If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It beautifully balances the natural sweetness of tender baked sweet potatoes with the smoky, tangy punch of barbecue chicken, creating an irresistible combination that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying feast that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy softness of sweet potatoes to the rich smokiness of the barbecue sauce, every component plays a crucial role.
- Sweet potatoes (4 medium): These form the hearty base, offering natural sweetness and a fluffy texture when baked just right.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Using tender shredded chicken helps soak up the barbecue sauce flavor while keeping the filling juicy.
- Barbecue sauce (3/4 cup, divided): Half for mixing with the chicken for flavor infusion, and half for drizzling to amp up the tangy goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to lightly coat the potatoes before baking, ensuring a crisp skin and enhanced flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the potatoes and chicken.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a subtle smoky layer, complementing the barbecue sauce beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Melts into a gooey topping that makes this dish truly indulgent.
- Green onions or chopped cilantro (1/4 cup, optional): Fresh herbs to add brightness and a pop of color.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Creamy dollops for serving, balancing out the BBQ’s tanginess with cool richness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub each potato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to help crisp up the skins. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet, then bake for 45 to 55 minutes until they are tender and easily pierced with a knife. This slow roasting transforms their flesh into a velvety base for the filling.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Chicken Filling
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded cooked chicken with half of the barbecue sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a saucepan over medium heat. Warm the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then to meld the flavors and heat the chicken thoroughly. This step infuses the chicken with smoky, tangy goodness that’s the star of the stuffing.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes
When the sweet potatoes are ready, carefully slice each one lengthwise. Gently fluff the insides with a fork to create space for the filling. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into the sweet potatoes, making sure to get some of that flavorful sauce in each scoop. Drizzle with the remaining barbecue sauce for an extra kick, and if you love melty cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Garnish
Pop the assembled stuffed sweet potatoes back into the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm everything through. This creates a delicious, inviting top layer that seals in the flavors. Once out of the oven, add a fresh sprinkle of green onions or cilantro to brighten the dish with a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt as a topping adds a lovely creamy contrast to the sweet and smoky filling. Fresh green onions or chopped cilantro add both flavor and a splash of vibrant color that makes the dish pop on your plate. These little touches turn a simple meal into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp salads like a tangy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad. For heartier options, try serving with roasted vegetables or garlic sautéed greens to round out your meal with healthy, complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, slice the stuffed sweet potatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter as a party appetizer. You can also stuff mini sweet potatoes for individual servings or build a loaded sweet potato bar with various toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or crunchy nuts to invite everyone to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and garnishes separate to maintain freshness. When ready, you’ll have a quick and satisfying meal waiting for you.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Wrap the stuffed sweet potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that fresh garnishes should be added after reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you time, providing juicy, flavorful shredded chicken perfect for the BBQ filling.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can make a simple substitute with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and a few spices, but the smoky barbecue flavor is really key to capturing the essence of this recipe.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Using a spicy barbecue sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken mixture will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your barbecue sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
You sure can! Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the chicken filling in advance, then assemble and melt the cheese just before serving for a stress-free meal your guests will rave about.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough if you want something comforting, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare. It turns everyday ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect any night of the week. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite at your table!
Print
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes combine tender baked sweet potatoes with flavorful shredded chicken coated in smoky barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a hearty, gluten-free main course.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions or chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Lightly rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them evenly with salt to enhance flavor and crisp the skin.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife, ensuring they are cooked through and soft inside.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken Filling: While the potatoes bake, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble Stuffed Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are done, carefully slice each one lengthwise. Gently fluff the insides of the potatoes with a fork to create a soft base for the filling. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each potato.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce over the stuffed potatoes. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to bubble.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro as desired. Serve warm, accompanied by sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like for added creaminess.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option for the shredded chicken.
- To add heat, use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and sour cream or use vegan alternatives.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure your barbecue sauce does not contain gluten.
