It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast.
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is your new best friend. It is healthy, filling, and so easy to make. You will love how the sweet and savory flavors come together. This recipe delivers a nutrient-dense meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy fall weeknights. It is a total meal prep win for your Sunday routine. You get plenty of protein and healthy fiber in every bite. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have. Even picky eaters love the familiar taste of BBQ sauce. This is a budget-friendly dish that feeds a crowd easily.
Simple Method
Making these bowls is very straightforward. You start by roasting your sweet potatoes until they are tender. While the oven does the work, you warm the chicken. Then, you just assemble everything in bowls. It is beginner-friendly cooking at its finest. You can even use pre-cooked chicken to save more time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These bowls use fresh seasonal produce and pantry staples for the best flavor.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- While potatoes roast, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through.
- Divide the roasted sweet potatoes equally among four meal prep containers or bowls.
- Top each portion with 1/4 of the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a lime wedge for acidity.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl warm for a cozy dinner. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a bright, fresh finish. You can pair it with a simple side salad. It is also great for easy weekday lunches at the office. Set the table and enjoy a stress-free meal with your family.
Storage & Reheating
These bowls store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in airtight containers for up to four days. To reheat, just pop a bowl in the microwave for two minutes. You can also reheat the components in a skillet. This makes meal prep feel fresh every single day. Do not freeze the fresh garnishes like cilantro or lime.
Recipe Tips
- Do not skip the parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Avoid crowding the baking sheet so potatoes get crispy.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save 20 minutes of prep.
- Double the batch for a stress-free holiday week.
- Add a handful of fresh summer berries on the side.
- Cut potatoes into even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Check the chicken temperature to ensure it stays juicy.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap sweet potatoes for zucchini in the summer months.
- Use dairy-free BBQ sauce for a dietary-friendly version.
- Swap maple syrup for honey for a milder sweetness.
- Add sliced avocado for extra creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can roast the potatoes and shred the chicken on Sunday. Just assemble and reheat when you are ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your BBQ sauce label to be sure. Many brands are safe to use for this dish.
Will my kids eat this?
Most kids love the sweet taste of BBQ sauce. You can serve the ingredients side-by-side if they prefer. It is a very kid-approved healthy meal.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime , cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- While potatoes roast, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until heated through.
- Divide the roasted sweet potatoes equally among four meal prep containers or bowls.
- Top each portion with 1/4 of the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a lime wedge for acidity.
