If you’re craving a meal that’s vibrant, nourishing, and a complete explosion of flavor, let me introduce you to the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. This hearty dish brings together smoky BBQ chicken, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, colorful veggies, and creamy avocado — all layered together for the ultimate dinner bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a meal prep superstar, making it the perfect solution for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends when you want something that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is all about simple, down-to-earth ingredients that transform everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary. Each component was chosen to create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and tangy in every bite.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness gets deeply caramelized in the oven and provides the perfect sturdy, nutritious base for the bowls.
- Olive oil: A dash ties everything together with a subtle richness and helps with roasting and sautéing for fabulous flavor.
- Paprika: This spice gives the sweet potatoes a gentle, smoky warmth that complements the BBQ theme.
- Garlic powder: Adds that signature savory backbone, enhancing both chicken and veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip! They bring out and balance all the other flavors.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Convenient and protein-packed; rotisserie chicken works great for quick assembly.
- BBQ sauce: The star ingredient — pick your favorite tangy, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce for the chicken.
- Black beans: Offer earthy richness, plenty of fiber, and really make these bowls satisfying.
- Corn kernels: For pops of sweetness and sunny color — use fresh, frozen, or canned for flexibility.
- Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado lend cool richness that balances the smoky chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Chopped red onion: A little sharpness and crunch to round out the bowl’s flavors and textures.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbal freshness scattered overtop for a pop of green and flavor.
- Optional toppings: Lime wedges, extra BBQ sauce, and a dollop of sour cream elevate each bite if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Set your oven to 425°F and toss those diced sweet potatoes in a mixture of one tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet — don’t crowd them, this ensures those edges get beautifully golden and crispy. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so each piece is perfectly caramelized and tender.
Step 2: Warm the BBQ Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, stir together your cooked shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble gently until everything’s heated through and the sauce clings to every strand of chicken. This quick step infuses the meat with all the smoky, saucy goodness you want in a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl.
Step 3: Sauté the Black Beans and Corn
Grab another pan and drizzle in that remaining olive oil. Toss in black beans and corn, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re warmed and starting to get delicious golden spots here and there. This adds dimension and just the right bite to your bowl — don’t skip it!
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part: assembly. Divvy up the roasted sweet potatoes between bowls and layer on the BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn. Top each bowl with fanned avocado slices, a sprinkle of chopped red onion, and a generous dusting of fresh cilantro. It’s a color explosion! Serve your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl with lime wedges, extra BBQ sauce, or a dollop of creamy sour cream if you like it extra zesty or rich.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches! Slices of avocado, a handful of chopped red onion, and a shower of fresh cilantro wake up every bite of your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. A squeeze of lime or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce can totally change the flavor profile — highly recommended for tang and brightness.
Side Dishes
This bowl shines all on its own but is lovely served alongside a simple green salad or crisp slaw to add crunch. If you want something heartier, a batch of baked tortilla chips or a mellow corn muffin makes a fantastic partner. You’ll find the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is hearty enough, but a fresh veggie side is always welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try building a “bowl bar” for a family dinner or casual gathering, letting everyone choose toppings and layer their own BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl just how they like it. For meal prep, pack in mason jars for easy lunches — or arrange everything on a big platter buffet-style for entertaining. The beautiful colors and fun add-ons mean this dish always impresses visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts of the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is how well each part holds up for later. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the fresh toppings bright and the roasted sweet potatoes from getting soggy, so you can enjoy quick, tasty meals all week long.
Freezing
If you want to freeze: the BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes are freezer-friendly for up to two months. Let them cool completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. The beans and corn can also freeze well. Just save the fresh toppings (avocado, red onion, cilantro) to add right before serving so they keep their flavors and textures.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the sweet potatoes, chicken, beans, and corn separately in the microwave or in the oven until piping hot. Assemble your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl fresh with new avocado, red onion, and cilantro. This method brings the flavors right back to life and ensures your bowl feels just-made, any day of the week.
FAQs
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or more beans for a plant-based protein. You’ll still get all those smoky, sweet, and hearty flavors packed into every bite.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl?
The heat level depends entirely on which BBQ sauce you use. If you love a kick, choose a spicy sauce or add some jalapeños as a topping. For a milder flavor, stick with a sweeter, tangy BBQ sauce and skip any extra chili additions.
What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?
Prepare each component — sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, beans, and corn — and store separately for freshness. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble, then add toppings. This keeps everything tasting vibrant and fresh throughout the week.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You sure can! Swap in Yukon gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes offer that touch of sweetness, though, which pairs especially well with BBQ sauce if you can get them.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is naturally gluten-free, provided you double-check the ingredients in your BBQ sauce just to be safe. It’s a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten but craving comfort food.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to gather everyone around the table than with a homemade BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Trust me, once you see those colors and taste the sweet-meets-savory combo, you’ll want this easy, nourishing dish in your regular rotation. Give it a try — your dinner crowd will thank you!
Print
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado come together in a flavorful and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Black Beans and Corn:
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Additional Toppings:
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: lime wedges, extra BBQ sauce, sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a skillet until warmed through.
- Sauté Black Beans and Corn: Heat olive oil in a pan and cook black beans and corn until warm and slightly golden.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, black beans, and corn. Top with avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and additional toppings.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap avocado for Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.
- Great for meal prep—store components separately for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
