If you love a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It combines the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with tender shredded chicken bathed in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melty cheddar, fresh herbs, and a zingy finish. This dish is a vibrant mix of comforting textures and bold flavors that’s surprisingly simple to make, making it a perfect weeknight favorite or an impressive dish to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of taste, from the natural creaminess of the sweet potatoes to the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, and the freshness added by herbs and lime.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium): These provide a naturally sweet, creamy base that roasts to tender perfection.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to coat the sweet potato skin, helping it crisp up as it bakes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that complements the sweetness.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): This is the protein-packed filling that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): The smoky, tangy star of the filling that brings everything together.
- Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet crunch for contrast.
- Cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh, citrusy note to brighten the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts perfectly on top, adding creaminess and a bit of sharpness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Cool and tangy, it balances the BBQ’s smoky heat.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): A final splash of acidity to lift all the flavors.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast Sweet Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the sweet potatoes a good scrub under cold running water to remove any dirt and then pat them dry completely. Prick each sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Drizzle with olive oil, rub the skin evenly, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place them on a baking sheet without touching to ensure even cooking, and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until tender. This process transforms them into soft, fluffy vessels ready to hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
While the sweet potatoes roast, shred your cooked chicken if not done already. Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce until every bit is coated in that smoky, tangy goodness. This step infuses the meat with deep flavor and keeps it juicy inside the sweet potatoes. Chop the red onion and cilantro, which will be added fresh later for crunch and brightness—two essential elements that keep this dish vibrant and well-balanced.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly cooled, slice down the center of each one carefully without cutting all the way through. Gently push the ends to open them up, then fluff the interior with a fork to create space for the filling. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each sweet potato, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return them to the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and golden—that irresistible finishing touch to this impressive meal.
Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
After the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped red onion and cilantro over the top, add dollops of sour cream, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten every bite. Now your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is ready to enjoy—rich, tangy, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, the combination of chopped red onion and cilantro is key to add a fresh crunch and herbaceous lift. The sour cream brings cooling creaminess that rounds out the BBQ sauce’s smoky heat, and the lime juice adds a vibrant twist that wakes up the entire dish. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cheese or even some sliced jalapeños if you prefer a bit more kick.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Cornbread or a light coleslaw also make fantastic sides, offering textures and flavors that complement the main dish perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving these stuffed sweet potatoes on a wooden board with all the toppings displayed in small bowls on the side for a DIY experience. Another idea is to cut the stuffed potatoes into smaller bite-sized pieces for a finger-food style party platter. Either way, the vibrant colors and inviting aroma will have everyone eager to dig in.
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 3-4 days. To keep the cheese from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper between each stuffed potato if stacking. This makes for easy reheating and a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes as well, though the texture might be slightly softer after thawing. Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving is also an option for speed, but the oven method keeps the skin a bit crispier and the texture more delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with pulled pork, ground beef, or even shredded turkey. Just adjust the BBQ sauce quantity according to the meat’s moisture to keep it juicy and flavorful.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce, you can whip up a quick substitute using ketchup, a splash of vinegar, brown sugar, and some smoked paprika. However, store-bought BBQ sauce is a convenient and delicious shortcut that really completes the flavor profile.
Are sweet potatoes the only option?
While sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness and creaminess, you can experiment with regular baking potatoes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it’s still a comforting and tasty choice.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for black beans, chickpeas, or even shredded jackfruit, then mix with BBQ sauce as usual. This creates a satisfying, protein-packed filling that’s just as flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe reheats very well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just prepare everything ahead, then assemble and bake as needed for fresh warmth and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and excitement in every bite, making it a dish you’ll want to return to time and time again. From the tender, roasted sweet potatoes to the saucy BBQ chicken and fresh toppings, it’s all about harmony and delicious contrast. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite meal that feels both cozy and special.
Print
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal combining tender baked sweet potatoes with flavorful BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a wholesome dinner that balances savory and tangy flavors with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Clean Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove dirt and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prick Potatoes: Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes several times on each side to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet without letting them touch each other.
- Oil and Season: Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potatoes and rub it in to coat the skin evenly. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over them to season.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Chicken Filling: Shred cooked chicken if needed, then mix it with BBQ sauce in a bowl until fully coated.
- Chop Toppings: Finely chop the red onion and cilantro, setting them aside for garnish.
- Cool Potatoes: Remove baked sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly to handle.
- Slice Potatoes: Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each sweet potato, careful not to cut through entirely.
- Open Potatoes: Gently press the ends towards each other to open the potatoes and create space for the filling.
- Fluff Interiors: Use a fork to fluff the inside of each sweet potato, preparing it to hold the filling.
- Fill with BBQ Chicken: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each sweet potato.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ chicken filling.
- Melt Cheese: Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove and Garnish: Take the potatoes out of the oven and top with chopped red onion and cilantro.
- Add Sour Cream: Drizzle sour cream over the stuffed sweet potatoes for added creaminess.
- Finish with Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice on top to enhance the flavor with a tangy brightness.
- Serve Warm: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Make sure to bake the sweet potatoes until very tender to ensure easy stuffing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
