BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken with the natural caramelized goodness of baked sweet potatoes. It’s the perfect marriage of savory, sweet, and tangy — all tucked into a soft, tender, nutrient-rich potato base.

This dish brings the comfort of classic BBQ with a healthy, modern twist. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for casual gatherings or meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The balance between the smoky barbecue chicken and the sweet, velvety texture of baked sweet potatoes is irresistible.

• It’s a complete meal in one — protein, fiber, vitamins, and complex carbs.
• It’s healthy but indulgent, satisfying your BBQ cravings without any guilt.
• It’s customizable — you can use leftover chicken, add toppings like cheese or avocado, and even swap sauces.
• It’s meal-prep friendly — easy to make ahead and reheat for busy days.

Every time I make it, I’m reminded that comfort food can be both nourishing and exciting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You need to try this recipe because it’s:

• Simple and wholesome — made with ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfectly balanced in flavor — sweet potatoes’ caramelized sweetness complements smoky BBQ chicken beautifully.
• Filling and nutritious — high in protein and fiber, low in refined carbs.
• Family-friendly — kids and adults both adore it.
• Versatile — works great as lunch, dinner, or even a potluck dish.

It’s one of those meals that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Healthy Comfort Food)

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and washed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the BBQ Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling
• Avocado slices (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub sweet potatoes clean and pat them dry.
3. Rub each potato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
   • (Alternatively, you can microwave them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.)

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

1. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Taste and adjust seasoning or sauce level to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes

1. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly.
2. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Gently fluff the inside with a fork.
4. Spoon the warm BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each potato.
5. If desired, top with shredded cheese and place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until melted.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Remove from oven and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce.
2. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or avocado slices.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes hot, ideally with a side salad or roasted veggies.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while warm, topped with your favorite garnishes.
• Pair with:
  • A fresh green salad or coleslaw for crunch.
  • Corn on the cob or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce or hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes for uniform baking.
• Don’t overbake — they should be soft but not mushy.
• For a creamier texture, mash some of the sweet potato flesh before adding the chicken.
• Use homemade BBQ sauce for more control over sweetness and spice.
• Add a bit of shredded cheese before broiling for a gooey, melty topping.

Recipe Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Version:
   Replace BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese crumbles and ranch drizzle.
2. Tex-Mex Style:
   Add black beans, corn, and salsa to the chicken mixture; top with avocado and cilantro.
3. Vegetarian Option:
   Substitute chicken with jackfruit, tofu, or chickpeas — they absorb flavors beautifully.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Version:
   Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork for a richer, more indulgent meal.
5. Loaded Style:
   Add toppings like bacon bits, caramelized onions, or melted Monterey Jack cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing:
  Freeze cooked and cooled stuffed sweet potatoes individually wrapped in foil, then place in freezer bags.
  • Freezer Life: Up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Meal Prep Tip:
  Bake sweet potatoes ahead of time, refrigerate, and stuff them fresh when ready to eat.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Skillet or saucepan
• Fork and knife
• Mixing bowl
• Foil or parchment paper

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work great, but you’ll lose the natural sweetness balance.

Q2: Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover chicken from previous meals.

Q3: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, prepare everything up to the stuffing stage and refrigerate. Bake or reheat before serving.

Q4: What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
Smoky, slightly sweet sauces (like hickory or honey-based) pair best with sweet potatoes.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Of course! Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Greek yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect example of comfort food that’s both delicious and nourishing. The sweetness of the potatoes, the smokiness of the BBQ chicken, and the creamy, tangy toppings create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures.

It’s wholesome enough for a weekday meal, yet flavorful enough to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that checks every box: easy, balanced, hearty, and downright satisfying.

So grab some sweet potatoes, fire up your oven, and treat yourself to this beautifully simple but gourmet-worthy dish!