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To make BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes, you will need: - 4 medium sweet potatoes - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) - 1/2 red onion, finely diced - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - 1 avocado, diced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling You can make some easy swaps while cooking. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try regular potatoes. If you want a lighter dish, use grilled chicken or turkey instead of BBQ chicken. For a vegan option, replace the cheese with a dairy-free version. You can also swap black beans for kidney beans if you prefer. Using fresh ingredients often gives better flavor. Fresh corn tastes sweeter and crunchier than canned corn. However, if fresh corn is not available, canned corn works well. When using canned beans, always rinse and drain them to reduce salt. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a vibrant taste, but dried herbs can also work in a pinch. Always aim to use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water. Scrub them well to remove dirt. Use a fork to prick each potato several times. This helps steam escape while baking. Place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. While the sweet potatoes bake, prepare the BBQ chicken filling. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir well until every piece of chicken is coated in sauce. This step adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out a bit of flesh to make space for the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the scooped sweet potato flesh with corn, black beans, and diced red onion. Add half of the shredded cheese and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Gently fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Next, stuff the sweet potato halves with this filling. Press down lightly to pack it in. Top each potato with the remaining cheese. Return them to the oven for 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finally, add diced avocado and fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes! To bake sweet potatoes perfectly, start by choosing medium-sized ones. Rinse them well to remove dirt. Use a fork to poke holes in each potato. This lets steam escape, preventing a mess in your oven. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes. They should be soft when you poke them with a fork. You can mix flavors to make the dish even better. Try adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken. For a tangy twist, mix in some lime juice with the BBQ sauce. You can also add jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you love sweetness, consider adding pineapple chunks. They pair well with BBQ flavors and add a nice contrast. If you need to make substitutions, there are many great options. For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower instead of sweet potatoes. If you want a dairy-free meal, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. You can also swap chicken for shredded tofu or jackfruit for a vegan dish. This way, you can enjoy BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes no matter your diet! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm and smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any blemishes or soft spots. This ensures a better texture and flavor in your dish. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: For the best flavor, use rotisserie chicken or grill your chicken breasts with a little seasoning before shredding. This adds depth to your BBQ chicken filling. Mix and Match Fillings: Feel free to customize your filling by adding other ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a unique flavor twist! Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This adds balance and freshness to the rich flavors of the stuffed sweet potatoes. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Try pulled pork for a rich flavor. Shredded beef also works well. For a lighter option, use turkey. Each protein pairs nicely with BBQ sauce, adding a new twist to this dish. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit. Both options soak up flavors well. If you want a vegan meal, use BBQ sauce made without animal products. Add lentils or chickpeas for protein. Load up on veggies for added texture and taste. Toppings can change your sweet potatoes completely. Try different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a kick. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess. You can also drizzle extra BBQ sauce or ranch for more flavor. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the dish. To store leftovers, let the stuffed sweet potatoes cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cover the filling well. You can also separate the chicken filling and sweet potatoes if you like. When you are ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat each half for about 2-3 minutes, checking often to avoid overheating. If you want to freeze the filling, first let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as needed before stuffing the sweet potatoes. Yes, you can use other potatoes like russet or Yukon gold. These potatoes have a different taste and texture. They’re not as sweet as sweet potatoes. If you want a savory dish, they work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. Sweet potatoes are done when they are soft and tender. You can test this by poking them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they are ready. Usually, this takes about 45-60 minutes at 400°F. Watch them closely near the end to avoid overcooking. You can serve many sides with BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Rice or quinoa These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the sweetness of the potatoes. Enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need for BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, substitutes, and the best ways to prepare them. We explored tips for perfect baking and adding flavor. You also saw different protein options and how to store leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember that it’s flexible. Have fun experimenting with your own ideas. Enjoy every bite!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes stuffed with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and topped with cheese and avocado.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 0.5 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for drizzling olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water, scrubbing them to remove any dirt. Use a fork to prick each potato several times, which allows steam to escape while baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sweet potatoes for about 45-60 minutes. They are ready when tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • While waiting for the sweet potatoes, prepare the BBQ chicken filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring until every piece is generously coated.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise and gently scoop out some of the flesh to create space for the filling, leaving a little around the edges for structure.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the scooped sweet potato flesh with corn kernels, black beans, diced red onion, and half of the shredded cheese. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it's well combined.
  • Gently fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the sweet potato filling until everything is well integrated.
  • Carefully stuff the prepared mixture back into the halved sweet potatoes, pressing down lightly to pack it in nicely.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed potato. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
  • Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top each with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

Serve on a colorful platter, garnished with additional cilantro and sliced avocado. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes