BBQ Chicken Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender, smoky chicken with naturally sweet, roasted potatoes. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

A close-up view of a loaded sweet potato cut in half, filled with a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese melted over tender pulled chicken glazed with a shiny brown barbecue sauce. On top, there are small green avocado cubes and curly, crispy golden-brown fried onion rings. Fresh chopped green cilantro leaves are sprinkled over everything, adding a fresh contrast. The bottom and edges of the sweet potato are visible in a warm brown tone. The dish is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
  • 1 small avocado, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Crispy onion strings, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400° F.
  2. Step 2: Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and place them cut side up in a shallow baking pan. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the pan and cover with foil.
  3. Step 3: Bake the sweet potatoes for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and scoop out about 1/4 cup of the flesh from each half, creating space for the filling.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well combined.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into the sweet potato halves, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  7. Step 7: Return the potatoes to the oven (foil optional) and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
  8. Step 8: Finish by topping the potatoes with chopped avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy onion strings, and extra BBQ sauce if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
  • Swap BBQ sauce for a spicy chipotle sauce to add a smoky kick.
  • For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
  • Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
  • Microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes as a shortcut before stuffing and baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350° F until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Adding fresh avocado and crispy onion strings after reheating keeps the toppings fresh.

How to Serve

A baked sweet potato cut in half serves as the base, with its warm orange flesh visible and slightly mashed. On top, there is a layer of melted bright orange cheese, followed by shredded chicken that peeks through. The potato is generously topped with crispy light golden onion rings, chunky diced green avocado pieces, a drizzle of dark brown barbecue sauce, and fresh chopped green cilantro scattered over the top. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background near a silver metal fork and a clear glass baking dish filled with more potato halves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular baking potatoes, but the flavor will be less sweet and slightly different in texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the sweet potatoes and chicken mixture ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready to eat for a quick and delicious meal.

Print
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BBQ Chicken Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This BBQ Chicken Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a delicious and hearty meal by combining tender baked sweet potatoes with smoky BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, finished with crispy onion strings for added texture. Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes

BBQ Chicken Filling

  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)

Toppings

  • 1 small avocado, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Crispy onion strings, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Place them cut side up in a shallow baking pan, and add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
  3. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes for 30 to 40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Scoop Sweet Potato Flesh: Remove the pans from the oven and carefully scoop out about 1/4 cup of the sweet potato flesh from each half, creating a small cavity for the filling.
  5. Mix BBQ Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
  6. Fill Sweet Potatoes: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into the hollowed sweet potato halves, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake Again: Return the filled sweet potatoes to the oven, with or without foil, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Add Toppings: Remove from oven and top each sweet potato with chopped avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy onion strings, and additional BBQ sauce if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can prepare the shredded chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • If you prefer spicier BBQ, add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with black beans or lentils and use vegan cheese.
  • The crispy onion strings add a great crunchy texture, but you may omit them if you prefer a softer topping.
  • Sweet potatoes vary in size, so baking times may need slight adjustment based on their thickness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes initial baking + 15 minutes final baking = 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Healthy, Chicken Recipes

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