High-Protein BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These BBQ chicken-stuffed sweet potatoes are a delicious, comforting meal that balances the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory, smoky shredded chicken. Each potato becomes a flavorful bowl when filled with tender chicken mixed with tangy barbecue sauce and finished with bright toppings. The result is a satisfying, all-in-one dinner that’s both wholesome and crave-worthy.

This dish works well for weeknight meals, meal prep, or casual family dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty dinner on the table that’s easy to customize—whether you like it simple or fully loaded with toppings.

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Knife
• Fork
• Spoon

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes – 4 medium
• Cooked chicken, shredded—about 2–3 cups
• Barbecue sauce – ½ to 1 cup
• Red onion, diced – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 1–2 tablespoons
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and diced red onion. Stir until well coated.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice each one open lengthwise.
6. Use a fork to slightly fluff and loosen the sweet potato flesh.
7. Spoon the barbecue chicken mixture into each sweet potato, dividing evenly.
8. Add any optional toppings you like.
9. Serve warm.

Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main / Dinner

How to Store

• Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
• If storing toppings separately (like avocado or cheese), add them just before serving for the best texture.

What Not to Do

• Do not skip pricking the sweet potatoes—it lets steam escape and prevents bursting.
• Avoid adding wet toppings too early; they can make the potatoes soggy.
• Do not overstuff the potatoes; overfilling can cause them to fall apart.

Tips & Variations

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.
• Mix corn or black beans into the chicken filling for extra texture.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese and broil briefly for a melty finish.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: ~40 g
• Fat: ~10 g
• Fiber: ~6 g
• Sugar: ~10 g

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Anderson Jorge

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Sweet potatoes – 4 medium
• Cooked chicken shredded – about 2–3 cups
• Barbecue sauce – ½ to 1 cup
• Red onion diced – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 1–2 tablespoons
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, shredded cheese

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and diced red onion. Stir until well coated.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice each one open lengthwise.
6. Use a fork to slightly fluff and loosen the sweet potato flesh.
7. Spoon the barbecue chicken mixture into each sweet potato, dividing evenly.
8. Add any optional toppings you like.
9. Serve warm.

Notes

• Protein: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: ~40 g
• Fat: ~10 g
• Fiber: ~6 g
• Sugar: ~10 g

Conclusion

These BBQ chicken-stuffed sweet potatoes turn humble ingredients into a hearty, balanced meal with minimal effort. With natural sweetness from the potatoes and rich, tangy barbecue chicken filling, this recipe gives you comforting flavors along with protein and nutrients. It’s easy to prepare ahead and versatile enough to suit a range of tastes.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, bake the sweet potatoes and shred the chicken ahead; assemble and warm before serving.
• Can I use leftover chicken?
  Absolutely—leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great.
• Is this meal freezer-friendly?
  Store assembled filling separately; sweet potato texture changes slightly after freezing.
• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Swap the chicken for seasoned beans or lentils with BBQ sauce.
• What sides go well with this?
  A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complements this dish well.