If you are craving a wholesome, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes of smoky and sweet, then this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s the perfect combination of tender, tangy BBQ chicken paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, delivering a satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, these bowls bring together simple ingredients elevated into something truly special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe is a breeze because it relies on straightforward, quality ingredients that each add their own magic. These few basics create textures and flavors that balance beautifully, from the smokiness of the BBQ to the natural sweetness and softness of the potatoes.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose fresh, plump breasts for juicy, tender meat.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs): Their sweetness and vibrant color are essential for a balanced bowl.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps in roasting the potatoes to golden perfection.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a smoky depth and beautiful hue to the sweet potatoes.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken and potatoes with aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade): The heart of the dish, giving it that irresistible tangy sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
How to Make BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even roasting and makes cleanup a snap—no sticking, no fuss.
Step 2: Cube and Season Sweet Potatoes
Peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes sets up the perfect texture contrast for this dish. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper to coat every piece evenly. This seasoning combo guarantees a slightly smoky, well-balanced flavor once roasted.
Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roasting for 25 to 30 minutes allows those cubes to caramelize beautifully, turning golden and sweet while getting a slight crisp on the edges—a textural delight that forms the base of the bowl.
Step 4: Grill and Glaze the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes roast, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until perfectly cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Just before finishing, generously brush BBQ sauce onto the chicken, allowing it to caramelize into sticky, flavorful glaze that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Slice your grilled BBQ chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Then, layer roasted sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken in your bowls. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle on additional BBQ sauce. The combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and tangy sauce creates a harmonious and visually inviting meal.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten this dish beautifully. Chopped cilantro or fresh parsley introduces a pop of green and herbs while a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a cool contrast to the smoky, sweet flavors. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a little zesty lift!
Side Dishes
Since the bowls are quite filling, light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement this meal perfectly. If you want to amplify the BBQ vibes, try serving with a corn on the cob brushed with butter and a hint of chili powder for extra flavor and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Make mealtime extra special by serving this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe in rustic wooden bowls or colorful ceramics that bring out the vivid orange of the potatoes and the rich hues of the BBQ chicken. Layer ingredients thoughtfully for a beautiful presentation, or let everyone build their own bowls for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separate the chicken and sweet potatoes if you can to help maintain the best texture when you reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes in individual portions. Wrap tightly and use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. They will last up to 2 months frozen without losing much flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, or in a skillet to keep the chicken moist and add a bit of crispness back to the potatoes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes offer that perfect sweet and creamy profile, regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too. Just adjust roasting time if needed and consider seasoning to maintain flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just check that the BBQ sauce you choose is labeled gluten-free, as some commercial sauces may contain gluten additives. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the chicken indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken breasts in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and brush with BBQ sauce just before finishing for that sticky glaze.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, add some cayenne pepper to the sweet potato seasoning or mix hot sauce into your BBQ sauce. You could also toss sliced jalapeños into the bowl for a fresh kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option! The components hold up well throughout the week, making for hearty lunches or dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe is a true winner when you want a meal that’s easy to prepare yet packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Each bowl delivers comfort and nutrition, making it a favorite I’m sure you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. So go ahead and give it a try—it promises to bring delicious smiles around your table!
Print
BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls recipe combines tender grilled chicken breasts brushed with tangy BBQ sauce and perfectly roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with paprika and garlic. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s balanced and easy to prepare, ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even roasting.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast sweet potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, and roast them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
- Grill the chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling for a glaze.
- Assemble the bowls: Once cooked, slice the grilled chicken. Layer the roasted sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken slices in bowls. Optionally, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for additional flavor.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce towards the end.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Sweet potatoes can be roasted in advance and reheated for quick meal prep.
- Adjust seasoning and BBQ sauce quantity according to your taste preference.
