Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a unique combination of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet flesh of the baked sweet potatoes, and the creamy toppings (like sour cream or cheese) provide a rich contrast to the smoky chicken. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also nutritious, thanks to the vitamins and fiber found in sweet potatoes. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite BBQ sauce or toppings, making it a versatile recipe that suits everyone’s taste.

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes
2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Alternatively, you can microwave the sweet potatoes on high for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until soft.
Prepare the chicken: While the sweet potatoes are baking, season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce: Once the chicken is shredded, place it in a bowl and mix it with the BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
Assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, cut a slit down the center of each one and gently fluff the inside with a fork to create space for the filling. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each sweet potato, packing it in generously.
Add optional toppings: Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded cheddar cheese (if using), sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
Serve: Serve the BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes (for sweet potatoes) + 15 minutes (for chicken)
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or chickpeas, tossed in BBQ sauce, for a hearty, plant-based version of this dish.
Cheese options: If you prefer a different cheese, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
BBQ sauce variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauces, such as smoky, spicy, or mustard-based sauces, to change up the flavor profile.
Additional toppings: Add toppings like crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, jalapeños, or avocado slices to enhance the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stuffed sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on the portion size.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and toss it in the BBQ sauce before stuffing the sweet potatoes.

2. Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While sweet potatoes add a wonderful sweetness to this dish, you can substitute them with regular russet potatoes. However, the flavor will be less sweet and the texture will be different.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can use a spicy BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top of the stuffed potatoes. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the BBQ sauce.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the BBQ chicken and bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed potatoes right before serving, adding any toppings you prefer. Store the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes separately in the fridge until ready to reheat.

5. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed sweet potatoes (before adding any toppings). Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

6. Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe and saves time. Just shred the chicken and toss it in BBQ sauce before stuffing the sweet potatoes.

7. How do I make sure the sweet potatoes cook properly?

Make sure the sweet potatoes are pierced with a fork several times to allow steam to escape while baking. If microwaving, make sure they are turned halfway through cooking for even tenderness.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian without losing flavor?

Yes, using BBQ-coated black beans, chickpeas, or even roasted vegetables as a filling will make a flavorful vegetarian option. The smoky BBQ sauce still provides plenty of flavor.

9. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

Choose your favorite BBQ sauce based on your preferred flavor profile—sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy. You can even try making your own BBQ sauce at home.

10. Can I add other proteins to this dish?

Yes, you can add other proteins like pulled pork, ground turkey, or even grilled shrimp to change up the flavor while keeping the BBQ theme intact.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a satisfying and delicious meal. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the smoky BBQ chicken, while the toppings add an extra layer of richness and freshness. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please. Simple to make, full of flavor, and incredibly customizable, BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a meal you’ll come back to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

2. Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

5. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?

6. Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

7. How do I make sure the sweet potatoes cook properly?

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian without losing flavor?

9. What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

10. Can I add other proteins to this dish?

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition