Name: BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total), scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 4-6 cups water or chicken broth (enough to cover chicken); Optional aromatics for poaching: 1/2 onion (quartered), 2 cloves garlic (smashed), 1 bay leaf; 1 to 1.5 cups BBQ sauce (choose your favorite); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn (frozen and thawed or canned and drained); 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced or diced; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack cheese blend; Greek yogurt or sour cream, a dollop per bowl; Pickled jalapeños for heat; Crispy fried onions or tortilla strips for crunch; Lime wedges for squeezing over bowls

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that bursts with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe is your new go-to. This bowl makes magic by combining tender shredded BBQ chicken with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, creating a harmony of tastes and textures that feel indulgent yet nourishing. It’s the kind of meal that’s comforting, colorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe delivers personality and punch in every bite.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the spiced sweet potatoes that roast to crispy perfection to the juicy, smoky chicken dripping in your favorite BBQ sauce, every item is essential to making this dish truly shine.

Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned varieties like Beauregard or Jewel for even roasting and natural sweetness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin is preferred for its rich flavor and helps crisp up the potatoes beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the BBQ elements perfectly.
Garlic Powder: Brings savory warmth, enhancing the sweet potatoes’ flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to balance sweetness and spice.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless for easy shredding and soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Water or Chicken Broth: Used for poaching, broth adds an extra layer of subtle flavor.
Optional Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and bay leaf bring gentle fragrant notes to the poached chicken.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite variety—smoky, sweet, tangy or spicy—controls the flavor profile of your chicken.
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein, texture, and richness.
Corn: Frozen or canned, adding sweetness and a touch of crunch.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite that contrasts the sweetness.
Fresh Cilantro: Brightly chopped for freshness and herbaceous lift.
Optional Toppings: Avocado, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions or tortilla strips, and lime wedges all bring extra layers of texture, creaminess, and zing.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure your sweet potatoes don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. Toss the uniformly diced sweet potato cubes in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until each piece is beautifully coated. Spread them in a single layer on your pan without overcrowding to allow proper roasting for tender insides and crispy edges. After about 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, you’ll have sweet potatoes that are caramelized to perfection, offering incredible texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

While those sweet potatoes roast away, place your chicken breasts or thighs into a pot and cover with water or flavorful chicken broth. Toss in optional aromatics like onion, garlic, and a bay leaf if you want that subtle infusion. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer—not a boil—to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Once fully cooked through and reaching 165°F (74°C), remove it from the pot and let it rest briefly before shredding with forks or a mixer. This method ensures your chicken stays moist and ready to absorb that smokey BBQ goodness.

Step 3: Sauce the Chicken

Transfer your shredded chicken into a clean bowl and douse it generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss well so every shred is coated in that rich, tangy, smoky sauce. You can add more BBQ sauce for saucier bites or warm it gently to keep your chicken luscious and warm.

Step 4: Prepare Bowl Components & Toppings

Next, prep your black beans by rinsing and draining to cut excess saltiness. Thaw or drain your corn, slice the red onion very thinly, and roughly chop cilantro. Ready your optional toppings such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and pickled jalapeños for that final flavor kick.

Step 5: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Create the base by dividing those beautiful roasted sweet potatoes evenly into bowls. Spoon a generous heap of the BBQ sauced shredded chicken on top or alongside. Scatter black beans, corn, and red onion evenly to add layers of texture and bursts of flavor. Finish each bowl with your chosen garnishes: creamy avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, fresh cilantro, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some pickled jalapeños for heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that brightens the whole bowl instantly.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes are where your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe truly comes alive. Creamy avocado slices add lusciousness, shredded cheese melts slightly on the warm ingredients, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream brings wonderful tanginess. Fresh cilantro uplifts with herby brightness, and pickled jalapeños provide a spicy layer for those who like it hot. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime just before digging in – that little burst of acidity transforms all the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This bowl shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or charred grilled veggies for extra freshness. Cornbread or warm tortillas make great accompaniments if you want a bit of bread on the side. Even a light cucumber salad with a simple vinaigrette will complement the smoky, sweet richness of the bowl perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress friends or family, serve this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase all the vibrant ingredients. Layer ingredients neatly or create a rustic mixed look for a casual vibe. For gatherings, present all toppings buffet-style and let everyone customize their own bowl. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes for a visually stunning finish that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover components of this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keeping the chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings separate helps maintain the best textures and flavors.

Freezing

While sweet potatoes and shredded chicken freeze well, avoid freezing assembled bowls or toppings like avocado which don’t freeze gracefully. Freeze the sauced shredded chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to preserve moisture and flavor. Add fresh toppings only after reheating to keep their freshness and texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving during poaching and tend to shred into juicier, more flavorful pieces, but breasts work just fine if that’s what you prefer.

What is the best way to roast sweet potatoes evenly?

Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch cubes ensures they roast evenly. Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet so they get crispy rather than steaming.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, a high-quality store-bought BBQ sauce is perfect for convenience. Choose one that matches your flavor preference—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.

Are there any good substitutions for black beans?

If you’re not a fan of black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans make excellent alternatives that work well with the other ingredients.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

From start to finish, including roasting the sweet potatoes and poaching the chicken, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a manageable option for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy bold, satisfying flavors packed into one wholesome, colorful bowl. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and versatile enough to please a variety of tastes. I can’t recommend it enough for those nights when you want comfort food that feels special yet effortless. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!