BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

$- 4 medium sweet potatoes - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 cup black beans - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup green onions - 1/4 cup cilantro (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling For this recipe, I use sweet potatoes because they are sweet and healthy. They provide a great base for this dish. You want to pick medium-sized sweet potatoes. They bake well and hold all the tasty fillings. Next, I use cooked shredded chicken. It gives the dish protein and flavor. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken if you are short on time. BBQ sauce is key for this recipe. I recommend using your favorite brand. The sauce adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the chicken. Corn and black beans add great texture. They also bring fiber and nutrients. I use canned corn or frozen corn for convenience. Rinsing and draining black beans is also important to keep the dish fresh. Shredded cheddar cheese binds everything together. It melts beautifully on top, creating a creamy layer. Green onions and cilantro give a fresh taste. They add brightness to the dish. If you don’t like cilantro, feel free to skip it. Finally, I season with salt and pepper. A drizzle of olive oil helps the sweet potatoes bake to perfection. With these ingredients, you create a filling and delicious meal. Each item plays a role in making your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly. - Prepare the sweet potatoes: Rinse four medium sweet potatoes under cold water. Use a fork to pierce each potato several times. Place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. - Bake the sweet potatoes: Put the sweet potatoes in the oven. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes. Check if they are tender with a fork to know when they are done. - Mix the BBQ chicken: While the sweet potatoes bake, take two cups of cooked, shredded chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken with one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated. - Prepare the filling: In another bowl, combine one cup of corn and one cup of rinsed and drained black beans. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. - Stuff the sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a bit. Slice open the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. - Layer the filling: First, add a layer of the corn and black bean mix into each sweet potato. Then, spoon in the BBQ chicken on top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the filling. - Melt the cheese: Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven. Bake them for another 10-15 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. - Garnish and serve: Take them out of the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if you like. Serve warm for a tasty meal! - Choosing the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes. They should be firm and free of blemishes. The skin should be smooth and bright. - Baking methods: Bake your sweet potatoes whole. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place them on a baking sheet. This method keeps them soft and sweet. - Ensuring tenderness: Pierce each sweet potato with a fork. This helps steam escape while baking. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. You can test by inserting a fork. - Using different BBQ sauces: Try various BBQ sauces for different tastes. A tangy sauce adds zest. A sweet sauce can enhance the sweetness of the potatoes. - Adding spices or ingredients: Mix in spices like cumin or chili powder. You could add garlic powder for a punch. Also, try adding diced peppers for extra flavor. - Side dishes that pair well: Serve your stuffed sweet potatoes with a fresh salad. Coleslaw also works well. It adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. - Presentation ideas: Serve on a colorful plate. You can sprinkle extra green onions on top. A drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a nice touch. Consider a side of lime wedges for a fresh twist. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Shred Chicken Efficiently: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred cooked chicken quickly and effortlessly. Custom BBQ Flavors: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile; try spicy, smoky, or tangy varieties. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and bake the sweet potatoes in advance, then assemble and reheat when ready to serve for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use plant-based alternatives. Shredded jackfruit or tofu works well. Both have a texture similar to chicken. Toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce. This swap keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying. Feel free to mix up the ingredients to suit your taste. For cheese, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also use mozzarella or feta for a different flavor. Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the filling. This boosts nutrition and adds color. Want more heat or zest? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to your BBQ mix. You can also sprinkle chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish. These small changes make a big difference in taste. To keep your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents sogginess. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat your stuffed sweet potatoes in different ways. The best method is to use the oven for even heating. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Check if they are hot all the way through. To freeze stuffed sweet potatoes, let them cool completely first. Wrap each sweet potato in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. No, you should not use raw sweet potatoes. Raw sweet potatoes take longer to cook. They will not become soft and tender as needed. Always bake them until they are soft. This makes it easy to scoop out the insides and stuff them. You can use many different proteins. Some great options are pulled pork, shredded beef, or turkey. For a plant-based choice, try black beans or lentils. Each protein adds a unique flavor to the dish. Cooked BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Always let them cool before putting them away. This keeps them fresh for your next meal. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling ahead of time. Just combine them when you are ready to eat. This makes a busy weeknight meal easy and quick. This post provided a detailed guide on making BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. You learned about the needed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. Plus, I shared ideas for variations, storage, and frequently asked questions. I hope you feel ready to try it out. This dish is fun to make and tasty to enjoy. Happy cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes stuffed with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

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
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup green onions, finely sliced
0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for drizzling olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water and pierce them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt.
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
In another bowl, mix together the corn, black beans, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the sweet potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice open the top of each sweet potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
First, spoon in a layer of the corn and black bean mixture into each sweet potato, followed by the BBQ chicken. Finally, top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes