Are you looking for a dinner that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further. These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic way to shake up your weeknight routine. Imagine tender, roasted sweet potatoes mashed with warm spices and a hint of maple syrup, then piled high with savory BBQ chicken. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together with minimal fuss.
This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, balancing sweet, savory, and smoky notes in every bite. It’s a complete meal in one neat package, making it a wonderful Sweet Potato Dinner idea for busy evenings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this dish both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying. Let’s get into what makes this recipe a must-try.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there’s so much to appreciate about this dish. First off, it’s the perfect blend of healthy and hearty. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and when you pair them with lean chicken, you get a balanced meal that will keep you full and happy. It’s a clever way to turn a simple baked potato into a Loaded Sweet Potato experience without feeling overly heavy.
The flavor combination is another huge win. The natural sweetness of the potato, enhanced with a touch of maple and warm spices like cinnamon and cumin, creates a delicious base for the tangy, smoky BBQ chicken. The diced red onion adds a little crunch and a sharp contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. Plus, using a rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut that saves you a ton of time and effort, making this a practical choice for any night of the week.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice levels to your liking, swap out the garnishes, or even use leftover pulled pork instead of chicken. It’s one of those amazing sweet potato recipes that you can make your own. It’s budget-friendly, cleanup is straightforward, and the result is a colorful, impressive-looking meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this delicious Stuffed Sweet Potato dinner. The ingredient list is straightforward, relying on pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
- 1.5 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 very large ones)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 large cooked chicken breasts (a rotisserie chicken works well here)
- 1/2 cup barbeque sauce (a lower sugar option like Stubbs Original is great)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 2 scallions, chopped, for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to put it all together? This process is simple and fun. We’ll start by cooking the potatoes, then prepare the filling and topping. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Step 1: Cook The Sweet Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your sweet potatoes a good scrub under running water and pat them dry. There’s no need to poke them with a fork unless you really want to. Place the whole sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack. Roasting them this way helps the skin get nice and firm while the inside becomes incredibly soft and tender. Let them bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork or knife pierces the flesh with no resistance.
Step 2: Prepare The Sweet Potato Filling
Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop the fluffy insides into a mixing bowl, leaving about a quarter-inch of potato attached to the skin. This creates a sturdy boat for our filling. To the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the maple syrup, salt, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Use a fork or a potato masher to mix everything together until it’s well combined and relatively smooth. A few lumps are totally fine and add great texture!
Step 3: Stuff The Potato Skins
Now, take that delicious, spiced sweet potato mixture and spoon it right back into the empty potato skins. You can mound it up a bit. Arrange your refilled sweet potato halves in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. This just makes it easier to handle them when they go back into the oven.
Step 4: Make The BBQ Chicken Topping
In a separate bowl, it’s time to prepare the star of the show. If you’re using cooked chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken, shred the meat using two forks or your hands. Add the shredded chicken to your bowl. Toss in the diced red onion and pour over your favorite barbeque sauce. Give it all a good stir until every piece of chicken is coated in that tangy sauce and the onion is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble And Bake
Here’s where it all comes together. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture generously over the top of each stuffed sweet potato half. Don’t be shy here; pile it on! Place the baking dish back into the 400°F oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. You’re just looking to heat everything through and get the top slightly browned and bubbly. The edges of the chicken might get a little caramelized, and that’s a very good thing.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Once they’re hot and bubbly, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. For a final touch of flavor and color, drizzle a little extra barbeque sauce over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped scallions. These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are best served immediately while they’re warm and at their most delicious.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Let the stuffed sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature completely. This is important to prevent them from getting soggy. Once cooled, you can either place them in an airtight container or wrap each potato half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you have a couple of options for reheating. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps the skin crisp up again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat them on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, but be aware that the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes prove that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a dinner that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket for those times you want something comforting yet wholesome. Give this wonderful Sweet Potato Dinner a try, and I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your household.
FAQ
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components separately a day or two in advance. Cook and stuff the sweet potatoes, and prepare the BBQ chicken mixture. Store both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble them, bake as directed, and you’re good to go. This makes it an even quicker weeknight meal.
What Can I Serve With These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
This dish is quite filling and can easily stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you want to add a side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a perfect complement. Steamed green beans or a side of coleslaw would also work beautifully to add some fresh crunch.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Meat?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. Leftover pulled pork would be an amazing substitute for the chicken. You could even use ground turkey or beef; just cook it with some onions and mix it with the BBQ sauce before topping the potatoes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can easily swap the chicken for a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) or some hearty chickpeas. Mix them with the BBQ sauce and red onion just as you would with the chicken. Another great option is to use crumbled tempeh or a plant-based meat substitute. It will be just as delicious!
