BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATO BOWL ULTIMATE

Craving something smoky, sweet, and satisfying all in one bowl? This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl recipe is your answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas and healthy lunch goals, combining tender BBQ chicken with the naturally sweet goodness of roasted sweet potatoes. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both easy to make and good for you; you’ll be making this bowl again and again!

Let’s Gather Our Goodies (Ingredients!)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite!)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)

For the Bowl Assembly (Toppings!):

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra heartiness)
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Avocado slices (for topping)
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (for topping, optional)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step: Let’s Build This Bowl!

Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary, and you don’t want them to burn!

Cooking the BBQ Chicken:

1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the BBQ chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
6. If your BBQ sauce is getting too thick or sticky, add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it up.

Assembling Your Masterpiece (The Bowls!):

1. If using, divide the cooked quinoa or rice evenly among bowls. This adds extra staying power to your meal.
2. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn.
3. Garnish with red onion, cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (if desired). Sprinkle with green onions for extra freshness.
4. Feel free to add other toppings you love – shredded cheese, jalapenos, or a drizzle of hot sauce would all be fantastic!

Sweet Potato Secrets: Tips and Tricks

Want to take your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:

• Roasting Sweet Potato Perfection: For extra crispy sweet potatoes, try using a higher oven temperature (425°F or 220°C) for the last few minutes of roasting. Just watch them closely to prevent burning!
• Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices! A pinch of chili powder or cumin in the sweet potato mix can add a delicious depth of flavor.
• BBQ Sauce Bonanza: The BBQ sauce is the heart of this recipe. Try different varieties – smoky, sweet, tangy – to find your perfect match. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce for a truly customized flavor!
• Chicken Cooking Clarity: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. A meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen!
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
• Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Use cauliflower rice instead of quinoa, add different vegetables, or try a different protein like pulled pork or tofu.

Level Up Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here are some creative ways to repurpose your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl components:

• Sweet Potato & Chicken Tacos: Warm up the sweet potatoes and chicken, then load them into tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
• BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Salad: Combine the sweet potatoes and chicken with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette, and any other salad ingredients you like.
• Sweet Potato & Chicken Hash: Dice the sweet potatoes and chicken, then sauté them with onions, peppers, and spices for a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
• BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Quesadillas: Layer the sweet potatoes, chicken, and cheese between tortillas, then grill or pan-fry until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Nutritional Nitty-Gritty

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Here’s a quick rundown:

• Sweet Potatoes: Excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.
• Chicken: Lean protein that helps build and repair tissues.
• Black Beans: Good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
• Corn: Provides fiber and antioxidants.
• Avocado: Healthy fats that support heart health and brain function.

While nutritional content can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients, this bowl is generally a healthy and balanced meal option. Remember to adjust the toppings and ingredients to meet your individual dietary needs and preferences. Using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream can reduce fat content, and opting for a sugar-free BBQ sauce can lower the sugar intake.

Why This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Rocks!

Okay, let’s be honest, there are a million recipes out there. So why should you try *this* BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl? Here’s the lowdown:

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is simply irresistible.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients that will fuel your body and keep you feeling satisfied.
• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
• Customizable: Adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches.
• It’s Just Plain Fun! Building your own bowl and experimenting with different toppings is a creative and enjoyable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! You’re just a few steps away from enjoying a delicious and satisfying BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. I know you can do it, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way. Happy cooking!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Ultimate

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. It combines tender BBQ chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and a variety of flavorful toppings for a satisfying and customizable bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sweet potatoes
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice optional
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• Avocado slices for topping
• Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping, optional
• Green onions, chopped for garnish, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
• While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the BBQ chicken.
• In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside.
• Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.
• If using, divide the cooked quinoa or rice evenly among bowls.
• Top with roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn.
• Garnish with red onion, cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (if desired).
• Sprinkle with green onions for extra freshness.

Notes

For extra crispy sweet potatoes, try using a higher oven temperature (425°F or 220°C) for the last few minutes of roasting. Experiment with different spices like chili powder or cumin in the sweet potato mix. Try different BBQ sauce varieties to find your perfect match. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Customize by swapping out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, such as cauliflower rice, different vegetables, or pulled pork/tofu.