Enjoy these yummy BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potato bowls! They are filled with tender chicken, sweet and crispy sweet potatoes, and topped with fresh veggies.
Who doesn’t love a meal that looks as good as it tastes? These bowls are great for dinner and perfect for leftovers, making lunch a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce is key for flavoring the chicken. If you’re short on time, a store-bought version works well. You can also try a homemade sauce for a personal touch or use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find them, try using butternut squash or even regular potatoes for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds nutrition and color. If you don’t have broccoli, snap peas, green beans, or even asparagus would be tasty substitutes. They all roast nicely!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right is essential for a tasty dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and fully cooked:
- Preheat your oven properly to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven cooks the chicken faster and helps keep it moist.
- Cover the chicken with foil while baking to retain moisture. This prevents it from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute for extra flavor.
BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Veggie:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Additional BBQ sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy these tasty bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken and sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, coat the two chicken breasts with half of the BBQ sauce. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken, and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce. This makes it super flavorful!
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
While the chicken is baking, grab a large bowl and toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven alongside the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. Be sure to give them a good stir halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
4. Steam the Broccoli:
In the last 5-10 minutes of the cooking time, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender yet still bright green. You can do this on the stove or quickly in the microwave. If using the microwave, just add a bit of water to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for a couple of minutes. Simple and quick!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes, shredded BBQ chicken, and steamed broccoli into serving bowls. If you’d like, drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions for an added crunch and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal warm—perfect for lunch or dinner!
Feel free to customize the ingredients or portion sizes based on your preference! Happy cooking!
## BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki, honey mustard, or even a homemade marinade. Just keep in mind that different sauces can change the flavor profile of the dish. Adjust the seasoning accordingly if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can warm everything in the microwave or on the stovetop. To revive the sweet potatoes, try adding a splash of water during reheating to maintain moisture.
Can I Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Cook the Chicken at the Same Time?
Yes! Just ensure they’re on separate baking sheets. The chicken should stay covered with foil, and the sweet potatoes spread out in a single layer for even roasting. This helps everything cook together perfectly within the same timeframe!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! You can replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans seasoned with the same spices. Additionally, you can use tofu if you prefer an alternative protein source. Adjust the cooking time based on your chosen substitute for best results.
