BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl combines tender chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes for a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors creates a delicious bowl that feels both comforting and wholesome.

I created this recipe when I needed a quick yet nutritious dinner after a long workday. My family immediately requested it be added to our regular rotation, and it's now our go-to meal when we want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and take on the BBQ flavor beautifully
• Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness plus fiber and vitamins look for firm potatoes with no soft spots
• Olive oil helps the sweet potatoes crisp up in the oven choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors throughout the dish
• Paprika adds a subtle smoky note to the sweet potatoes
• Garlic powder provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has
• BBQ sauce is the star flavor component choose a quality brand you enjoy eating on its own
• Avocado adds creamy richness select ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Corn brings sweet pops of texture and color frozen works great too
• Black beans provide additional protein and fiber rinse well to remove excess sodium
• Red onion offers sharp contrast and crunch dice finely for best distribution
• Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish with herbaceous notes
• Cheese creates that irresistible melty factor that ties everything together
• Green onions add a mild onion flavor and fresh color as a finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the sweet potatoes

Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into uniform half-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Toss them thoroughly with one tablespoon olive oil making sure each piece is coated. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, mixing well so the spices distribute evenly.

Roast to perfection

Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet giving them plenty of space. Avoid overcrowding which can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Look for golden edges and fork tenderness.

Cook the chicken

While the sweet potatoes roast, season chicken breasts with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a light golden exterior.

Rest and slice

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain or shred it using two forks, depending on your preference.

Sauce it up

Warm the BBQ sauce slightly in a small pan or microwave for about 20 seconds. Toss the sliced chicken with the warm sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. The warm sauce adheres better to the chicken and enhances the flavor.

Build your bowl

Start with a base of roasted sweet potatoes divided among serving bowls. Top with the BBQ chicken, arranging it in the center. Add your chosen toppings around the chicken creating a colorful presentation. Finish with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Bookmark

The BBQ sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that warming it slightly before tossing with the chicken makes a world of difference in how it coats and clings to the meat. My daughter, who typically avoids sweet potatoes, devours this dish and even asks for seconds.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken up to three days ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the components in the microwave or a skillet, then add the toppings fresh. The BBQ sauce may need a touch of water to thin it if it thickens in the refrigerator.

Substitutions and Variations

If sweet potatoes aren't your favorite, regular potatoes, quinoa, or brown rice make excellent alternatives as the base. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans tossed in BBQ sauce. Turkey or pork tenderloin can substitute for chicken if preferred. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or choose a spicy BBQ sauce variety.

Serving Suggestions

These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For a fun presentation at gatherings, set up a bowl bar with all the components laid out buffet-style, allowing guests to build their own creations. This approach works especially well for family dinners with picky eaters.

The History Behind BBQ Bowls

Bowl meals have gained popularity in recent years for good reason. They combine multiple food groups in one vessel, making them nutritionally complete and visually appealing. This recipe draws inspiration from southwestern flavors while incorporating the universally loved BBQ sauce that has roots in American culinary traditions dating back centuries. The combination of sweet potatoes with BBQ represents a modern fusion of comfort food elements.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this bowl?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken, warm it slightly, and toss with BBQ sauce before adding to your bowl.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans tossed in BBQ sauce. You could also use a plant-based chicken substitute.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken up to 3 days in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator and assemble when ready to eat.

→ What's the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce you enjoy works well, whether store-bought or homemade. For a healthier option, look for varieties with less sugar or make your own with natural sweeteners.

→ Can I freeze this meal?

The components freeze well individually. Freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes separately, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling with fresh toppings.

→ What other toppings work well with this bowl?

Try adding pickled red onions, jalapeños, pico de gallo, Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream), roasted bell peppers, or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas.