If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is bold and vibrant, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine smoky, saucy chicken perfectly nestled inside a tender, caramelized sweet potato, capped with melty cheddar, a swirl of creamy sour cream, and a fresh pop of green onion. This dish bridges the gap between comfort food and wholesome eating in the most gloriously satisfying way, and I promise, every bite will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe truly lets a handful of standout ingredients shine. Each component plays a starring role in the taste, color, and cozy factor of these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, and there’s nothing fussy or complicated here—just pure, crave-worthy flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes for the perfect hearty vessel that gets sweet and fluffy in the oven.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here—just shred and toss with the sauce!
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for a tangy, smoky kick; spicy or sweet, both shine.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts deliciously and adds a golden, irresistible finish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop brings cool creaminess to balance all the bold flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: These sprinkle on just the right amount of freshness and color.
- Olive Oil: Rubbing the potatoes helps them crisp up with beautifully tender skins.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the sweet potatoes and the chicken mixture to taste.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then give your sweet potatoes a good scrub. Prick them all over with a fork—this helps them steam from the inside and cook evenly. Rub each potato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until fork-tender, with skins that yield to the touch. Your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing!
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
While your sweet potatoes are baking to perfection, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a bowl. Mix until every strand of chicken is glossy and coated. Then, heat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the sauce is a little bubbly. This is where you want to sneak a taste—you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Stuff the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them open lengthwise (watch out—they’re hot!) and use a fork to gently fluff and mash the inside just a bit. This gives you more space for that saucy chicken and helps it mingle with the sweet-potato goodness.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Divide the BBQ chicken mixture among the sweet potatoes, spooning it right into the fluffy centers. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar over the top of each stuffed potato, then return everything to the oven for a quick five minutes. The cheese should melt down into all the nooks and crannies, making the whole thing irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Right before serving, crown each potato with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt, then scatter chopped green onions over the top. This final flourish brings everything together, adding lusciousness and color in every bite. Serve hot, and dig in!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
Try topping your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with extra green onions, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a few thinly sliced fresh jalapeños for heat. Chopped cilantro offers an herby burst, while pickled onions bring a tangy twist—let your mood (and your fridge) guide you!
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed sweet potatoes with a crisp green salad tossed in citrusy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or a crunchy slaw. The creamy, zesty potato filling works well with anything fresh and light, making this a surprisingly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try making minis using smaller sweet potatoes for party appetizers, or slice the stuffed potatoes in half for a beautiful, colorful platter presentation. You can even set up a build-your-own BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bar with various toppings so everyone can personalize theirs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, simply let the BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavors mellow together in the most delicious way.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes. Wrap each one individually in foil or plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for meal prep and quick dinners later on.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes if frozen, or 10 minutes if thawed. You can also microwave them for a couple of minutes for a quicker option, though the oven brings back the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously moist and shred beautifully. Just cook, shred, and swap them in for chicken breast—the end result is rich and so flavorful in these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Whatever you love! Go spicy, smoky, sweet, or even a little tangy. A classic hickory BBQ sauce is a winner, but feel free to play with regional favorites or homemade blends for extra personality.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken for canned black beans, jackfruit, or roasted chickpeas. Mix with BBQ sauce and continue as written—your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes become a hearty, plant-friendly option.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before baking?
No need! The skin not only helps the potatoes keep their shape but also gets wonderfully crispy after roasting. Just scrub them well before baking, and enjoy the extra fiber.
Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?
You can absolutely cook and shred the chicken, mix up the BBQ sauce, or even prebake the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Come dinnertime, just stuff, top, and finish in the oven for an ultra-fast meal.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes—from the bold BBQ flavors to the sweet, pillowy base and perfectly melty cheese, this dish checks all the best comfort food boxes. Give it a try the next time you want a dinner that’s both nourishing and downright craveable—you might just find it sliding into your weeknight rotation for good!
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BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory flavors of barbecue chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Rub them lightly with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a bowl and warm it in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes.
- Stuff the Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them open and gently fluff the insides with a fork. Fill each sweet potato with the BBQ chicken mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- You can also add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
