BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and healthy dinner recipe, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or healthy meal prep.

This dish combines tender, naturally sweet baked potatoes with savory, tangy shredded BBQ chicken for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s an ideal choice when you want something flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare after a busy day.

Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner or a smart way to get ahead on your healthy eating goals, these stuffed sweet potatoes deliver. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing for simple customizations to suit different tastes, and they reheat beautifully, making them a meal prep superstar.

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and healthy dinner recipe, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or healthy meal prep. This dish combines tender, naturally sweet baked potatoes with savory, tangy shredded BBQ chicken for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s an ideal choice when you want something flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare after a busy day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 medium sweet potatoes

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.

2. Lightly rub each pierced sweet potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the sweet potatoes directly on an oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed gently and easily pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes.

3. While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded cooked chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly heated through and coated evenly with the sauce, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.

4. Finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro. If you plan to use other toppings like green onions or cheese, get those ready now as well. Having everything prepped before the potatoes are done makes assembly quick and easy.

5. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit down the center of each sweet potato, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Gently squeeze the ends of the potato inward to open it up and fluff the flesh with a fork.

6. Spoon a generous amount of the warm BBQ chicken mixture into each opened sweet potato. Top with the chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Add any other desired toppings like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato

Keywords: bbq chicken, stuffed sweet potatoes, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, meal prep, chicken, sweet potato, comfort food, easy recipe, family friendly

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly convenient meal. It works perfectly for busy weeknights because it requires minimal hands-on time, letting your oven do most of the work. Families will appreciate how customizable it is – even picky eaters can enjoy the individual components, and you can easily add their favorite toppings. It’s also an excellent choice for those focusing on healthy eating, as sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, and lean chicken provides ample protein. You can serve this dish as a complete meal on its own, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even as a hearty option for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, focusing on fresh produce and pantry staples. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice

For the cooked shredded chicken, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save a lot of time, or you can boil and shred two chicken breasts yourself. When choosing BBQ sauce, pick one that you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy – the flavor will be prominent in the dish. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of red onion and cilantro to your family’s preferences; if you have onion-averse kids, you can mince the red onion very finely or even omit it and offer it as a topping for adults.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Preparing these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is a relatively quick process, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40-50 minutes (mostly hands-off baking)
• Total time: 50-60 minutes

The majority of the time is spent baking the sweet potatoes until they are perfectly tender, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these delicious stuffed sweet potatoes is a simple process. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes Until Tender: Lightly rub each pierced sweet potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the sweet potatoes directly on an oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed gently and easily pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
3. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling: While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded cooked chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly heated through and coated evenly with the sauce, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.
4. Chop Your Fresh Toppings: Finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro. If you plan to use other toppings like green onions or cheese, get those ready now as well. Having everything prepped before the potatoes are done makes assembly quick and easy.
5. Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit down the center of each sweet potato, being careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom. Gently squeeze the ends of the potato inward to open it up and fluff the flesh with a fork.
6. Fill and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the warm BBQ chicken mixture into each opened sweet potato. Top with the chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Add any other desired toppings like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt for different tastes, dietary needs, or occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of red onion or omit it entirely, and offer milder BBQ sauce options. Kids often love building their own potatoes, so setting out a “topping bar” with shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra BBQ sauce can be a fun way to get them involved.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider stirring in some finely diced bell peppers or corn into the BBQ chicken mixture, or serving a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. For a vegetarian option, you could swap the chicken for black beans or a mixture of roasted vegetables tossed in BBQ sauce. To make it a heartier meal for a party or buffet, you can prepare the BBQ chicken in a slow cooker and keep it warm, then offer baked sweet potato halves and a variety of toppings for guests to customize. Other great topping ideas include crispy fried onions, pickled jalapeños for a kick, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes can help ensure your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.

• Undercooked Sweet Potatoes: The biggest mistake is taking the potatoes out of the oven too soon. An undercooked sweet potato will be firm and unappetizing. To avoid this, make sure to bake them until they are very tender when pierced with a fork and easily squeezed. If they’re still firm, give them more time.
• Dry Chicken Filling: If your shredded chicken is too dry before adding the BBQ sauce, the final filling might lack moisture. Using a rotisserie chicken helps keep it moist. If using boiled chicken, make sure not to overcook it. Also, don’t skimp on the BBQ sauce; it’s essential for flavor and moisture.
• Over-seasoning the Potatoes: While a little salt and pepper are good, remember that BBQ sauce is often quite flavorful and salty. Season the sweet potatoes lightly before baking, then taste the final dish before adding more salt.
• Forgetting to Pierce the Potatoes: If you don’t pierce the sweet potatoes before baking, steam can build up inside, potentially causing them to burst in the oven. A few simple fork pricks prevent this.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: If you’re baking many sweet potatoes, avoid piling them on top of each other. Give them space on the baking sheet or use multiple sheets to ensure even cooking and browning.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are excellent for meal prep and store well, making your weeknights even easier.

To store leftovers: Allow any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For making ahead: You have a couple of options. You can bake the sweet potatoes completely, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Separately, prepare the BBQ chicken mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sweet potatoes and chicken separately, then assemble. This method helps maintain the best texture for both components.

Reheating: For best results, reheat the components separately if possible. Reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Reheat the BBQ chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot. If reheating an already assembled stuffed potato, you can microwave it for 2-3 minutes or bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, though the potato skin might not be as crisp.

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FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.