Name: BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; Lime wedges for serving

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If you’re looking for the ultimate colorful, flavor-packed, and downright satisfying dinner to brighten any weeknight, you can’t go wrong with this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. It’s the kind of meal that masterfully brings together smoky barbecue flavors, hearty sweet potatoes, and a rainbow of fresh toppings for a bowl that’s as nutritious as it is craveable. Every bite is a little party of sweet, savory, creamy, and zesty—making this one of my most requested recipes and a forever favorite in my own kitchen!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl leans on easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish—think earthy sweetness, smoky depth, creamy richness, and pops of fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:

Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness perfectly balances out the savory barbecue chicken and adds gorgeous color.
Olive Oil: Helps the sweet potatoes roast up crispy and golden with just the right amount of richness.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a deep, smoky flavor that echoes classic BBQ vibes without lighting a grill!
Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle garlicky goodness throughout every bite.
Salt and Pepper: Vital for seasoning and bringing out the best in each ingredient.
Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast: The protein hero—use rotisserie or leftovers for total ease.
Barbecue Sauce: Adds unmistakable tang, sweetness, and touch of smokiness to the chicken.
Canned Black Beans: A hearty, fiber-rich addition that makes each bowl extra filling.
Corn Kernels: Brings bursts of brightness and a subtle sweetness—fresh, canned, or frozen all work.
Avocado: For rich, creamy contrast and healthy fats that make each mouthful luxurious.
Chopped Red Onion: Adds a sharp, colorful punch that wakes up the whole bowl.
Fresh Cilantro: Offers a pop of herbal freshness; if you’re not a cilantro fan, try parsley instead.
Lime Wedges: Squeezing a little lime over the top brings all the flavors together with a zesty finish.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (that high heat is key for caramelized edges). Toss the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated with flavor. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet—crowding them leads to steaming, not roasting—and pop them into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Give them a good flip halfway through so every side gets golden and crisp. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!

Step 2: Warm the BBQ Chicken

While the sweet potatoes work their magic in the oven, pull out your cooked shredded chicken and stir it together with the barbecue sauce in a saucepan. Let it warm over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until it’s hot and that tangy BBQ flavor infuses every bite. If you’re in a real hurry, microwave-safe bowls work too, but stovetop heating gives the sauce a thicker, stickier texture that really clings to the chicken.

Step 3: Prep the Toppings

Get your toppings ready while everything is heating up so the final assembly is a breeze. Rinse and drain the black beans, prep the corn kernels (no need to cook if they’re canned or thawed from frozen), slice the avocado, chop the red onion, and snip some fresh cilantro. Cutting the avocado just before serving helps keep it from browning and ensures dreamy creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

This is the fun—and artistic—part! Start by dividing the roasted sweet potatoes among four bowls, then add heaping scoops of BBQ chicken, black beans, and sweet corn to each. Layer on the avocado slices, a sprinkle of red onion, and a shower of chopped fresh cilantro. I always tuck a lime wedge on the side for squeezing right before you dig in, which just makes every flavor pop even more.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Garnishes

To make your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl restaurant-worthy, don’t skimp on finishing touches. A big handful of chopped cilantro, crunchy sliced red onion, ripe avocado, and fresh lime wedges turn a cozy meal into a true showstopper. Add a subtle drizzle of ranch or a dash of chipotle mayo if you’re feeling a little extra—these creamy garnishes are a total flavor upgrade!

Side Dishes

This bowl is hearty enough to hold its own, but it also loves good company. Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to echo the zesty lime, or go for grilled veggies for even more smoky-sweet drama. A simple fruit salad makes for a lovely bright finish, or add warm tortillas on the side for scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a build-your-own BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl bar—set out all the ingredients and let everyone customize their own masterpiece! Serve in wide shallow bowls for the prettiest color contrast, or layer in mason jars for a lunch that travels beautifully. For a party spread, make mini versions in small cups for a hand-held appetizer everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes will keep for up to 4 days, while the fresh toppings—like avocado—are best sliced just before eating to preserve their freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes for up to three months. Cool the ingredients completely before freezing, and make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Beans and corn also freeze well, but save garnishes like avocado, onion, and cilantro for after thawing to keep things bright and tasty.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven or a skillet until just warmed through. This helps bring back that irresistible roasted texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, just be sure not to overheat and dry things out! Always add your fresh toppings after reheating to keep every bite vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful swap for chicken breast in this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Just shred or chop them after cooking and mix with the barbecue sauce as directed.

Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?

Definitely! For a meatless BBQ Sweet Potato Bowl, try using BBQ jackfruit, sautéed mushrooms, or even crispy tofu tossed in barbecue sauce. The hearty veggies and beans will make sure you never miss the chicken.

Can I meal prep BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls?

These bowls are meal prep all-stars. Assemble the bases in containers, keeping the fresh avocado, onion, and cilantro separate until just before eating so everything stays fresh. They reheat beautifully for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Which barbecue sauce should I use?

Go with your personal favorite! Whether you love a sauce that’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy, it will work beautifully in this recipe. For a homemade twist, try mixing smoked paprika and a splash of apple cider vinegar into your go-to bottled sauce.

Can I swap out sweet potatoes for another base?

Of course—if you have cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice handy, those make fantastic bases for these bowls. Or, change things up completely by serving your BBQ chicken over a bed of crisp greens for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is always in demand at my table: it’s colorful, customizable, and absolutely packed with delicious contrasts in every spoonful. Once you try it, I think you’ll find it making repeat appearances in your own meal rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and dig into this bowl of cozy-meets-fresh flavor—your taste buds will thank you!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and wholesome meal that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this bowl is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

BBQ Chicken:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Roast sweet potatoes: Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
Prepare BBQ chicken: Heat shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until warmed through.
Assemble bowls: Divide sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn among bowls. Top with avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.