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 diced into ½-inch cubes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup BBQ sauce; For Serving:; 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

Get ready to fall in love with the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl — a vibrant, hearty, and downright crave-worthy meal that brings together smoky barbecue flavors, wholesome sweet potatoes, and a cornucopia of colorful toppings. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when you want comfort food that’s also nourishing and weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to impress at a casual dinner, this bowl is a total standout and sure to become a beloved staple.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the secret to a fabulous BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: use humble ingredients that each shine. Every item on this list adds something special, from sweetness and creaminess to a pop of color or spicy tang. Get set to combine them into pure magic!

Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed, they absorb barbecue sauce beautifully for juicy, flavorful bites.
Sweet potatoes: Roasted to caramelized perfection, they provide natural sweetness and gorgeous color.
Olive oil: This ensures crispy roasted edges and helps all those spices stick to your sweet potatoes.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings, but they let all the other flavors pop.
Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth that complements both the chicken and the potatoes.
Garlic powder: Subtle savory depth that echoes the rich barbecue notes.
BBQ sauce: The star of the show, bringing tanginess, sweetness, and irresistible smokiness.
Avocado: Its creamy texture cools and balances all the bold flavors.
Canned corn: Drained golden kernels for a little pop of sweetness and crunch.
Black beans: Earthy and satisfying, they boost the fiber and color in your bowl.
Red onion: Diced for a crisp, sharp bite that wakes up every forkful.
Fresh cilantro: Brings herbaceous brightness to finish the dish.
Shredded cheese: Go for cheddar or Monterey Jack for just the right melty, savory touch.
Green onions: Delicate and fresh — perfect as a finishing sprinkle.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, toss your diced sweet potatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet so they can roast up golden and delicious — no crowding, you want those beautifully crisp edges! Pop them into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re tender and just caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the BBQ Chicken

While the potatoes roast, pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the chicken in and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden with a little char and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let them rest for a few minutes, then either slice or shred — however you prefer — and toss generously with warm BBQ sauce until every piece is sticky and glossy.

Step 3: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

With everything prepped, it’s time for the grand assembly! Divide those caramelized sweet potatoes among your bowls as the hearty base. Top with your smoky, saucy chicken — don’t be shy! — and finish with a shower of all your favorite toppings: creamy avocado, corn, black beans, red onion, shredded cheese, cilantro, and crunchy green onions. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce if you like it saucier. The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is now ready to be devoured.

Step 4: Meal Prep Option

Want to be organized for the busy week ahead? You can easily meal prep these bowls. Store each component — chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings — in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When hunger strikes, just assemble and enjoy a fresh BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl in minutes!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches — fresh garnishes turn an ordinary bowl into something restaurant-worthy! Go for a handful of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color. If you’re a cheese fan, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack melts into the warm chicken and potatoes, making each bite extra cozy. For a pop of acidity and sparkle, a few pickled onions or a lime wedge on the side also work wonders.

Side Dishes

While the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a meal in itself, pairing it with just the right side can make dinner feel even more special. Try a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, or maybe some cornbread for a Southern twist. If you want to keep things light, a bowl of fresh fruit or a side of roasted veggies adds even more color and variety to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve these bowls piled high in colorful ceramic dishes or even mason jars for a picnic-friendly version. If you’re hosting guests, set up a “build your own bowl” bar with all the toppings displayed for a crowd-pleasing DIY experience. You can even layer the components for a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl parfait effect, especially fun for kids or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! Store any extra BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl components in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping ingredients separate maintains textures — no soggy potatoes or limp greens here. Toss together only what you need, when you need it.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, the chicken and sweet potatoes are your best candidates. Store them separately in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. While avocado and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, you can add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. If you like a crispier texture, pop the sweet potatoes in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Add your fresh toppings and drizzle remaining BBQ sauce just before serving for best results — your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl will taste as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a delicious swap in your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. Just adjust cooking time, as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this entire bowl is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your sauce label if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.

What other toppings can I add?

Get creative! Roasted bell peppers, sliced jalapeños, pico de gallo, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream make tasty additions to your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu tossed in BBQ sauce. You’ll keep all the smoky-sweet flavors and bold toppings, making a fully plant-based BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl that’s just as satisfying.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely — spice lovers can add some hot sauce to their BBQ sauce, sprinkle in cayenne with the potato seasoning, or add sliced jalapeños for a BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl with a kick.

Final Thoughts

If comfort, color, and flavor are on your wish list, you can’t go wrong with the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl. It’s a meal you’ll crave again and again, easy for weeknights yet impressive for guests. Give it a try — your tastebuds (and your dinner table) will thank you!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful BBQ chicken, and a variety of tasty toppings. It’s a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one bowl.

Instructions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Roast for 25-30 minutes.
Cook the BBQ Chicken – Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet until fully cooked. Coat with BBQ sauce.
Assemble the Bowls – Divide roasted sweet potatoes among bowls. Top with BBQ chicken and desired toppings. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
Meal Prep Option – Store components separately for easy assembly.