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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 14 reviews

Craving something irresistibly hearty yet still nourishing? The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is about to become your new favorite dinner to whip up! This colorful, flavor-packed meal features tender chicken blanketed in your favorite smoky barbecue sauce, nestled alongside perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and piled high with toppings like creamy avocado, juicy corn, and zesty onions. Every bite is an explosion of sweet, smoky, and savory notes with a satisfying mix of textures. Plus, it comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight meal or prepping lunches for the days ahead.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how the simplest ingredients can truly shine when they come together. Each component in this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is chosen to complement the others, resulting in a satisfying, beautifully balanced bowl that you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they’re easy to cook, lean, and soak up all the BBQ flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: These get deliciously caramelized in the oven, bringing candy-like sweetness that balances the smoky BBQ.
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle helps everything roast up golden and flavorful without sticking.
Salt and Black Pepper: The basics you can’t skip – seasoning at every step means maximum flavor.
Paprika: For a gentle, smoky warmth that boosts both color and taste.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory base note that ties it all together.
BBQ Sauce: Go classic, smoky, spicy, or sweet – use your favorite and don’t be shy with it!
Avocado (optional): Creamy and rich, avocado is the ultimate fresh finishing touch.
Canned Corn (optional): Adds pops of juicy sweetness and a cheerful pop of yellow.
Black Beans (optional): Plant-based protein and earthy flavor that makes the bowl even heartier.
Red Onion (optional): Just a bit livens things up with sharpness and crunch.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): The herby freshness really lifts the whole dish.
Shredded Cheese (optional): A little cheddar or Monterey Jack adds some melty, gooey comfort.
Sliced Green Onions (optional): For crunch and a gentle bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Let’s start with the superstar base. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until every cube is coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they can caramelize and crisp up. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, giving them a flip halfway through to make sure all sides get those glorious golden edges. The sweet potatoes should end up tender and just starting to brown.

Step 2: Cook the BBQ Chicken

While your kitchen starts to smell amazing from those roasting potatoes, season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a dash of olive oil. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side. You’re looking for that perfect moment when the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F or 74°C) but still super juicy. Let the cooked chicken rest a couple of minutes, then either slice or shred it. Toss the warm chicken into a generous bowl of BBQ sauce, ensuring every piece gets bathed in sweet-smoky goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Now for the fun part! Lay down a bed of the roasted sweet potatoes in each bowl. Pile on your delicious BBQ chicken, then let the party begin with toppings: diced avocado, sweet corn, black beans, a sprinkle of red onion, fresh cilantro, melty cheese, or green onions – whatever you love. Finish with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if you’re a saucy soul. Every spoonful will be loaded with color, flavor, and an irresistible mix of textures.

Step 4: Meal Prep Option

If you’re thinking ahead (and hats off to you!), prep each component and store them in separate airtight containers. When you’re ready, just reheat, assemble, and you’re set for a quick, homemade BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl any day of the week. It’s an excellent way to keep meals fresh and exciting all week long.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Garnishes

This bowl loves a little extra flair! Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for an herby punch, a handful of shredded cheese for melty richness, or sliced green onions and red onions for crunch and zippy flavor. A few extra avocado cubes won’t hurt anyone either. These little touches make every BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this bowl is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, serve with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some tortilla chips for scooping up stray bites. Even a crisp cucumber-tomato salad works beautifully as a fresh contrast to the deep, smoky flavors of the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

You can have so much fun with these! Try arranging the colorful toppings in neat rows for an Instagram-worthy look, or serve everything family-style so everyone can build their own perfect BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. For a whimsical twist at parties, consider layering ingredients in clear jars for BBQ bowl parfaits – easy to grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings in separate containers to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days, so you can have a quick BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl on hand for lunches or lightning-fast dinners.

Freezing

If you want to squirrel some away for later, both the cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then stash in freezer-safe containers or bags. The chicken keeps especially well, but skip freezing toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro since they won’t thaw quite as nicely.

Reheating

To revive your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop until everything is hot all the way through. Add a little extra splash of BBQ sauce if things look dry. Assemble your bowl with fresh toppings for that just-made vibe every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs turn out deliciously juicy and flavorful in this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free, the entire dish is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure, especially if you or your guests have allergies.

How can I add more veggies?

Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even baby spinach for an extra veggie boost! The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is highly customizable, so get creative with whatever produce you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You sure can! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh tossed in BBQ sauce, and use plant-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether. The sweet potatoes, beans, and toppings keep the bowl hearty and satisfying.

What’s the best way to meal prep this bowl?

For the ultimate grab-and-go lunch, store the chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings separately in the fridge. Assembling your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl just before eating ensures the best texture and flavor every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and downright fun about building and digging into a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes a new staple – the kind of dish you look forward to all week long!