If you’re looking for a meal that’s healthy, hearty, and bursting with bold flavor, this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is exactly what you need. It combines tender barbecue-coated chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings like avocado, corn, and black beans—all in one nutrient-packed bowl. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, savory, and creamy.
This recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but customizable and colorful enough to serve to guests or use as meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 40 minutes – Ideal for weeknights or weekend meal prep
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High in protein and fiber – Thanks to chicken, sweet potatoes, and beans
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Easily customizable – Add or swap toppings to suit your preferences
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Naturally gluten-free – With simple, wholesome ingredients
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Satisfying and family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the BBQ flavor
Whether you’re eating clean, looking for a new meal prep staple, or just want a satisfying dinner in one bowl, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
For the Chicken + Sweet Potatoes:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling if desired)
Optional Toppings:
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup canned corn, drained
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½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
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¼ cup red onion, diced
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
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2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
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Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred.
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Toss the chicken in warm BBQ sauce to coat.
3. Assemble the Bowls
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Divide roasted sweet potatoes between 4 bowls.
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Top with BBQ chicken and your favorite optional toppings.
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Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Variations
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Make it spicy: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add jalapeños.
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Low-carb version: Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or roasted zucchini.
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Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu tossed in BBQ sauce.
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Add grains: Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber.
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Swap proteins: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or even BBQ pulled pork.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
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Store all components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Keep toppings like avocado and cilantro separate until serving for freshness.
Reheating:
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Reheat chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
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Add toppings fresh after reheating for best taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Any BBQ sauce works! Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade. Sweet, smoky, or spicy all pair well with the sweet potatoes.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
The cooked chicken and sweet potatoes can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro.
How do I keep my avocado from browning in meal prep?
Toss avocado pieces in lemon or lime juice and store them in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to reduce browning.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is the kind of recipe you’ll want to put on repeat. With roasted veggies, saucy chicken, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a colorful, crave-worthy bowl that’s easy to make and even easier to customize. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family, it’s a satisfying, balanced meal that brings big flavor to the table with minimal effort.
Print
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Juicy barbecue chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings come together in just 40 minutes for a satisfying high-protein dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling, if desired)
Optional Toppings:
1 avocado, diced
½ cup canned corn, drained
½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup red onion, diced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
2 tbsp sliced green onions
Instructions
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest, then slice or shred. Toss with warm BBQ sauce.
3. Assemble the Bowls
Divide sweet potatoes into 4 bowls. Top with BBQ chicken and desired toppings such as avocado, corn, black beans, red onion, cilantro, cheese, or green onions. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Store chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings separately for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in microwave or skillet before assembling.
- Add avocado and fresh herbs just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
