Get ready for a delicious dinner with BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potato bowls! Juicy chicken covered in tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with sweet, tender sweet potatoes.
This meal is not just tasty, it’s super colorful and packed with good vibes! I love to add some fresh greens on top for crunch, making it a fun meal to put together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using large chicken breasts for juiciness and easy shredding. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs can be a great alternative for extra flavor and moisture.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce; this is key for flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauce. You can even make your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices!
Sweet Potatoes: These are delicious roasted and provide wonderful sweetness. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, butternut squash or regular potatoes are good substitutes, though flavor will differ slightly.
Broccoli: Fresh is best for ideal texture, but frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time, as frozen veggies may cook faster than fresh.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps veggies roast nicely. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil is a great alternative! It has a high smoke point and works well for roasting.
How Do You Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes perfectly makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how to ensure they come out tender and delicious:
- Cut sweet potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Toss them in olive oil and seasonings until fully coated. This helps enhance their natural sweetness.
- Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow for even roasting; crowding can lead to steaming instead.
- Check for doneness by poking with a fork; they should be tender all the way through.
How to Make BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for roasting your sweet potatoes and chicken.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Then, spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they roast nicely.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In another bowl, take the chicken breasts and coat them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure they’re well covered! Place the chicken on the same baking sheet as the sweet potatoes, adding it to the mix.
4. Bake Everything Together:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll want to check that the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and that the sweet potatoes are tender when you poke them with a fork.
5. Add the Broccoli:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, add the broccoli florets to the baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This way, everything will finish cooking together!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once everything is cooked, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now, it’s time to put it all together! In bowls, start with a base of roasted sweet potatoes, add the shredded BBQ chicken, and top it off with the roasted broccoli. If you’d like, drizzle on some additional BBQ sauce and honey for extra flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish your bowls with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using softer vegetables (like zucchini) by adding them to the sheet later in the baking process.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breasts?
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in BBQ sauce and baked until golden.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the individual components (chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can air fry the sweet potatoes and chicken. Cook sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
