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These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes combine the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with tangy barbecue sauce-coated shredded chicken for a satisfying meal that's both comforting and flavorful. The contrast between the fluffy sweet potato and the savory chicken topping creates a perfectly balanced dish that's become a regular in my dinner rotation.
I first made these stuffed sweet potatoes when looking for a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ sandwiches, and now they've become our go-to comfort food that feels indulgent without the guilt. My family especially loves customizing their toppings.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized ones with smooth skin for even baking and the perfect portion size
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the skin while baking and enhances the natural flavors
- Shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or meal prepped chicken for convenience
- Barbecue sauce: Select your favorite variety, whether sweet, spicy, or smoky for personalized flavor
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tang of the barbecue sauce
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle warmth without making the dish spicy
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps crisp the potato skin when baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub them thoroughly with olive oil until they have a light sheen and sprinkle with salt to enhance the skin texture and flavor.
- Bake to perfection:
- Arrange the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between them, then cover with foil to help them steam and cook evenly. Bake at 425°F for about 45 minutes for medium potatoes, or until you can easily slide a knife through the thickest part.
- Prepare the BBQ chicken:
- While the potatoes bake, warm a large skillet over medium heat and add your shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, honey, chili powder, and salt. Let everything mingle together for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is hot and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Assemble and serve:
- Split open each baked sweet potato, fluff the inside with a fork, then generously top with the warm BBQ chicken mixture. Add any optional toppings like pickled red onions or Mexican street corn salad for extra flavor and texture.
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The honey in this recipe is my secret ingredient for taking store-bought barbecue sauce to the next level. It adds just enough sweetness to balance the tanginess of the sauce and complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. My daughter who typically avoids sweet potatoes actually requests this meal regularly.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you're short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes instead of baking them. Pierce them all over with a fork, then microwave on high for 5 minutes. Check for tenderness and continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until soft. While the texture won't be quite as good as oven-baked, it works perfectly for busy weeknights.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
These stuffed sweet potatoes are excellent for meal prep. Bake a batch of sweet potatoes and prepare the BBQ chicken mixture at the beginning of the week. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then assemble and reheat portions as needed for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variation Ideas
Create a tropical twist by adding pineapple chunks to your BBQ chicken mixture or using a pineapple-based barbecue sauce. The sweet fruit complements both the chicken and sweet potato beautifully.
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These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are easy to prepare and customize, making them a perfect addition to your meal rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I cook the sweet potatoes faster?
To reduce cooking time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-6 minutes (flipping halfway through), use an Air Fryer at 400°F for about 35 minutes, or cook them in an Instant Pot with 1 cup of water on high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release.
- → What protein can I substitute for chicken?
For alternative proteins, try pulled pork, shredded beef, black beans, or chickpeas tossed in the same BBQ sauce mixture. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas or a hearty bean mixture works beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the BBQ chicken up to 3 days ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the potatoes in a 350°F oven or microwave until warm, then top with reheated chicken mixture.
- → What BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
Any BBQ sauce you enjoy will work well. For complementing the sweetness of the potatoes, try a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to create balance. Homemade sauce works great, but your favorite store-bought variety is perfectly fine too.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more chili powder to the chicken mixture, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce as your base or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
- → What sides pair well with these stuffed sweet potatoes?
Since this is already a complete meal, simple sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad, coleslaw, steamed vegetables, or cornbread. The Mexican street corn salad mentioned in the recipe also makes an excellent side if you prefer not to use it as a topping.