These BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are a tasty and colorful meal! Imagine juicy chicken coated in sweet BBQ sauce paired with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Yum!
I love how easy this dish is to make. Just cook the chicken, roast the sweet potatoes, and toss everything in a bowl. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without much fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for a lean protein. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead; just mix it with the BBQ sauce to warm it through.
BBQ Sauce: The sauce is crucial for flavor! Choose your favorite or try a homemade version for more control over sweetness and spice. If you’re dairy-free, make sure to check the ingredient label, as some sauces contain dairy.
Sweet Potatoes: These provide a nice sweetness and texture. If you’re not a fan, butternut squash or carrots are good substitutes. They’ll change the flavor slightly but still give a wonderful taste!
Olive Oil & Spices: Olive oil is perfect for roasting but feel free to use avocado oil if preferred. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can add a different but tasty flavor.
Broccoli: You can swap broccoli with cauliflower or green beans. Both take well to steaming and will provide a colorful touch to the bowls.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes to perfection involves a few key steps. Start by cutting them into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. The olive oil and spices not only add flavor but also help achieve crispiness.
- Preheat your oven for even cooking surround.
- Make sure to toss the sweet potatoes until they’re well coated; this helps them caramelize.
- Spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flipping halfway through ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook, depending on how you choose to cook the chicken. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 40-45 minutes for some delicious BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the sweet potatoes!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the sweet potato pieces are well-coated with the seasoning.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be tender and slightly caramelized when finished.
4. Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat them evenly. Cook on low heat for about 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 hours in a slow cooker) until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
5. Prepare the Broccoli:
In the last 10 minutes of the chicken cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water until they are bright green and tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce to get it nice and saucy!
7. Assemble the Bowls:
It’s time to put everything together! In each bowl, add a portion of roasted sweet potatoes, a scoop of the BBQ shredded chicken, and a serving of broccoli.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your warm and delicious BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls right away, and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey breasts, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through—pork may require a bit longer, while tofu only needs to be heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work too. You can also try adding a touch of liquid smoke or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat and smokiness. Just adjust to your personal taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, keep the chicken and sweet potatoes in separate containers for optimal texture, and they should last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating either in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and chicken ahead of time. Simply roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken as instructed, then let them cool and store separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble your bowls!
