Name: BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large); 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling, if desired); 1 avocado, diced; ½ cup canned corn, drained; ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained; ¼ cup red onion, diced; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack; 2 tbsp sliced green onions

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Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight hero: the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Juicy, barbecue-sauced chicken meets caramelized sweet potatoes and a rainbow of fresh toppings, all coming together for a dinner that’s equal parts hearty and healthy. This high-protein powerhouse is not just quick to make (hello, 40-minute total time), but it’s also loaded with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying variety of textures in every bite. If you’re craving an easy meal prep idea or a family-friendly dinner that everyone at the table will rave about, this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl has you covered!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beautiful part of this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is how each ingredient shines. You only need a handful of staples, but every component brings its own personality, from sweet, tender potatoes to zesty BBQ sauce and all the fresh, customizable toppings you love.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the perfect lean protein base, juicy when cooked right and the ultimate canvas for BBQ flavor.
Sweet potatoes: Diced and roasted, these beauties get caramelized edges and add natural sweetness to balance the tangy chicken.
Olive oil: A must for roasting and sautéing, olive oil brings out the best textures in both chicken and potatoes.
Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to wake up all the natural flavors in your bowl.
Paprika: Offers subtle smoky warmth that deepens the flavor of the roasted sweet potatoes.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory punch that melds deliciously with the other spices.
BBQ sauce: The star! Pick your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy—for irresistible sauciness that brings everything together.
Avocado: Optional, but brings luscious creaminess and a cool finish contrast to the warm components.
Canned corn: For pops of color and juicy sweetness—drain well before using!
Black beans: These add plant-based protein and a hearty, earthy taste that pairs perfectly here.
Red onion: Diced for a crisp bite and a subtle zing to brighten things up.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped and scattered, cilantro is a fresh, fragrant topping that makes every bite pop.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack: A sprinkle brings melty richness (or leave it out for a lighter bowl).
Sliced green onions: For a final flourish of mild oniony crunch and vibrant color.

How to Make

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that ideal roasting environment. Toss your peeled and diced sweet potatoes with half of the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet to make sure they roast up crisp and caramelized, not steamed. Flip halfway through the 25–30 minute roasting time, and you’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the insides are fork-tender.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While your sweet potatoes are getting that irresistible roasted flavor, let’s turn to the chicken. Pat your chicken breasts dry, season them with salt and pepper, then set them in a skillet over medium heat with the remaining olive oil. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until the surface is seared with a gorgeous golden crust and the internal temp hits 165°F. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice or shred to your liking. Toss with just-warmed BBQ sauce so every piece is shiny and coated with that bold, smoky tang.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part: building your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl! Start by dividing your roast sweet potatoes among four hungry people, then top with your bbq chicken. From there, add your favorite toppings: slices of creamy avocado, sweet corn, black beans, zippy red onion, bright cilantro, melty cheese, or green onions. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you like things saucy, and you’re all set for a bowl that’s pure happiness in every forkful!

How to Serve

Garnishes

The right garnish turns your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl into a visually stunning and extra-tasty dish. Scattered cilantro or green onions offer a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor, while diced avocado brings a dreamy creaminess. If you want a bit of zip, try a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of shredded cheese that melts just slightly from the heat of the chicken.

Side Dishes

This powerhouse bowl is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a hungry crowd (or just want a little something extra), it pairs beautifully with a vibrant side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, some toasted corn tortillas for scooping, or a platter of crunchy veggie sticks. Even a refreshing fruit salad on the side can make it feel like a backyard BBQ feast, no matter the season.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine by building a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl bar at your next casual gathering—lay out the components and toppings so everyone builds their own masterpiece! For meal prep, layer ingredients in sturdy glass containers for a grab-and-go lunch. Or, pile everything high on a big platter for a family-style dinner that invites everyone to dig in and share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Life is busy, and this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is your friend here. Simply store the chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh for up to four days and makes it easy to build a bowl on the fly or pack a lunch that’s just as vibrant as dinner.

Freezing

Want to get truly ahead of the game? Freeze the cooked BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes in individual portions for up to two months. Let them cool completely first, then place in freezer-safe containers. Leave out the fresh toppings until you’re ready to reheat, and your future self will thank you for the homemade convenience!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until just warmed through. If you’re using cheese, add it just at the end so it gets melty and luscious. Don’t forget to add fresh toppings like avocado, herbs, or a final BBQ drizzle only after reheating, for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful in this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Just adjust the cooking time so they reach 165°F, and proceed with shredding and saucing as you would with breasts.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, spicy, or even a vinegar-based BBQ sauce, just use what your taste buds love best. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully!

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, it easily can be! Just double-check that your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten free and you’re all set. The base ingredients—chicken, sweet potatoes, beans, veggies—are naturally free of gluten.

Can I meal prep BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl for the week?

You bet! Store all components separately, then assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. Not only does this keep textures at their best, but it also lets everyone in the family customize their toppings each day.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

Feel free to roast some bell peppers or zucchini alongside the sweet potatoes, or toss in a handful of baby spinach right before serving. The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is endlessly versatile and loves a pop of extra color (and nutrition)!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl, it’s sure to join your regular dinner rotation—it’s irresistible flavor meets effortless weeknight prep. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it again and again, and sharing it with everyone you know. Give it a try this week, and savor every vibrant, satisfying bite!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe