If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than these Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes! Imagine the rich, smoky flavor of BBQ chicken nestled inside a soft, baked sweet potato, then topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dinner for any night of the week. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave you craving more. Seriously, it’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but is wholesome enough to be enjoyed regularly. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Comfort Food with a Twist: The combination of sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken is both comforting and exciting. You’re getting the best of both worlds: the creamy texture of sweet potatoes and the bold flavors of BBQ chicken.
Healthy and Filling: Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while the BBQ chicken adds protein and heartiness to keep you satisfied.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the BBQ sauce to your liking—spicy, tangy, smoky—you name it. You can also add toppings like sour cream, green onions, or extra cheese to make it your own.
Easy to Make: Once you bake the sweet potatoes, the rest of the dish comes together quickly. It’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the flavors of BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes, making this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these twice-baked BBQ chicken sweet potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: The base of this dish. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for holding all the delicious filling.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is a must! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts.
- BBQ Sauce: The key to that smoky, tangy flavor. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own to customize the taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that takes this dish over the top.
- Sour Cream (Optional): A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy kick to balance the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Green Onions (Optional): For a pop of color and a bit of fresh bite to contrast the richness of the dish.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling over the sweet potatoes before baking.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the sweet potatoes and chicken.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on these delicious twice-baked BBQ chicken sweet potatoes:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then prick them a few times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender and a knife easily pierces the flesh.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are baking, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated but not too saucy—just enough to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice them down the middle and scoop out the flesh, leaving a little bit around the edges to maintain the shape of the potato. Be gentle so you don’t tear the skins. Place the sweet potato flesh in a bowl.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Mash the sweet potato flesh and combine it with the shredded BBQ chicken mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. You can add a little more BBQ sauce or even some cheese to the mixture if you’d like it to be extra cheesy!
Step 5: Refill the Sweet Potatoes
Spoon the BBQ chicken and mashed sweet potato mixture back into the sweet potato skins. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake Again
Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back into the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Top with sour cream, green onions, or extra BBQ sauce if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the savory, sweet goodness in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 200%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
How to Serve Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes
With a Side Salad: These stuffed sweet potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing them with a fresh side salad can add a light, crisp contrast to the dish.
As Part of a BBQ Feast: Serve these alongside other BBQ favorites like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for the ultimate BBQ-inspired meal.
For Meal Prep: These twice-baked sweet potatoes are perfect for meal prepping. Simply make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: If you love spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for black beans or a veggie protein like tempeh.
- Use Sweet Potato Skins: Don’t toss the skins! The crispy edges of the sweet potato skin add a great texture and flavor to the dish.
- Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A1: Yes! You can absolutely use regular russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and stuff them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake them the next day for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Q3: Can I freeze these twice-baked sweet potatoes?
A3: Yes! After assembling the stuffed sweet potatoes, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Q4: Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like. A tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce or a smoky, sweet variety would both be great.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to the stuffed sweet potatoes?
A5: Yes! You can top them with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Q6: How do I make the sweet potatoes extra creamy?
A6: For a creamier filling, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream with the sweet potato mash.
Q7: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A7: Definitely! You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the BBQ chicken filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q8: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A8: Store leftover twice-baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q9: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A9: Yes! You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.
Q10: How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting soggy?
A10: Be sure to bake the sweet potatoes until they’re fully cooked and tender before scooping them out. If you have any extra moisture in the sweet potato flesh, gently drain it before mixing with the chicken.
Conclusion
These Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. The smoky BBQ chicken and creamy sweet potatoes come together in a way that’s irresistible. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every satisfying bite!
PrintTwice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and hearty dish combining tender sweet potatoes with flavorful BBQ chicken, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, these stuffed sweet potatoes are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and fully cooked through. - Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium bowl. Mix until the chicken is well-coated and set aside. - Stuff the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch border around the edges. Transfer the scooped-out sweet potato flesh to a bowl, mash it with a fork, and season with salt and pepper. - Assemble the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes:
Mix the mashed sweet potato with the BBQ chicken and stir until well combined. Scoop the mixture back into the sweet potato skins, packing it in evenly. - Bake Again:
Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top before baking the sweet potatoes for added crunch.
- You can swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses to vary the flavor.
- Feel free to add some sautéed bell peppers or corn to the BBQ chicken mixture for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg