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My family quickly fell in love with this filling BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl. It's now our go-to dinner on busy weeknights. The mix of smoky chicken and sweet, caramelized potatoes creates a tasty balance that's both fulfilling and good for you.
I came up with these bowls during a crazy week when I needed something healthy I could make ahead. They were such a hit that my husband now asks me to make them every week for his work lunches.
What You'll Need
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with nutrients and natural sweetness that add a substantial bite Look for firm ones with unblemished skin for the best outcome when roasting
- BBQ Sauce: The star player bringing tangy smokiness Pick one with quality ingredients or try making your own for extra flavor punch
- Chicken Breasts: This lean meat soaks up BBQ flavors wonderfully Try to get organic ones if you can for better flavor and texture
- Smoked Paprika: Gives that genuine smoky taste without firing up the grill Go for Spanish varieties for the most intense flavor
- Avocado: Adds a smooth richness and healthy fats Pick ones that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed
- Quinoa: A super nutritious base full of protein Buy pre-washed kinds to cut down on prep time
How To Make It
- Get Your Chicken Ready:
- Rub chicken breasts all over with olive oil so the spices stick better and the meat stays juicy while cooking. Work the seasoning into every part of the chicken for even flavor. Let it sit out for 10 minutes so it'll cook more evenly.
- Deal With Sweet Potatoes:
- Chop sweet potatoes into same-sized 1inch chunks so they cook evenly. Mix them in a bowl with enough olive oil to lightly coat each piece – this helps them get crispy. Sprinkle spices over them and mix with your hands until every chunk is covered. Lay them out on your baking sheet with space between each piece so they roast instead of steam.
- Get Cooking That Chicken:
- Make sure your pan is hot enough that water drops sizzle immediately. Put your chicken down and don't touch it for about 4 minutes – this gives you that tasty brown crust. Only flip once, then brush with BBQ sauce in the last minute of cooking so it gets sticky but doesn't burn. Check it's reached 165°F inside to be safe.
- Roast Those Potatoes:
- Put sweet potatoes on the tray with gaps between them so they brown nicely. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, then carefully turn each piece over – it's worth the effort to get them golden all over. Keep roasting until they're crispy outside and soft inside, about another 10-15 minutes. Test by poking with a fork – it should go in easily.
- Put It All Together:
- Start with warm quinoa at the bottom, about 3/4 cup per bowl. Keep each part of the meal separate rather than mixing it all up – it looks nicer this way. Slice the chicken and place it BBQ-side up to show off the glaze. Add the sweet potatoes while they're still warm so they soak up more flavor. Top with fresh stuff like avocado and cilantro right before eating to keep their bright colors and textures.
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Sweet potatoes really steal the show in this meal. I found out they go amazingly with BBQ flavor totally by accident when I ran out of regular potatoes one night. My daughter, who usually pushes sweet potatoes aside, cleaned her plate and wanted more. Now I always cook extra sweet potatoes because everyone keeps snacking on them straight from the baking sheet.
Keeping It Fresh
These bowls work great for meal prep since you can store everything separately. Keep the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in the same sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days. Store things like avocado and cilantro on their own and add them only when you're ready to eat so they stay fresh. The BBQ chicken actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge overnight as the flavors sink in deeper. When you heat it up, use your microwave at 70 percent power or warm it in a pan with a tiny bit of water so it doesn't dry out. This gentle heating keeps both the chicken and sweet potatoes nice and moist.
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Easy Swaps
You can change up this recipe in tons of ways based on what you like or have at home. Don't eat meat? Firm tofu works great when you marinate it in the same spices and BBQ sauce. Can't find sweet potatoes? Try butternut squash instead for a similar sweet taste and texture. Want fewer carbs? Skip the quinoa and use cauliflower rice instead for the same bulk with fewer calories. Avoiding grains completely? Try putting everything on a bed of mixed greens for a BBQ chicken salad bowl. You can even swap the BBQ sauce for teriyaki to give the whole dish an Asian twist while keeping the same cooking method.
Ways To Serve It
These bowls taste even better with toppings that add crunch and zing. Try a spoonful of Greek yogurt for creaminess that cuts through the strong BBQ flavor. Some pickled red onions bring tartness and crunch that goes well with the soft sweet potatoes. Having friends over? Set up a make-your-own-bowl station with all the fixings plus extras like black beans, roasted corn, chopped bell peppers and different sauces. People love building their own meals, making this perfect for casual get-togethers. Serve with a simple side salad with lime dressing or a cool fruit drink for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pre-made chicken to save time?
Yes! Grab a rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, shred it, and mix some BBQ sauce for that smoky flavor.
- → What can I swap sweet potatoes with?
Try roasted carrots, baby potatoes, or even butternut squash as alternatives.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken with grilled tofu, crispy chickpeas, or tempeh for a hearty meat-free option.
- → Which dressings work well for this meal?
BBQ sauce drizzle, creamy ranch, or cilantro lime dressing are all great choices to ramp up the flavor.
- → Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
You can! Just skip fresh toppings like avocado or dressing until right before eating for the best taste and texture.
- → What else works instead of rice or quinoa?
You can go for couscous, farro, or even cauliflower rice if you're looking for something lighter.
- → What’s the best way to spice it up?
Add more heat with jalapeños, spicy BBQ sauce, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce!