BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATO BLISS

I remember the first time I tried a sweet potato bowl; it was at a little food truck festival, and I was instantly hooked! The combination of savory and sweet was just divine. Ever since then, I’ve been experimenting with different variations, and I think I’ve finally perfected the ultimate comfort food: a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl – Easy & Delicious! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Okay, friends, let’s be real. We all crave something that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling energized, not weighed down. And the best part? It’s unbelievably easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend lunch. Plus, who can resist the allure of smoky BBQ chicken paired with the naturally sweet goodness of sweet potatoes? It’s a flavor explosion in every single bite!

Here are just a few reasons why this bowl is about to become your new favorite:

• It’s customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• It’s meal-prep friendly: You can cook the sweet potatoes and chicken ahead of time, making assembly a breeze.
• It’s packed with nutrients: Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins and fiber.
• It’s incredibly delicious: The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is simply irresistible.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. We’re aiming for simplicity and maximum flavor here.

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes, about 1-1.5 pounds total. Look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes.
• Olive Oil: For roasting and bringing out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the sweet potatoes and enhance their flavor.
• Optional Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, smoked paprika, or garlic powder can add a unique twist.

For the BBQ Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are more flavorful and tender. About 1.5 pounds.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite! Homemade or store-bought, it’s the star of the show.
• Olive Oil: For searing or sautéing the chicken.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These simple spices add depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken.

For the Bowl Assembly (Toppings!):

• Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, these add protein and fiber.
• Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned (drained) – it adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced, for a little bite.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped, for a burst of freshness.
• Avocado: Diced, for creamy goodness and healthy fats.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of coolness to balance the flavors.
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, pickled onions, jalapenos, a drizzle of hot sauce – the possibilities are endless!

Let’s Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and create some magic! This recipe is straightforward, but I’ll guide you through each step to ensure perfect results. Don’t be intimidated – you’ve got this!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for perfectly roasted sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like to leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Dice them into 1-inch cubes.
3. Season the sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you’re using. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Roast the sweet potatoes. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Prepare the chicken. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken. You have a few options here:
   • Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Shred or dice the chicken and toss with BBQ sauce.
   • Pan-Seared: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Shred or dice the chicken and toss with BBQ sauce.
   • Slow Cooker: For an even easier method, try this Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe! This is perfect for when you want to come home to a ready-to-go meal. This Tender BBQ Chicken Crockpot recipe is another winner, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
6. Prepare the BBQ chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, shred or dice it and toss it generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious, smoky goodness!
7. Assemble the bowls. Now for the fun part! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly between bowls. Top with the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
8. Add the finishing touches. Drizzle with Greek yogurt or sour cream, and add any other toppings you desire. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a few pickled onions, or a dash of hot sauce can really take it to the next level.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy! These bowls are best enjoyed fresh, while the sweet potatoes are still warm and the toppings are crisp.

Success Tips: Your Secret Weapons for Perfect Bowls

Want to guarantee a flawless BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl every single time? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your success:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the sweet potatoes. This will steam them instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy sweet potatoes. Make sure to spread them in a single layer with enough space between each cube.
• Use high-quality BBQ sauce. The BBQ sauce is the star of the show, so choose one you truly love. Experiment with different flavors and brands until you find your perfect match.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. Before assembling the bowls, taste the sweet potatoes and chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings. This is where you can really get creative and customize the bowls to your preferences. Try adding different vegetables, cheeses, sauces, or herbs.
• For meal prep, store the components separately. If you’re making these bowls ahead of time, store the sweet potatoes, chicken, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will prevent the sweet potatoes from getting soggy and the toppings from wilting. Assemble the bowls just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potatoes or chicken, or drizzle a little hot sauce over the finished bowls.
• Go vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, or lentils.
• Add some greens. Toss in some spinach, kale, or arugula for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Change up the grains. Substitute the sweet potatoes with quinoa, brown rice, or couscous. For a similar recipe, check out this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl that’s packed with flavor. You might also love this BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS! recipe for a creamy, spicy kick.
• Make it a salad. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and toss with your favorite vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

While this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a complete meal in itself, you can easily pair it with a few simple sides to create a more substantial feast.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the bowl.
• Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing with BBQ chicken.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Consider making these bowls with a side of BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN for an extra decadent treat!

Making It Ahead: Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is an absolute dream for meal prepping! The individual components can be made ahead of time and stored separately, making assembly a breeze during busy weeknights. Here’s how:

• Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes as directed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before assembling the bowls.
• Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Cook the chicken and toss it with BBQ sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling the bowls.
• Chop the Toppings: Chop the red onion, cilantro, and avocado (if using) and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado is best added just before serving to prevent browning.
• Combine and Enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sweet potatoes and chicken, and assemble the bowls with your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information: Fuel Your Body with Goodness

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Chicken is a lean protein source, and the black beans and corn provide additional fiber and nutrients. Avocado adds healthy fats, and Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics.

While the exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use, you can expect a serving of this bowl to be a balanced and nutritious meal.

For a rough estimate, a serving might contain:

• Calories: 400-600
• Protein: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 40-60g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Fiber: 10-15g

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Bowl is Here!

There you have it! My all-time favorite BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl – Easy & Delicious! I know you’re going to absolutely love this recipe. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for a quick and healthy meal. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Lady Maria

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

These BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are the ultimate comfort food: healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Featuring roasted sweet potatoes, tender BBQ chicken, and a variety of fresh toppings, this customizable recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1.5 pounds total
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
• Pickled onions optional
• Hot sauce optional

Equipment

• Oven
• baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• knife
• Skillet or Dutch oven (optional, for chicken)
• measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on is recommended for extra nutrients. Dice them into 1-inch cubes.
3. In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through for even cooking. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
5. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken. Choose one of the following methods:
6. Oven-Baked: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Shred or dice the chicken and toss with BBQ sauce.
7. Pan-Seared: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Shred or dice the chicken and toss with BBQ sauce.
8. Slow Cooker: Alternatively, cook the chicken in a slow cooker with BBQ sauce on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
9. Once the chicken is cooked, shred or dice it and toss it generously with your favorite BBQ sauce.
10. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly between bowls.
11. Top with the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.
12. Drizzle with Greek yogurt or sour cream, and add any other toppings you desire, such as shredded cheddar cheese, pickled onions, or a dash of hot sauce.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the sweet potatoes. Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for optimal flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sweet potatoes and chicken before assembling the bowls. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize the bowls to your preferences. For meal prep, store the components separately to prevent sogginess. Roasted sweet potatoes and cooked BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To spice it up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, chickpeas, or lentils.