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- 4 medium sweet potatoes - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish - Optional: Greek yogurt or sour cream for serving I love using sweet potatoes because they are sweet and healthy. They add a nice twist to the dish. You will need about four medium sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. Next, we need cooked shredded chicken. You can use leftovers or buy rotisserie chicken. I recommend two cups for the right amount of protein. BBQ sauce is key in this recipe. Pick your favorite brand, as it adds flavor and moisture. A cup will be just right. Adding spices can really elevate the taste. Garlic powder and smoked paprika give depth to the chicken. Use one teaspoon of each, plus half a teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. For some color and crunch, I add corn and red onion. One cup of corn and half a cup of diced red onion will work well. Don’t forget the cheese! Shredded cheddar will melt beautifully on top. You will need one cup. To finish it off, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream is optional but adds a nice creaminess. Gathering all these ingredients will set you up for a tasty BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and bake the potatoes: Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is vital to ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly. 2. Creating pockets for filling: Once the oven is ready, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Prick them several times with a fork. This helps steam escape while they bake. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. They are done when a knife goes in easily. 1. Seasoning and warming the chicken: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the pan. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the chicken until it is heated through, which takes about 5 minutes. 2. Mixing in BBQ sauce and optional ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. If you want extra flavor, add 1 cup of corn to the skillet. This adds a nice texture and sweetness to your dish. 1. Filling the sweet potatoes: After the sweet potatoes cool slightly, cut each one in half lengthwise. Scoop out a small part of the flesh to make a pocket for your filling. 2. Topping with cheese and final baking: Fill each potato half with the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for another 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. Now you have a delicious BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potato to enjoy! - Choosing the right sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. They should have no soft spots or blemishes. Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for stuffing. - Ensuring tenderness after baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Prick them with a fork to let steam escape. They are done when a knife goes in easily. - Spice variations and additions: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Try chili powder for a smoky kick. Adjust spices to match your taste. - Recommended BBQ sauces: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. A sweeter sauce pairs well with sweet potatoes. Try a tangy sauce for a nice contrast. - Pairing sides for a complete meal: Serve with a fresh salad or coleslaw. Roasted vegetables or corn on the cob also make great sides. - Garnishing for presentation: Use fresh cilantro or parsley for color. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Make Ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days, saving you time on busy nights. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor and texture. Use Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for pulled pork, beef, or even plant-based proteins for a different twist on this dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or beef. Ground turkey works well and gives a lighter taste. Shredded beef adds a rich flavor that pairs nicely with BBQ sauce. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils. They add protein and a hearty texture. You can also try tempeh or tofu for a great plant-based choice. Change the flavor by using sweet or spicy BBQ sauce. A sweet sauce gives a nice balance to the sweet potato. A spicy sauce adds a kick that many love. You can also toss in different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added crunch. They blend well with the chicken and BBQ sauce. This dish can be gluten-free. Just make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Many brands offer great options. If you want a dairy-free meal, try using dairy-free cheese. These cheeses melt nicely and keep the dish creamy. These small changes can make the dish fit many diets without losing flavor. To keep your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes fresh, use proper refrigeration. First, let the stuffed potatoes cool down to room temperature. This helps avoid excess moisture inside the container. Next, wrap each potato in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. - Best containers to use: - Glass containers with tight lids - BPA-free plastic containers - Heavy-duty aluminum foil for wrapping These methods help keep your meal tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge. When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. You want to keep the sweet potatoes soft and the filling warm. - Best methods for retaining texture: - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Microwave method: Place a potato on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking if it’s warm enough. If you want the cheese to melt again, the oven is the best choice. The microwave is quicker but may make the potatoes a bit soggy. Choose the method that fits your needs! How do I know when sweet potatoes are done? You can tell sweet potatoes are done when they are soft and tender. Use a knife to poke them. If the knife goes in easily, they are ready. The skin may also look a bit wrinkly. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the sweet potatoes and the BBQ chicken mixture. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready, just fill the potatoes and bake them. What other ingredients can I add? You can add many things to this recipe. Try adding black beans for protein or diced peppers for crunch. Avocado is also a great topping. Get creative with ingredients you love! Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 400 calories. This can vary based on the BBQ sauce you choose. Always check the label for precise numbers. Macronutrient breakdown - Protein: 30 grams - Carbs: 50 grams - Fat: 10 grams This dish gives you a good mix of nutrients to keep you full. Preparing components in advance You can cook the sweet potatoes and chicken in advance. Bake the sweet potatoes and shred the chicken. Store each in separate containers. This makes it easy to put together when you are ready to eat. Best ways to freeze leftovers To freeze leftovers, let the stuffed sweet potatoes cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, and label it with the date. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. You now have all the tools to make delicious BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. We covered the key ingredients, from sweet potatoes to toppings. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and storage advice. We also explored tasty variations and answered common questions. Memorize these tips, enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine. This dish is not only easy to make but also fun to share. Dive in and savor every bite!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and topped with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup corn
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
  • 1 serving Greek yogurt or sour cream for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
  • While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the BBQ sauce, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer on low for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using corn, add it to the skillet and mix well. Remove from heat.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create a pocket for the filling (reserve the flesh for another use if desired).
  • Generously fill each sweet potato half with the BBQ chicken mixture. Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes