BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl – A Cozy Weeknight Favorite
There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is one of those dishes that feels like it belongs on your weeknight rotation. It’s simple, hearty, nourishing, and filled with wholesome ingredients that bring both comfort and flavor to the table. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student looking for an easy meal, or simply someone craving a cozy dinner, this recipe has your back.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: juicy chicken cubes seasoned to perfection, roasted alongside naturally sweet, caramelized sweet potato chunks, and drizzled with smoky BBQ sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness, and you have yourself a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into cubes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
- Season the chicken. In a mixing bowl, toss cubed chicken with the remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Spread on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Roast. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken and sweet potatoes halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the sweet potatoes are golden and tender.
- Sauce it up. Remove from the oven, drizzle BBQ sauce generously over the chicken, and toss lightly to coat.
- Assemble bowls. Divide the roasted chicken and sweet potatoes into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve warm. Add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a smoky BBQ sauce for depth of flavor, or a spicy variety if you like heat.
- Cut sweet potatoes into even chunks so they roast uniformly.
- For a complete meal, add roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to the pan.
Variations
- Swap chicken for turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Try using a honey BBQ or Carolina gold sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a Tex-Mex bowl by topping with avocado slices, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted corn on the cob. For an extra filling meal, serve with quinoa, brown rice, or even a slice of warm cornbread.
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on one side of the baking sheet.
- Toss cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from oven, drizzle BBQ sauce over chicken, and toss lightly to coat.
- Assemble bowls with chicken and sweet potatoes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
Storage Information
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best results, or microwave for a quicker option.
- Freeze cooked chicken and sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Cube and season everything in the morning, then roast when ready to eat.
- Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting? Absolutely—grilled chicken with BBQ sauce is delicious in this bowl.
- Is this recipe healthy? Yes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, and using lean chicken keeps it protein-packed and balanced.
History / Fun Facts
Sweet potatoes have been enjoyed in the Americas for thousands of years, and their natural sweetness makes them a perfect partner for smoky BBQ flavors. BBQ sauce itself has a rich history, with roots in Caribbean and African culinary traditions, eventually becoming a staple in American cooking—especially in the South. Combining the two creates a bowl that celebrates both nourishment and comfort.
