If you are craving a meal that is bursting with flavor, color, and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, then you are going to love this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe. It brings together tender, smoky BBQ chicken with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all complemented by fresh corn, zesty red onion, and creamy avocado. This bowl is not only a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner that feels both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute distinct textures, vibrant colors, and bold flavors that harmonize beautifully when combined.
- 2 chicken breasts: The protein base, juicy and perfect for shredding after cooking.
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed: Adds a rich, natural sweetness and a hearty bite after roasting.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Brings that smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweet and crunchy, adding freshness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 red onion, chopped: Offers a sharp, slightly spicy contrast to balance the sweetness.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy texture that melts into the bowl, providing richness and healthy fats.
How to Make BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the sweet potatoes so they come out tender on the inside and slightly caramelized on the outside, making every bite a delight.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Spread the cubed sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. To elevate their flavor and texture, you can lightly drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt before roasting. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop those irresistible golden edges.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, get your chicken cooking. Whether you choose to grill or bake the breasts, aim for a juicy finish by cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat but still tender enough to shred effortlessly.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Toss the shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce to coat each piece in that luscious, smoky sweetness that is the heart of this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
It’s time to bring everything together. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly between two bowls. Next, add generous portions of the BBQ shredded chicken. Top with fresh corn kernels, chopped red onion, and slices of creamy avocado for that satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Serve
This meal is best enjoyed immediately while the sweet potatoes are warm and the chicken is flavorful. However, it also stores wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prep lunches or quick dinners during your busy week.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe with some fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of herbal brightness. A squeeze of lime juice adds zest that cuts through the richness, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can introduce a creamy tang that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is quite complete on its own, pairing it with a light, crisp side such as a simple mixed green salad or a refreshing cucumber salad can add an enjoyable contrast and balance your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive occasion, serve the ingredients deconstructed on a large platter, allowing everyone to create their own bowls. You might also try layering the components in glass jars for an appealing meal-on-the-go or vibrant party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes into airtight containers. Stored separately from avocados and onions, they will keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making wholesome weekday lunches effortlessly accessible.
Freezing
If you want to keep the BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes for longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to two months. Avocados and fresh onions are best added fresh for optimum flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove. For the sweet potatoes, warming them in a skillet can help restore some crispness. Add fresh toppings like avocado just before serving to maintain their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time and still deliver delicious results. Just shred the chicken and toss it with BBQ sauce as instructed.
What type of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste preferences — whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. A well-balanced sauce will enhance the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled or roasted cauliflower florets, seasoned well and tossed with BBQ sauce. The sweet potatoes and other veggies will keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. The components store well and can be assembled quickly when you’re ready to eat. Just add avocado fresh to keep it creamy and vibrant.
How can I add more spice to this bowl?
If you like heat, mix in some diced jalapeño or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce to give the dish an extra punch.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug but with an exciting twist of flavors and textures. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with wholesome goodness that makes every bite satisfying. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your kitchen favorites!
Print
BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and hearty meal featuring tender BBQ shredded chicken paired with roasted sweet potatoes, fresh corn, red onion, and creamy avocado slices. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner bowl loaded with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Vegetables & Sides
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Spread the cubed sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil if you like for extra crispness. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and have a lightly browned, caramelized surface.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, grill or bake the chicken breasts. Cook them thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Shred the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly so it can be easily handled. Then shred it finely using two forks and mix well with the BBQ sauce for a flavorful coating.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ shredded chicken, corn kernels, chopped red onion, and avocado slices evenly between two bowls.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm, or store the bowls for convenient meal prep later.
Notes
- You can drizzle olive oil over the sweet potatoes before roasting for extra flavor and crispness.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, but baking is an excellent alternative if you prefer.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for meal prep for a larger group.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
