BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

$Here’s what you need to make BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes: - Medium sweet potatoes (4) - Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups) - BBQ sauce (1 cup) - Corn (1 cup) - Red onion, diced (1/2 cup) - Black beans (1/2 cup) - Shredded cheese (1 cup) - Olive oil (1 tablespoon) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients come together to create a tasty and filling meal. The sweet potatoes add a nice balance of sweetness, while the BBQ chicken brings bold flavor. Each element plays an important role in making the dish delicious and satisfying. You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like, whether store-bought or homemade. This recipe is great for feeding a family or for meal prep. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking for your sweet potatoes. - Next, wash the sweet potatoes under running water. Scrub them gently to remove dirt. - Poke several holes in each potato with a fork. This helps steam escape while they bake. - Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake them for 40-50 minutes. They should be soft when you pierce them with a fork. - To check for doneness, insert a fork into the center. It should slide in easily. - In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Make sure it is well coated. - In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes. They should turn translucent. - Then, add the corn and black beans, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This heats them through. - Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool for a few minutes. - Cut each potato lengthwise down the center. Be careful not to cut all the way through. - Gently fluff the insides of the sweet potatoes with a fork. This creates space for the filling. - Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each potato. Make sure to mound it on top. - Top each stuffed potato with shredded cheese for a melty finish. - Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven. Bake them for an additional 10 minutes. - This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. - Once done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. - If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch. Choosing the right BBQ sauce can make your dish shine. Look for a sauce that has a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. I love using a sauce that is thick and rich. It clings well to the chicken and adds great taste. If you prefer, you can make your own sauce at home. Just mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar for a quick version. To keep your filling juicy, avoid overcooking the chicken. Shred it while it is still warm. Mixing it with the BBQ sauce right away helps it soak up the flavor. If you find the mixture a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra BBQ sauce. To ensure your sweet potatoes are tender, poke holes all over them. This lets steam escape and helps them cook evenly. Baking them at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes works best. You can check doneness by inserting a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. If you are short on time, microwaving sweet potatoes is a great option. Just wash, poke holes, and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave each potato for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be soft and easy to cut. For side dishes, I recommend a fresh salad or steamed broccoli. These add brightness and balance to the meal. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for some crunch. Pair your stuffed sweet potatoes with a cold drink like iced tea or a light beer. These drinks complement the flavors and keep the meal refreshing. Pro Tips Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Opt for sweet potatoes that are firm and without any blemishes. This ensures a sweeter taste and better texture when baked. BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce. A spicy or smoky sauce can add an exciting twist to the dish. Make Ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the stuffed potatoes quicker when you're ready to bake. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, but you can also try green onions or avocado for a different taste profile. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even healthier. First, look for low-sugar BBQ sauce. These sauces keep the taste but cut down on sugar. You can also swap the chicken for turkey. This lean meat works great and still tastes yummy. If you want a plant-based option, try using plant-based chicken. It gives you the same texture and flavor without meat. Let’s add some zing to your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. You can mix in your favorite spices. Try smoked paprika for a deep flavor or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also brighten the dish. Adding vegetables is another fun way to change things up. Bell peppers and zucchini mix well with the other ingredients. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Cheese can change the whole flavor of your dish. If you want a different taste, try using gouda or mozzarella. These cheeses melt nicely and add creaminess. For those who avoid dairy, there are many dairy-free cheese options. Look for brands that melt well, so you still get that gooey goodness on top of your sweet potatoes. You can store leftover BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container. This way, they won’t dry out or absorb other smells from the fridge. Yes, you can freeze BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag to save space. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This warms them up nicely and keeps the flavors intact. Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just make sure to cook it fully first. You can bake, boil, or grill the chicken until it is no longer pink. After cooking, shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce. This way, the chicken absorbs all the flavor. It adds a nice touch to your stuffed sweet potatoes. The best BBQ sauce depends on your taste. Some popular options are Sweet Baby Ray's, Stubb's, and homemade sauces. If you like smoky flavors, try a chipotle BBQ sauce. If you prefer a sweet taste, go for a honey BBQ sauce. Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. To make BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes vegan, substitute the chicken with jackfruit or tofu. For cheese, use a dairy-free option like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also add more veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers, for added texture. This way, you keep the great taste while making it plant-based. Stuffed sweet potatoes with BBQ chicken are a tasty and simple dish. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your meal. You can easily modify this recipe to fit your taste. Try different fillings, sauces, or cheeses for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. With a bit of creativity, these stuffed sweet potatoes can shine on your table. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes filled with BBQ chicken and topped with cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup corn
0.5 cup red onion, diced
0.5 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and poke several holes in each with a fork.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and stir until well coated.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced red onion until translucent.
Add the corn and black beans, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Combine the BBQ chicken mixture with the sautéed veggies in a bowl, stirring until fully mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cut each potato lengthwise down the center.
Gently fluff the insides of the sweet potatoes with a fork. Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture into each sweet potato.
Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded cheese. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes