These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes are a mouthwatering blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will leave you craving more. Tender shredded chicken, coated in tangy BBQ sauce, pairs perfectly with the creamy, caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures—soft, fluffy potato, juicy chicken, and a hint of crunch from optional toppings like green onions or crispy bacon. Ready in just over an hour, this dish is a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and protein, this recipe is a guilt-free comfort food that fuels your body and delights your taste buds. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the smoky BBQ sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving up a cozy dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
- 6 sweet potatoes (medium-sized, scrubbed clean)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred)
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 4 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (substitute with parsley or omit if desired)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Scrub the outside of each sweet potato to remove dirt. Remove any blemishes. Poke each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center.
- Prepare the chicken: While the sweet potatoes bake, spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and cover them evenly with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, add the chicken to the oven during the last 20 minutes of the sweet potatoes’ baking time.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce.
- Assemble the stuffed potatoes: Cut each baked sweet potato down the middle and gently press the sides to create an opening. Fill each potato with the shredded BBQ chicken.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro evenly over each stuffed potato.
- Broil to melt the cheese: Turn the oven to broil on high. Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Switch up the flavors by trying different BBQ sauces—smoky, spicy, or honey-based—to suit your taste. For a tangy twist, drizzle a bit of ranch dressing or sour cream over the stuffed sweet potatoes. Add a crunch with crispy bacon bits or toasted pecans, or sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor boost.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. For a heartier meal, serve with cornbread or garlic bread. Don’t forget a cold drink—iced tea or a crisp cider complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to keep them moist and flavorful.
Time-Saving Hacks
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of baking chicken breasts to cut down on cooking time. Simply shred the chicken, mix it with BBQ sauce, and stuff the sweet potatoes. You can also bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when ready to assemble. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Equipment Tips for Success
A sturdy baking sheet and a 9 x 13-inch baking dish are essential for this recipe. If you don’t have a broiler-safe dish, transfer the stuffed sweet potatoes to a foil-lined baking sheet before broiling to melt the cheese. A fork or potato masher can help fluff the sweet potato insides before stuffing for a better texture.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 sweet potatoes
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ red onion, diced
- 4 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Scrub the outside of each potato and remove any blemishes.
- Poke the outside of each sweet potato multiple times with a fork then place on a baking sheet and place on the middle oven rack.
- Heat oven to 425 degrees and bake for 45 minutes, or until a fork easily presses into the center.
- Meanwhile, spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place chicken breasts in prepared pan and cover with BBQ sauce.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or place in the oven with the sweet potatoes for the last 20 minutes of cooking. Make sure chicken is cooked all the way through.
- Remove chicken and sweet potatoes from the oven.
- Shred cooked BBQ chicken.
- Cut each sweet potato down the middle and fill with shredded chicken.
- Divide mozzarella cheese, red onion and chopped cilantro evenly between each potato and put on top of each baked potato.
- Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted.
- Serve hot.