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; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling if desired; Salt and pepper, to taste; 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

Imagine cozying up with a hearty BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: smoky, saucy chicken mingling with caramelized sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings in one colorful, satisfying bowl. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and the ultimate answer to weeknight dinner boredom. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl relies on simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have. Each fulfills a role—think tender bites of sweet potato for comfort, BBQ sauce for that essential zing, and fresh toppings for bursts of flavor and color.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein star, they soak up BBQ sauce and stay juicy when cooked right.
Sweet Potatoes: Diced for quick roasting, their natural sweetness balances the smoky chicken perfectly.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the sweet potatoes and adds richness to the finished dish.
Salt: Draws out the flavors of every ingredient—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick to both chicken and sweet potatoes.
Paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Garlic Powder: For that savory, aromatic backbone that makes this bowl irresistible.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand—sweet, tangy, spicy, whatever you love!
Avocado: Diced for cool creaminess—you’ll want it in every bite.
Canned Corn: Drained for quick use, it gives pops of sweet crunch.
Black Beans: They add earthy flavor, protein, and extra heartiness.
Diced Red Onion: For sharp contrast and crispness.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped for brightness and those fresh, herby notes.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack both melt beautifully in the warmth of the bowl.
Sliced Green Onions: For a final garnish and subtle onion flavor.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your peeled and diced sweet potatoes with half the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until every cube is well coated. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet—giving them space lets the edges caramelize beautifully for that subtle sweetness. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway, until they’re tender and beginning to brown at the edges.

Step 2: Cook the BBQ Chicken

While the sweet potatoes get delicious in the oven, season your chicken breasts lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Let the chicken rest briefly, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the warm chicken with plenty of BBQ sauce so every piece is glossy and flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Now the fun part! Start with a bed of those roasted sweet potatoes in each bowl. Top generously with your saucy BBQ chicken, then build up the colors and textures: diced avocado for creaminess, sweet corn for crunch, hearty black beans, and a sprinkle of red onion. Don’t forget the shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onion to finish it off. A final drizzle of BBQ sauce ties the whole bowl together in saucy, smoky goodness.

Step 4: Meal Prep Option

If you’re planning ahead, keep each component—sweet potatoes, chicken, toppings—separate in airtight containers. This makes it so easy to build a fresh BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl anytime during the week, and the flavors stay vibrant.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Garnishes

The magic is in the details! Sprinkle your bowl with extra cilantro, green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra pop. Those final touches add not just flavor but an undeniable visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, tangy coleslaw, or grilled veggies if you want a bigger spread. A handful of tortilla chips on the side makes for the ultimate crunch!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, set up a DIY bowl bar: put out all the components and let everyone customize their BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl to taste. Or, batch the fillings and use them for tacos, stuffed peppers, or as meal prep salads for the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl components should be cooled completely and stored separately in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 4 days, making this a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing

You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and the cooked BBQ chicken beautifully. Just portion them out, let them cool, and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your bowls.

Reheating

Reheat the sweet potatoes and chicken gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. Add the toppings fresh, and your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl will taste just as amazing as day one!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, so they work wonderfully here. Just be sure to adjust cooking times since they may take a bit longer, and always check for doneness.

What’s the best way to make this vegan or vegetarian?

Simply swap out the chicken for your favorite plant protein, like roasted chickpeas or tofu. Use a vegan BBQ sauce and dairy-free cheese, and enjoy all the same incredible flavors.

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl ahead for lunches?

Definitely! Prepare each component in advance and assemble just before eating. Keeping things separate means the flavors and textures stay fresh all week long, and it makes for a genuinely craveworthy lunch.

Which BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

It’s all about personal taste! Choose your favorite barbecue sauce—sweet, smoky, spicy, or a combination. Homemade or store-bought, whatever you love will work perfectly in your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl.

How can I add more spice?

If you like a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper with the sweet potatoes or mix hot sauce into your BBQ sauce. Jalapeño slices or a pinch of chili flakes on top also bring the heat!

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl has become such a staple in my kitchen for good reason: it’s nourishing, totally satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever toppings or mood you’re in. Give it a try and I know it’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner lineup too!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with juicy BBQ chicken, creamy avocado, and flavorful toppings. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner!

Instructions

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

Notes

You can customize these bowls with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or jalapenos.
Feel free to substitute the BBQ sauce with your preferred sauce or dressing.
This recipe is easily scalable for meal prepping multiple servings ahead of time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting, Sautéing
Cuisine: American