If you are looking for a comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the smoky tang of barbecue chicken, this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful mix of tender roasted sweet potatoes filled to the brim with juicy, saucy chicken, topped with melty cheese and fresh green onions, creating a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the hearty sweet potatoes to the zesty barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and vibrant.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, roasted until tender to offer a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: Adds protein and a meaty texture; rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling): Brings smoky, tangy flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a gooey, melty richness that complements the smoky chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast with a mild onion bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for roasting the sweet potatoes, helping to crisp the skin and add a subtle richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give the sweet potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork so steam can escape during roasting. Rub them with olive oil to encourage a flavorful, slightly crispy skin. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until they are tender all the way through when pierced with a fork. Roasted sweet potatoes develop a beautiful natural sweetness that perfectly complements the barbecue chicken filling.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a bowl. Feel free to use your favorite type of barbecue sauce—it could be sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy. This step is all about coating the chicken evenly so every bite bursts with delicious barbecue flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven and cooled just enough to handle, carefully slice each one lengthwise. Use a fork to gently mash the soft inside of the potato, creating a perfect bed for the filling. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Then fill each potato with the BBQ chicken mixture, piling it high and generous.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Again
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes. Pop them back in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a warm, gooey blanket that ties the dish together perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions, adding a lovely pop of color and fresh bite. For an extra layer of flavor and that irresistible barbecue finish, drizzle more barbecue sauce on top before serving.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, bright garnishes can take this dish to the next level. Chopped green onions are classic, but you might also try fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or even sliced avocado for a creamy contrast. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream are fantastic options if you want to get a little indulgent.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overshadow the main event. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, grilled corn on the cob, or steamed broccoli. These sides provide a fresh crunch and balance the richness of the loaded sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, try scooping out the potato flesh before roasting, mix it with the BBQ chicken and toppings, then stuff the skins back for cute individual servings. You can also turn this into a hearty casserole by layering all ingredients in a baking dish and topping generously with cheese, then baking until bubbly and golden. Presentation can be as fun and flexible as your tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently to avoid drying out the potatoes.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each stuffed sweet potato individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works too; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to prevent the potato from drying out. Reheating in the oven also helps maintain a slightly crisp skin, which is a nice touch.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar melt beautifully, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some spice, or even a sharp gouda for an extra depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your barbecue sauce is gluten-free. Always double-check the labels just to be safe.
Can I prepare this recipe without roasting the sweet potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is key to achieving the soft, sweet interior that balances the BBQ chicken. While you can microwave them for a faster option, roasting gives the best texture and flavor.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
You can swap shredded chicken for pulled pork, ground beef, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking and seasoning accordingly to maintain that amazing BBQ flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness depends mostly on the barbecue sauce you choose. You can control the heat by picking a mild sauce for a family-friendly meal or a spicy one if you love a kick. Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, packed with balanced flavors and textures that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a delicious, hearty meal combining tender roasted sweet potatoes with savory barbecue chicken. Topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions, it’s a perfect gluten-free main course that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each potato a few times with a fork. Rub the sweet potatoes evenly with olive oil for crisp skin and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, ensuring they are cooked through and soft inside.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken Mixture. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix the shredded cooked chicken breast with the barbecue sauce in a bowl until well combined, creating a flavorful filling.
- Slice and Mash Sweet Potatoes. Once the sweet potatoes are done, allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them safely. Carefully slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently mash the inside flesh with a fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Stuff Potatoes and Add Cheese. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each sweet potato cavity. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Melt Cheese and Heat Through. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated completely through.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and drizzle additional barbecue sauce on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, comforting meal.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works excellently in this recipe for convenience and flavor.
- Use any favorite barbecue sauce style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to customize the flavor.
- Feel free to add toppings like chopped cilantro, diced red onion, or avocado for extra texture and freshness.
