Colorful, hearty, and downright irresistible, BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls combine the smoky-sweet flavor of barbecue chicken with creamy roasted sweet potatoes and the freshest fixings. This dish is a personal go-to when I want a meal that’s satisfying, incredibly easy, and just bursting with wholesome textures and vibrant colors. It’s tough to beat the combo of juicy BBQ chicken with black beans, corn, and avocado piled over a fluffy sweet potato — and best of all, it’s a breeze to make on busy weeknights or for a lively weekend dinner with friends.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something pretty magical about a meal that requires just a handful of powerhouse ingredients to deliver bold flavors and beautiful results. Every element in these BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls pulls its weight: from the naturally sweet base to the saucy, savory protein, and those punchy fresh toppings that send the whole thing over the top!

Sweet Potatoes: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates the perfect hearty base for your bowls.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Ideal for soaking up BBQ flavor — use rotisserie or leftovers for ultimate convenience.
Barbecue Sauce: This is where the smoky, tangy magic happens — choose your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add plant-based protein, fiber, and an earthy note that balances the sweet potato.
Corn Kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work — the pop of sweetness and color is unbeatable.
Avocado: Diced for a creamy, buttery finish that cools down every bite.
Red Onion: Chopped for a bit of zesty crunch and vibrant color.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds an herby, refreshing lift that brightens the whole bowl.
Lime Wedges: For squeezing over the top — the fresh acidity ties all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: Just a brush helps the sweet potatoes roast up tender and golden.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every element and bringing out the natural flavors.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. After giving your sweet potatoes a good scrub, pierce them a few times with a fork. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, and set the potatoes on top. A light brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt help create a beautiful skin. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until they’re meltingly soft and can be easily pierced with a knife. This gives you a cozy, naturally sweet base for the bowls.

Step 2: Warm Up the BBQ Chicken

While the potatoes roast, warm a skillet over medium heat. Add your cooked, shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir together until everything is evenly coated and the chicken is hot. Give it a taste — sometimes an extra splash of sauce is all it takes to get that perfect smoky sweetness.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

Rinse and drain your black beans and corn (if using canned). Dice the avocado, chop the red onion, and roughly chop the cilantro. Arrange all your toppings on the counter, so assembly is quick and fun once the potatoes are ready.

Step 4: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

When the sweet potatoes are finished, carefully slice each one down the center and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Pile on the BBQ chicken, then add generous scoops of black beans and corn. Finish each bowl with creamy avocado, a shower of red onion and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Every layer adds something glorious to each bite!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

If you like a little extra punch, now’s the time to drizzle with ranch, chipotle sauce, or your favorite creamy dressing. These bowls are completely customizable, so let your taste buds lead the way.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, I love adding extra chopped cilantro, a few more red onion slices, or thinly sliced jalapeños if you like a little heat. A final squeeze of lime wakes everything up, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a rich, tangy finish.

Side Dishes

These BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are hearty enough to stand alone, but a crunchy slaw or a side of tortilla chips pairs nicely, adding crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve with a big green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette or a platter of grilled veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try setting up a DIY bowl bar for family dinners or parties — everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite toppings. Or, stuff bite-sized sweet potato rounds for appetizer-sized versions perfect for gatherings. Don’t be afraid to mix in unexpected toppings like pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, or roasted pepitas for even more color and crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls store beautifully! Cool the components completely, then transfer the sweet potatoes, chicken, and toppings into airtight containers. Separate the avocado and cilantro to keep them fresh, and everything will keep in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze only the roasted sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken. Wrap the potatoes tightly in foil and freeze in a zip-top bag. The chicken should go in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing avocado, fresh toppings, or anything with high water content, as their texture doesn’t hold up as well.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the sweet potatoes and chicken until hot (a few minutes, depending on your microwave). Alternatively, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Top with fresh garnishes and avocado just before serving for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge timesaver and works perfectly here. Just shred it and warm with your favorite BBQ sauce for a shortcut packed with flavor.

Do sweet potatoes need to be peeled before roasting?

Nope, keep the skins on! The skin gets beautifully tender in the oven, adds extra nutrients, and helps hold everything together when you’re filling your bowls.

What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap out the chicken for extra black beans or use a plant-based BBQ “chicken” substitute. You’ll still enjoy plenty of smoky flavor and satisfying texture!

Are BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free (double-check the label!), these bowls fit perfectly into a gluten-free diet.

Can I prep any components ahead of time?

Definitely. The sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken can both be cooked a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just reheat and add the freshly chopped toppings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is show-stopping, BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are the answer. With their beautiful layers, punchy flavors, and super simple prep, this is a dish that always gets rave reviews — and it just might become a favorite at your table, too! Give them a try and discover for yourself how fun dinner can be.

BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal option that combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory barbecue chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Topped with lime wedges for a burst of citrus flavor, these bowls are a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

4 medium sweet potatoes
olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

BBQ Chicken:

1 lb cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Additional Toppings:

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Scrub sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and roast for 45–55 minutes until tender.
Make BBQ Chicken: In a skillet, warm shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
Assemble Bowls: Slice open sweet potatoes, fluff insides, and top with BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
Serve: Serve with lime wedges.