Description
Succulent BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes blend smoky southwestern flavors into a hearty, satisfying meal that promises comfort and excitement. Crisp, tender chicken nestled in creamy sweet potato creates a perfect harmony you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Potato and Cheese:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- Thoroughly wash sweet potatoes, piercing multiple times with a fork to allow steam escape during roasting.
- Lightly coat sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, ensuring even seasoning across the entire surface.
- Roast sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes until they become tender and easily pierced with a knife.
- While potatoes cook, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
- Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice lengthwise and gently separate the interior flesh using a fork.
- Distribute BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each potato cavity, creating a robust filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, allowing for complete coverage.
- Return stuffed potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes, melting cheese until it becomes golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with crispy crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin for even cooking and best texture.
- Prick potatoes thoroughly to prevent potential steam buildup and potential potato explosions during baking.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly shred grilled chicken for faster preparation.
- Select a balanced BBQ sauce that’s not overly sweet to complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with pulled pork, black beans, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or spinach inside the stuffed potatoes.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the dish more diet-friendly.
- Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg