BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

$- Sweet potatoes - Cooked chicken - BBQ sauce - Corn - Red onion - Black beans - Shredded cheese - Olive oil - Seasoning Gathering the right ingredients is key for BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. Each item plays an important role in making this dish flavorful and satisfying. First, choose sweet potatoes. I recommend medium-sized ones. They cook evenly and have great sweetness. Next, get cooked chicken. You can shred rotisserie chicken or use leftovers. BBQ sauce adds that smoky, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own if you're feeling adventurous. Corn gives a nice crunch. You can use canned or frozen corn, whichever you prefer. Red onion adds a sharp taste, while black beans bring protein and fiber. Shredded cheese melts beautifully. Cheddar or pepper jack works best. Don’t forget olive oil! It helps sauté the veggies. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Each ingredient matters in creating this delightful meal. Prepare to enjoy a mix of flavors and textures in every bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly. 2. Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water to remove dirt. Use a fork to poke holes in each potato. This creates steam vents while they bake. 1. Arrange the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 2. Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes. They should be tender when you poke them with a fork. 1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated. 2. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become clear. 3. Stir in the corn and black beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through. 4. Combine the BBQ chicken mixture with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. 2. Cut each potato lengthwise down the center, but do not cut all the way through. 3. Use a fork to fluff the insides of each potato. This makes space for the filling. 4. Generously spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each sweet potato, forming a nice mound on top. 5. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over each stuffed sweet potato. 1. Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. 2. Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Size and freshness: Pick medium sweet potatoes for even cooking. Look for firm ones with smooth skin. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh sweet potatoes help bring out the best flavor in your dish. - Organic vs. conventional: Organic sweet potatoes are grown without harmful chemicals. They may taste better too. Conventional sweet potatoes can be more affordable and still delicious. Choose based on your budget and values. - Store-bought options: Many brands offer great BBQ sauce. Look for one with simple ingredients. A smoky or tangy sauce can enhance your stuffed sweet potatoes. - Homemade variations: Making your own BBQ sauce is fun and easy. Combine ketchup, vinegar, honey, and spices for a quick mix. Customize it by adding your favorite flavors. - Pairing with sides: Serve your stuffed sweet potatoes with a fresh salad or coleslaw. These sides add crunch and balance to the meal. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for extra heartiness. - Best toppings: Top your sweet potatoes with extra cheese, avocado, or jalapeños. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch too. Get creative with your toppings to make each potato unique! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any blemishes. This ensures they are fresh and will bake evenly. Make Ahead: You can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes assembling the dish quicker on busy days. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Keep It Warm: If you're serving a crowd, keep the stuffed sweet potatoes warm in a low oven until ready to serve, ensuring they stay delicious! {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or beef. Both will add great flavor. If you want something meatless, try using lentils or chickpeas. These options give a nice texture and still taste amazing. Add your favorite spices to make the dish pop. Smoked paprika brings a lovely depth. You can also try cumin or garlic powder for a kick. When it comes to cheese, switch it up! Use mozzarella for a milder taste or feta for a tangy twist. If you need gluten-free options, you’re in luck! This dish is naturally gluten-free, as sweet potatoes and the filling are safe choices. For vegan substitutions, use jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken. Substitute the cheese with a plant-based option or skip it altogether. - To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. - Keep the BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days. - To reheat, use the microwave or oven. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot. In the oven, heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. - For freezing, wrap each stuffed sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap. - Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - To thaw, move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. - Reheat by placing them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Sweet potatoes are done when they feel soft. You can check this by poking them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they are ready. You can also look for a slightly wrinkled skin. This means they cooked well. Remember, baking usually takes about 40-50 minutes at 400°F. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Cook the sweet potatoes and fill them with the BBQ chicken filling. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just heat them in the oven. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. These sweet potatoes pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli - Coleslaw - Grilled corn on the cob These sides balance the meal and add more flavor. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. Here are some recommendations: - Regular russet potatoes for a classic taste - Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy texture - Red potatoes for a slightly sweet flavor Experiment with different types to find what you like best! This blog post shows you how to make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. We explored key ingredients like sweet potatoes, chicken, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for choosing ingredients, cooking alternatives, and storage tips. Now, you can impress your friends and family with a tasty, healthy meal. These sweet potatoes are easy to make and can be changed to fit any diet. Enjoy your cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes filled with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and 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
0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
0.5 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water, scrubbing off any dirt. Using a fork, poke several holes into each potato.
Arrange the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-50 minutes until tender.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the diced red onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the corn and black beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combine the BBQ chicken mixture with the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, mixing until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
When the sweet potatoes are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly. Cut each potato lengthwise down the center.
Gently fluff the insides of each sweet potato. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each potato.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over each stuffed sweet potato and return to the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce and toppings to your liking.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes