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 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup BBQ sauce; For Serving:; 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

There’s just something magical about a dish that brings together smoky-sweet, tangy barbecue flavor with velvety roasted sweet potatoes and all the color and crunch of your favorite toppings. The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl has quickly become a weeknight staple at my house for good reason: it’s vibrant, layered with texture, and packs a ton of hearty, nutritious ingredients in every forkful. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches or treating the family to a cozy dinner, this bowl delivers pure comfort and a perfect balance of wholesome and crave-worthy.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t let that fool you — each one plays a vital role in making this bowl colorful, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. From the subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the zing of fresh cilantro, here’s everything you’ll need:

Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that smoky BBQ flavor!
Sweet potatoes: Roasted until caramelized, they add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with barbecue sauce.
Olive oil: Helps the potatoes roast up golden and keeps the chicken juicy.
Salt and pepper: The essentials for seasoning all your components just right.
Paprika: A sprinkle adds a lovely warm color and a touch of smoky depth.
Garlic powder: Gives a savory undercurrent that ties everything together.
BBQ sauce: Go with your favorite — sweet, spicy, smoky — this is where the personality comes in!
Avocado: Creamy and cool, it balances out the bold flavors in the bowl.
Canned corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and a pop of yellow.
Black beans: Hearty and protein-rich, they make the bowl extra filling.
Red onion: A little crunch and a punch of sharpness lifts every bite.
Fresh cilantro: Bright and herbaceous, it’s the finishing touch for flavor and fresh color.
Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully — just a little adds richness.
Green onions: Sprinkle over the top for extra color and gentle onion flavor.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) — a nice, hot oven is key for those deliciously caramelized edges. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder right on the baking sheet for fewer dishes, then spread them in a single layer. Give them 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, flipping halfway, until they’re just golden and perfectly tender. The transformation is always a little miracle: from humble cubes to taste-bud fireworks!

Step 2: Cook the BBQ Chicken

While the potatoes are roasting, let’s get the chicken going. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then cook them in a large skillet with just a little olive oil. Use medium heat for even cooking — about 6 to 7 minutes per side will do the trick. When the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), move it to a cutting board and give it a few minutes to rest (juicy chicken, always!). Slice or shred it however you like, and then toss it generously in warm BBQ sauce for that sticky, luscious finish.

Step 3: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Here’s the fun part! Divide your dreamy roasted sweet potatoes among big, shallow bowls. Top each with a mound of BBQ chicken, then let everyone go wild with toppings: creamy avocado, pops of corn, hearty black beans, crisp red onion, a sprinkle of cheese, and as much fresh cilantro and green onion as your heart desires. If you’re a true BBQ devotee, add an extra drizzle of sauce to seal the deal.

Step 4: Meal Prep Option

If you love make-ahead lunches or dinners, the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a perfect fit. Simply store each component — roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, toppings — in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re hungry, just reheat, assemble, and you’ve got a gorgeous (and nourishing!) bowl in under five minutes.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishes are like confetti for your bowl! Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions add an irresistible pop of color and freshness, while a final sprinkle of cheese or a few thin slices of avocado can transform your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl from delicious to unforgettable. If you want a little heat, toss on some jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this bowl is a meal all on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want a little variety, pair it with a simple green salad, a wedge of cornbread, or some grilled veggies. These sides play up the flavors and make dinner feel like an event — and who doesn’t love extra excuses to mop up any BBQ sauce left behind?

Creative Ways to Present

Take presentation up a notch by serving the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style vibe. For family gatherings, make it buffet-style and let everyone build their own masterpiece. If you’re thinking party food, assemble mini versions in small cups or jars — perfect for a picnic or casual get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze with this recipe. Keep each component in its own airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This way, nothing gets soggy and you can mix and match topping combos each time you reheat.

Freezing

The roasted sweet potatoes and the BBQ chicken both freeze beautifully. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and they’ll be good for up to three months. I recommend freezing toppings like beans and corn separately for best texture, and always add fresh garnishes just before serving.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken in the microwave or a skillet until piping hot. If you’re using the oven, cover everything loosely with foil and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes. Add the cold toppings and garnishes just before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and maybe even a bit more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time if they’re bone-in, and shred or slice before tossing with BBQ sauce for your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu, and use extra BBQ sauce to keep that smoky-sweet vibe strong. Every other ingredient in this bowl is already vegetarian-friendly, so you’ll still get all that flavor and color.

Can I prep the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes — roasted sweet potatoes can be made up to three days in advance! Just store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat before assembling your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

That’s totally up to your tastebuds! Sweet and smoky is classic, but spicy or tangy varieties also work wonderfully. If you have a homemade favorite, all the better for making this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl feel extra special.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Grilling adds another layer of smokiness that’s fantastic in this bowl. Just grill your chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice or shred and coat with BBQ sauce as usual. Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl will taste like summer, no matter the season!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s nourishing, satisfying, and flat-out fun to eat, give this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl a go. The colors, the flavors, the comforting goodness — it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Grab your favorite BBQ sauce and dig in!

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that features tender roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful BBQ chicken, and a variety of toppings for a satisfying bowl dish.

Instructions

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

Notes

This recipe can be customized with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the sweet potatoes and chicken to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting, Stovetop
Cuisine: American