There’s something seriously magical about the combo of smoky BBQ chicken and naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in food form—cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to throw together. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just need something that feels a little special on a random Tuesday night, this recipe is your go-to.
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Imagine pulling a tray out of the oven with golden, caramelized sweet potatoes, bursting with juicy BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and all the toppings your heart desires. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this one to your regular dinner rotation—it’s that good.
Let’s dive into why this is such a keeper.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it brings together wholesome, simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Let’s break it down:
Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, hearty, and the perfect edible vessel for all that saucy, cheesy goodness. When baked until tender, they become incredibly satisfying and comforting.
Cooked Chicken: This is where you can get creative. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, or leftover grilled or baked chicken for a smoky depth.
BBQ Sauce: Tangy, smoky, sweet, or spicy—use your favorite brand or homemade version to coat the chicken and bring everything together.
Cheese: Melty magic in every bite. Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack all work beautifully.
Green Onions: A pop of color and a hint of sharpness to balance the richness. They’re the perfect final touch.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, avocado slices… get playful and make it your own!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly and develop that irresistible caramelized texture.
Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place your washed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until fork-tender, about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are slightly wrinkled and a knife slides in easily.
Shred the Chicken: While the sweet potatoes are baking, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. Toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce until well coated.
Slice and Stuff: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Fill each one generously with the BBQ chicken mixture.
Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle your cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top and Serve: Remove from the oven and pile on your favorite toppings—green onions, sour cream, avocado, you name it. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are some ways to jazz it up even more:
Fresh Salads: A simple side salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, or even a coleslaw adds a bright contrast.
Crusty Bread: If you want to make it extra filling, serve with a slice of toasted sourdough or a buttery biscuit.
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a cool, creamy element.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or sautéed spinach are all great veggie pairings.
As a Standalone: Honestly, these sweet potatoes are hearty enough to shine all on their own—just garnish with a sprinkle of herbs and you’re set!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Bake the sweet potatoes and shred the chicken a day in advance to save time on busy nights.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder to the chicken mix for a smoky kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free cheese and sauce to keep it paleo or Whole30-friendly.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat like a dream.
Double the Batch: These freeze well too—perfect for future cravings. Just wrap individually and reheat in the oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A1: Totally! The flavor will be different—more savory than sweet—but still delicious.
Q2: Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?
A2: Yes, leftovers are perfect for this! Just shred and warm them up before stuffing.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze stuffed sweet potatoes?
A4: Absolutely! Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best cheese to use?
A5: Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or mozzarella work great too.
Q6: Can I make it vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Use black beans or chickpeas instead of chicken and mix with BBQ sauce.
Q7: Is it spicy?
A7: It depends on your BBQ sauce. Go mild or spicy based on your preference!
Q8: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A8: 100% yes—it’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Q9: What toppings work best?
A9: Green onions, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños… go wild!
Q10: How do I reheat these?
A10: Oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
And there you have it, friend—BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes that are just begging to be devoured. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and yet couldn’t be easier to pull off. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something cozy, this one’s a game-changer. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate easy and delicious dinner or lunch! Packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and sweet potatoes, this dish is topped with flavorful BBQ chicken and makes a perfect meal when paired with roasted veggies.
Ingredients
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1.5 lb sweet potatoes (2 very large sweet potatoes, about 24 ounces or 1.5 lbs after cooked)
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
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1/4 tsp dried thyme
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2 cooked chicken breasts (rotisserie chicken works well)
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (lower sugar, like Stubbs Original)
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1/2 cup red onion, diced
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2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and roast for 45–60 minutes, or until tender.
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Once cooked, scoop the sweet potato insides into a mixing bowl, leaving the skins intact.
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Add the maple syrup, salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, and thyme to the sweet potato. Stir until well combined.
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Scoop the sweet potato mixture back into the skins and arrange them in a casserole or baking dish.
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Shred the cooked chicken breasts in another bowl. Add the BBQ sauce and diced red onion to the chicken and mix well.
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Top each stuffed sweet potato with the BBQ chicken mixture.
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Bake the stuffed sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through and slightly browned on top.
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Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
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For a slightly smokier flavor, you can use a smoky BBQ sauce.
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These stuffed sweet potatoes are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.
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Pair with a side of roasted broccoli or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 354
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 666mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg