If you are craving a meal that brings the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, then you have to try this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe. It’s a vibrant and hearty dish that combines tender, roasted sweet potatoes with juicy, barbecue-coated shredded chicken, enhanced by fresh, colorful toppings like avocado and cilantro. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in creating a dish full of flavor, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes to the zesty punch of fresh cilantro, every element enhances the bowl in its own delicious way.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing a sweet, nutty base with a soft, roasted texture.
- Olive oil: Helps the sweet potatoes roast to a golden crisp while adding healthy fats.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle, savory touch to enhance overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten every bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: The protein-packed, tender BBQ base for your bowl.
- Barbecue sauce: Coats the chicken in sweet and tangy goodness that ties the dish together.
- Black beans: Adds heartiness, creaminess, and a boost of fiber.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of crunch that add a lovely pop of color.
- Avocado: Creamy and smooth, providing richness and balance.
- Red onion: Gives a sharp, fresh bite that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright and herbaceous, a perfect finishing touch.
- Lime wedges (optional): For a fresh squeeze of tang that elevates every flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly. Pop them in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they develop a beautiful golden crust and become tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix the cooked shredded chicken with half a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce in a saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the chicken is luxuriously coated with sauce.
Step 3: Warm the Black Beans and Corn
To add warmth and soften their flavors, heat the black beans and corn kernels either in the microwave for a minute or two, or gently on the stovetop. This simply brings all the components to a nice harmony and prepares them for assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Divide the roasted sweet potatoes between your bowls as the base. Top generously with the saucy BBQ chicken, then layer on the warmed black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if you like, and add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro and diced red onion. A squeeze of lime juice right before eating brings out the dish’s vibrant flavors and adds a refreshing zing that ties all the elements together perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is packed with nutrition and flavor on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad or a crisp coleslaw adds a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. A side of cornbread or garlic bread also complements the smoky BBQ sauce beautifully if you want something extra hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe in hollowed-out sweet potato skins or layered in a glass parfait dish for an impressive presentation. You could also pack it in meal prep containers for a grab-and-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover portions of this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked components like roasted sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This allows you to reheat them individually without sacrificing texture, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your stored bowls by warming components separately in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results. Add fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime after reheating to bring back that freshly made brightness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising taste. Just shred it up and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your barbecue sauce does not contain gluten ingredients. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for grilled or roasted plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas while keeping the rest of the bowl intact for a delicious vegetarian version.
What are some ways to spice up the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe?
For a kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper onto the chicken or roasted sweet potatoes before roasting.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the BBQ chicken ahead of time, then assemble the bowls just before serving to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe has quickly become a beloved go-to for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal without fuss. It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients, exciting layers of taste, and simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying harmony of smoky BBQ and naturally sweet roasted potatoes in every delicious bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a flavorful, wholesome meal combining roasted sweet potatoes with tender, BBQ-sauced chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh avocado. It’s a gluten-free, nutritious dish perfect for a healthy dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant textures and smoky, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Roast
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and have a golden exterior.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, place the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully heated and coated in the sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
- Warm Beans and Corn: Heat the black beans and corn either in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. This ensures all components of the bowl are served at an optimal temperature.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among bowls as the base. Top each bowl with barbecue chicken, black beans, corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with optional lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl to add a bright, citrusy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Substitute black beans with pinto beans or other preferred beans for variation.
- Add shredded cheese on top to introduce a creamy richness if desired.
- For extra heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the bowl.
