BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, tender sweet potatoes and smoky, saucy barbecue chicken. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are not just another meal—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner, meal-prep favorite, or weekend indulgence when you want something hearty but still vibrant.

By London Brazil, this recipe is designed to be approachable for any home cook, whether you’re using a conventional oven, an Instant Pot, or even an air fryer. And if you’re looking to wow your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe has you covered.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

While stuffed sweet potatoes are a classic comfort food, this version has a bold twist: the shredded chicken is coated in a luscious barbecue sauce with honey and a hint of chili powder, giving it a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. Served with optional toppings like Mexican street corn salad and quick-pickled red onions, each bite bursts with flavor and texture.

This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s versatile, visually appealing, and packs a nutritional punch. The naturally sweet potato base offers complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, while the protein-rich chicken makes this a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: From prep to plate in just about an hour.
• Flavor-packed: Sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy all at once.
• Customizable toppings: Add pickled onions, corn salad, or fresh herbs.
• Meal prep friendly: Makes a great make-ahead lunch or dinner.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet potatoes are naturally appealing, and the BBQ chicken is universally loved.
• Dietary adaptable: Gluten-free and can be modified for dairy-free or low-sugar versions.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the exact ingredient list, organized for clarity. This recipe yields 5 servings.

Main Ingredients

• 5 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ¾ teaspoons salt, divided
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Sauce

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Optional Toppings

• Quick-pickled red onions
• Mexican street corn salad
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped

These ingredients create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes act as a neutral, earthy base, while the BBQ chicken brings richness and tang. Optional toppings like the street corn salad add freshness and a burst of flavor.

Tools & Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make this recipe. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:

• Large fork (for poking sweet potatoes)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for optional toppings)
• Mixing bowls (if prepping toppings separately)

If you prefer, you can also use:

• Air fryer (for faster cooking of sweet potatoes)
• Instant Pot (for steaming or pressure-cooking sweet potatoes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfect BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and poke holes all over each one using a large fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
3. Drizzle the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, rubbing it evenly over the skins. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt on each potato.

Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the sweet potatoes evenly on the sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the thickest part of the largest potato.

Pro Tip: Sweet potatoes vary in size. Check them at the 45-minute mark and continue baking if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

1. While the potatoes are baking, warm a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, honey, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Stir to combine and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and coated evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

1. Once the sweet potatoes are baked, carefully slice each one lengthwise, fluffing the insides with a fork.
2. Spoon the BBQ chicken generously over the potatoes.
3. Top with optional ingredients like Mexican street corn salad, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while warm. Each potato is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but pairing with a light side salad or extra vegetables makes it even more complete.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or jackfruit and use a plant-based BBQ sauce.
• Gluten-free: Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
• Adjusting spice: Add extra chili powder or a dash of smoked paprika for more heat.
• Alternative cooking methods: Sweet potatoes can also be microwaved for 8-12 minutes, cooked in an air fryer, or steamed in an Instant Pot.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet, smoky, tangy, with subtle heat.
• Texture: Creamy sweet potato flesh, tender shredded chicken, crunchy optional toppings.
• Side dishes: Light salads, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for added protein and texture.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (without optional toppings):

• Calories: 471 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 32 g

This dish provides vitamins A and C, along with potassium and protein, making it a nutrient-dense comfort meal.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be cooked and shredded in advance. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Sweet potatoes: Can be baked ahead and reheated in the oven.
• Assembly: Keep components separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely and shred before cooking with BBQ sauce.

Q2: Can I bake sweet potatoes without foil?
Yes, but foil helps retain moisture. Without it, baking may take slightly longer.

Q3: How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne to the chicken.

Q4: Can I freeze the fully assembled stuffed potatoes?
It’s best to freeze components separately to preserve texture. Wrap baked potatoes tightly and freeze chicken in a separate container.

Q5: Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?
Yes, but cooking times may vary, and the natural sweetness will be reduced.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep sweet potatoes	10 min
Bake sweet potatoes	45–60 min
Cook BBQ chicken	4–5 min
Assembly	5 min
Total	~1 hour

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly on the baking sheet for a casual presentation.
• Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style finish.
• Pair with roasted veggies or a light side salad to balance richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce.
2. Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and diced avocado.
3. Cheesy Chicken Potato: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Use tzatziki, olives, and cherry tomatoes as toppings.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sweet Potatoes

• Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes for even baking.
• Store in a cool, dark place, avoiding refrigeration.
• Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and complex carbs.

Barbecue Sauce

• Use a brand you love, or make your own for deeper flavor.
• Sweet and tangy BBQ balances the earthiness of sweet potatoes.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Even baking: Rotate sweet potatoes halfway through baking.
• Fluffing potatoes: Use a fork to loosen insides before adding toppings for better texture.
• Sauce integration: Heat BBQ sauce with chicken for 4-5 minutes to ensure it’s absorbed fully.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Sweet potatoes: Cool, wrap in plastic wrap, freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Chicken: Freeze in separate container for up to 3 months.
• Toppings: Best fresh; corn salad and pickled onions can be made a day ahead.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	471 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	72 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Fiber	7 g
Sugar	32 g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, vegetarian adaptations available.

Expanded Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing, nutrient-packed dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. With tender sweet potatoes, saucy shredded chicken, and vibrant toppings, it’s a meal that satisfies both comfort cravings and healthy eating goals.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself, this recipe is versatile, easy, and incredibly rewarding. Try it, share it, and enjoy every bite of this sweet and smoky delight.

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