BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
I’m so excited to share this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. The mix of smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, and naturally sweet potatoes creates such a satisfying and comforting combo that you’ll want to make again and again. I love making this recipe when I’m craving something cozy but still fresh and packed with flavor.
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is great for busy weeknights since you can prep some parts ahead of time, and it also works perfectly for casual family dinners or even meal prep. Once you try it, I bet you’ll find yourself recommending it like I do to all my friends – it’s just that good and easy to pull off.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the potatoes offsets the tangy BBQ sauce perfectly, making each bite deliciously harmonious.
- Simple Prep: It’s mostly hands-off cooking and comes together with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile Meal: You can make it ahead, adjust the toppings to suit your mood, and easily feed a crowd or prep for the week.
- Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: It’s hearty without feeling heavy—plus loaded with protein and fiber from the chicken and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe all work together to create a flavor-packed but approachable dish. I like to shop for fresh sweet potatoes with smooth skin and check that the chicken is nicely shredded with minimal clumps for even mixing.
- Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and tender when baked, they serve as the perfect tasty vessel for the filling.
- Avocado oil: Great for sautéing because it has a mild flavor and a high smoke point.
- Red onion: Adds a punch of flavor and a bit of texture without overpowering the chicken.
- Shredded chicken: The star protein — cooked in advance to keep things quick when assembling.
- BBQ sauce: Adds that smoky, tangy depth that makes the dish feel vibrant and comforting.
- Mayo: It might sound surprising, but a touch of mayo keeps the mixture creamy and smooth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics that bring all the flavors into balance.
- Optional toppings: Parsley, green onion, avocado, or extra BBQ sauce personalize each serving and elevate the dish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how flexible this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is. Over time, I’ve made little tweaks based on what I have on hand or my mood—sometimes I swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up or add extra spices for a smoky kick. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Spicy Twist: I’ve added a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika when I want a bit more heat, and it seriously brings the flavors alive.
- Vegetarian Version: Sub shredded chicken with black beans or jackfruit for a plant-based take that still works beautifully.
- Seasonal Veggies: Sometimes I’ll toss in some roasted corn or diced bell peppers to add more texture and color.
- Extra Cheese: Melting shredded cheese on top during the final bake adds a gooey, indulgent layer that my family can’t get enough of.
Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Get Those Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Soft
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse the sweet potatoes well, then poke them several times with a fork to release the steam while they bake. Pop them on the baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes until they’re tender all the way through—this is key because you want them soft enough to scoop out but still holding their shape. You can check doneness by inserting a knife; it should slide in easily.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion for Flavor
When the sweet potatoes have about 5 minutes left in the oven, I start the filling. Heat avocado oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat—wait about 30 seconds until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Toss in the diced red onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the onions and bring out their sweetness. Then, transfer the onions to a medium bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Up the Chicken Filling
Once your sweet potatoes are ready, cut them lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a thin layer so the skins stay sturdy. Add that scooped sweet potato along with the shredded chicken into your bowl with onion. Pour in ½ cup of BBQ sauce and ⅓ cup of mayo and stir everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper; don’t be shy here—you want this filling packed with flavor!
Step 4: Refill and Bake Again
Fill each sweet potato skin evenly with the chicken mixture, then turn your oven down to 350°F. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is heated through and the tops start to get a little golden. While they’re baking, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce with ½ tablespoon mayo in a small bowl—a quick drizzle that adds a special finishing touch.
Step 5: Drizzle, Top, and Enjoy!
Once the stuffed sweet potatoes come out of the oven, drizzle them evenly with your BBQ-mayo sauce. Then, add your favorite toppings—whether it’s fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or creamy avocado, these really brighten up the dish and add fresh texture. Grab a fork and dig in—trust me, you’re going to love this combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Steam Ahead: Cook your sweet potatoes and shred the chicken a day or two ahead to save so much time on the day you serve this.
- Don’t Over-Scoop: Leaving a thin layer of sweet potato inside the skin keeps the boat stable so it won’t collapse under the filling.
- Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions with a bit of salt helps draw out natural sweetness and adds depth to the filling.
- Watch Baking Times: Overbaking the stuffed potatoes can dry them out—pull them from the oven as soon as the filling is hot and bubbly.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I’m partial to topping mine with fresh parsley and thinly sliced green onions—they add a wonderful pop of color and brightness. Sometimes I’ll layer on creamy avocado chunks for richness, and a little extra drizzle of BBQ sauce adds that irresistible finishing touch. It’s about balancing creamy, fresh, and tangy elements to enhance the dish.
Side Dishes
This meal is pretty hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp, light side like a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts to add a touch of bitterness. Coleslaw is also a classic partner here and adds a crunchy contrast to the tender potatoes and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love plating these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe halves on a large serving platter lined with fresh herbs and some colorful diced tomatoes. You can make individual servings look extra pretty by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkling smoked paprika or chili flakes on top. It’s a showstopper that looks far more complicated than it really is!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the stuffed potatoes separate from any extra drizzle to keep the toppings fresh. When ready to eat, it’s easy to reheat and bring back the cozy goodness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the stuffed sweet potatoes successfully by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing might slightly soften the potato skins, but the flavors stay amazing.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can add fresh toppings after reheating to bring back some of the texture and brightness lost in storage.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still delivering delicious results. Just shred the chicken before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your BBQ sauce label to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients or additives.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can! Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or your favorite plant-based protein, and swap the mayo for vegan mayo to keep the creamy texture.
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How do I prevent the sweet potato skins from falling apart?
Be sure to leave a thin layer of sweet potato flesh attached to the skins when you scoop them out. This layer helps maintain the structure and prevents the skins from collapsing when filled.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for those nights when I want comfort food that’s easy but still feels special. It’s the kind of recipe that gets requests from friends and family—and once you try it, I’m confident you’ll feel the same way. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make this one your own. I promise it’ll warm your heart and fill your belly with happiness!
PrintBBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed potatoes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes feature tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce and creamy mayo, all nestled inside soft baked sweet potatoes. This hearty and flavorful dish makes a perfect family-friendly dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (38 ounces)
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
Chicken Mixture
- 1 cup diced red onion (120 grams)
- 3 cups shredded chicken (340 grams/about 1 pound raw & then cooked)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce, divided
- 1/3 cup + 1/2 tablespoon mayo, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- parsley
- green onion
- avocado
- additional BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse the sweet potatoes and poke each several times with a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 50 minutes until soft.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: When the sweet potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add avocado oil and let it get hot for about 30 seconds. Add diced red onion along with salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked onions to a medium bowl and set aside.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Filling: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, cut each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to maintain their shape. Add the scooped sweet potato flesh into the bowl with the onions. Add shredded chicken, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and 1/3 cup mayo to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff and Bake: Evenly distribute the chicken and sweet potato mixture back into the sweet potato skins. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 25 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare Drizzle and Serve: While the stuffed sweet potatoes bake, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce and 1/2 tablespoon mayo in a small bowl. Once the potatoes are done, evenly drizzle this sauce over them. Top with any optional toppings like parsley, green onion, or avocado and serve warm.
Notes
- To save time, bake the sweet potatoes and cook the shredded chicken a few days ahead. Store separately in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- For spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce for personalized taste, whether smoky, spicy, or sweet.
- Avocado oil can be substituted with olive oil or another neutral oil if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg