BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

$- Medium sweet potatoes - Cooked shredded chicken - BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor) - Diced red onion - Corn (canned or frozen) - Black beans (rinsed and drained) - Shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro (chopped) - Salt and pepper - Olive oil - Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein. - Look for low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option. - Try dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist. - Each stuffed sweet potato has around 400 calories. - They offer about 25 grams of protein and 60 grams of carbs. - Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamins A and C. - Black beans add protein and iron, while corn offers fiber and sweetness. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean under running water. Pat them dry with a towel. 3. Use a fork to poke holes in each potato. This lets steam escape while baking. 4. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup. 5. Bake the sweet potatoes for 40-45 minutes. They are done when a fork goes in easily. 6. Remember, larger potatoes take longer to cook. Check them often. 1. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce of your choice. 2. Add the diced red onion, corn, and black beans. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Stir everything together well until fully combined. 4. The mixture should be moist but not runny. This makes it easy to fill the sweet potatoes. 1. Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each in half lengthwise. 2. Use a spoon to scoop out some flesh, leaving enough for texture. 3. Fill each potato half with the BBQ chicken mixture. Press gently to pack it in. 4. Top each stuffed potato with shredded cheddar cheese. 5. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an extra 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. 6. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. To ensure your sweet potatoes are perfectly baked, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them well. Prick each potato with a fork to let steam escape. This helps them cook evenly. Bake them for 40-45 minutes. They are done when a fork easily pierces the flesh. Remember, bigger potatoes take longer to cook. For the best BBQ chicken flavor, choose a BBQ sauce you love. Mix it well with the shredded chicken and other ingredients. Add diced red onion, corn, and black beans for extra taste and texture. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors. For serving, use a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter. Place the stuffed sweet potatoes on it for a nice look. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce adds flair. This makes the dish more inviting and fun. One common mistake is overcooking the potatoes. This can make them mushy and hard to scoop. Keep an eye on the baking time and test them with a fork. Another mistake is skipping flavor enhancements. Do not overlook the importance of seasoning. Always add salt and pepper to your filling. These small touches make a big difference in taste. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and easier handling when stuffing. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find the flavor profile that suits your taste; sweet, spicy, or smoky variations can completely change the dish. Maximize Texture: Leave some of the sweet potato flesh in the skins to add extra texture and flavor to each bite. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the cilantro! It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. {{image_4}} You can use many BBQ sauces to change the taste of your dish. Try a sweet sauce for a hint of sugar or a spicy sauce for heat. Some people like to mix sauces for a unique flavor. You can also try different meats. Pulled pork or shredded beef work well too. If you prefer, swap in jackfruit for a plant-based option. This gives you the same texture as pulled meat. Making this dish dairy-free is simple. Just skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese. You can also make it vegan by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. For a gluten-free option, check the BBQ sauce for gluten. Most are gluten-free, but it’s always good to read labels. This meal pairs nicely with several side dishes. A fresh salad adds crunch and balances the meal. You could also serve it with coleslaw for a creamy touch. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade works well. A light beer complements the BBQ flavors, too. Enjoy your stuffed sweet potatoes with these tasty sides and drinks! Store your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes in the fridge. First, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. I recommend using glass or plastic containers. They are easy to stack and will save space. To freeze stuffed potatoes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option. Just make sure they heat all the way through. In the fridge, your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes last about 4 days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for mold or an off smell. If anything seems off, it’s best to throw it away. Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you can use regular potatoes or even russet potatoes. Each type has its own taste and texture. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness, while others will give a different flavor. Try what you like best! How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave? Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Poke holes in them. This helps steam escape. Cook until they feel soft when you squeeze them gently. Can this dish be prepared in advance? Yes! You can prepare the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge. Bake the sweet potatoes right before you serve them for the best results. How to reheat stuffed sweet potatoes? Reheat stuffed sweet potatoes in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F. This keeps them warm and crispy. You can also use the microwave if you are in a hurry, but they may get a bit soggy. What can I use instead of shredded chicken? You can use shredded turkey or tofu for a plant-based option. Shredded beef or pork works too. Feel free to get creative with your choice! Can I skip cheese altogether? Yes, you can skip cheese if you want. You can add extra toppings like avocado or more veggies instead. This keeps the dish tasty and fresh without cheese. In this post, we covered how to make BBQ stuffed sweet potatoes. We discussed key ingredients, preparation steps, and variations to try. You can choose between different proteins and sauces, making this dish fit your needs. Remember, sweet potatoes offer great health benefits, while proper cooking tips ensure the best flavors. With these ideas, you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that suits your tastes. Enjoy cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh toppings.

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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
0.5 cup red onion, diced
0.5 cup corn
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Thoroughly scrub the sweet potatoes under running water and pat them dry with a towel. Using a fork, prick each potato several times to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. They are ready when a fork easily pierces through the flesh. Be mindful of the size of your sweet potatoes, as cooking time may vary.
While the sweet potatoes are baking, you can prepare the BBQ chicken filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, your choice of BBQ sauce, diced red onion, corn, black beans, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Once the sweet potatoes are finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
When cool enough to touch, cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh, creating a hollowed space for the filling while leaving just enough for a bit of texture.
Generously fill each sweet potato half with the BBQ chicken mixture, pressing gently to pack it in without overflowing.
Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed sweet potato.
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Finish by garnishing each stuffed potato with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter, garnished with cilantro and extra BBQ sauce.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes