These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The naturally sweet flavor of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with juicy shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce. Creamy mayo adds richness, while sautéed onions and a hint of spice round out the flavor profile.
It’s a wholesome, filling dish that checks all the boxes: high in protein, full of complex carbs, and rich in flavor. Whether you’re prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, these twice-baked beauties are bound to be a hit. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30, and Paleo-approved — the ultimate comfort food without the guilt.
Full Recipe:
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4 medium sweet potatoes (about 38 oz)
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1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
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1 cup diced red onion
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3 cups shredded chicken (approx. 1 lb raw)
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1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce (divided)
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1/3 cup + 1/2 tablespoon mayo (divided)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional toppings: chopped parsley, green onion, avocado slices, drizzle of BBQ sauce
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake for 50 minutes until soft.
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While sweet potatoes finish baking (last 5 mins), heat avocado oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.
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Once sweet potatoes are baked, reduce oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer to maintain structure. Add scooped potato to the bowl with onions.
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Mix in shredded chicken, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and 1/3 cup mayo. Stir until well combined. Season again if needed.
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Stuff the mixture back into the potato skins and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
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Meanwhile, mix 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce with 1/2 tablespoon mayo and drizzle over the finished potatoes.
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Garnish with optional toppings and serve warm.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 292 kcal | Servings: 8 stuffed potato halves
A Wholesome Twist on Comfort Food: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthy eating, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of repetitive salads, plain proteins, or flavorless “clean” meals. But what if we told you there’s a way to combine the smoky, savory notes of BBQ chicken with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes into one nutrient-rich, crowd-pleasing dish? Enter: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes — a delightful fusion of taste and nutrition that checks all the right boxes for both flavor seekers and health enthusiasts.
This dish isn’t just a recipe — it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or bringing something hearty to a game-day potluck, this is one of those dishes that always hits the spot.
The Allure of the Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse — and rightfully so. They’re loaded with complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and keep you fuller longer. They’re naturally rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, and their slightly sweet flavor lends itself beautifully to both savory and sweet applications.
But their real magic happens when they’re baked. Roasting them enhances their sweetness, giving you a caramelized, tender interior that forms the perfect canvas for a savory, protein-rich filling like BBQ chicken.
BBQ Chicken: The High-Protein Star
Barbecue chicken may be a staple at summer cookouts, but it shines just as brightly in this more elevated, oven-friendly presentation. Using shredded chicken as the protein base keeps the recipe lean and versatile. It absorbs the flavors of the barbecue sauce like a sponge, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
You can make your own shredded chicken from scratch using breasts or thighs, or for a time-saving hack, pick up a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it at home. Either way, the result is a protein-dense filling that not only satisfies your hunger but also supports muscle repair and daily energy needs.
The tangy, slightly smoky notes of barbecue sauce provide a delicious contrast to the mild sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while a small amount of mayo adds creaminess and richness to the filling. It’s a balance of flavor and texture that feels indulgent while still being nutrient-dense.
A Meal That Meets You Where You Are
One of the most practical aspects of BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes is their adaptability. They can be:
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Prepped ahead for meal planning
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Served fresh out of the oven for family dinner
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Eaten cold or warm for lunch on the go
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Customized for any dietary lifestyle
This meal suits a wide variety of eating plans including Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It can even be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken for chickpeas, white beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Meal-preppers especially love this dish. Bake the sweet potatoes and prep the chicken filling in advance, then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready. It reheats beautifully in the oven, microwave, or even on a grill — making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
Texture and Flavor Harmony
A great dish is about more than just nutritional balance — it’s about the experience of eating. And this recipe does that so well.
Imagine: the crispy, slightly caramelized edges of roasted sweet potato skins. The creamy, smoky BBQ chicken center. The subtle crunch of sautéed red onions. And then, the drizzle — a final touch of barbecue sauce and mayo for added richness.
Top it all off with freshly chopped green onions, parsley, or even a scoop of dairy-free sour cream for an herbaceous and bright finish. It’s a symphony of sweet, smoky, creamy, and savory — and that’s before you even take your first bite.
Ideal for Entertaining and Sharing
Hosting a dinner party or backyard get-together? These stuffed sweet potatoes make a striking addition to your table. Their vibrant orange hue and hearty filling give them a “wow” factor, and you can serve them in halves for a more elegant presentation or whole for a heartier meal.
You can also double or triple the batch easily, and they hold well under warming trays or foil wrap, making them ideal for large gatherings.
And since they’re so easy to customize with toppings — think avocado slices, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, pickled onions — guests can dress theirs exactly how they like. It’s a fun, build-your-own kind of dish that feels thoughtful and creative without being complicated.
A Nutritional Win Without Sacrificing Flavor
Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Each stuffed sweet potato comes in at under 300 calories, yet packs 25 grams of protein, 32 grams of complex carbs, and a modest 11.6 grams of fat — making it a smart macro-balanced option for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone working toward health goals.
Unlike many comfort food dishes that rely on heavy dairy, excess oil, or processed carbs, this recipe gives you energy and satiety without a crash. Plus, the addition of ingredients like red onions and avocado oil add essential micronutrients and healthy fats.
It’s this balance — delicious yet intentional — that makes BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes such a standout.
Versatility is Key
Beyond its original form, this dish is easy to reimagine throughout the week:
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Slice into bite-size pieces and serve over greens for a warm BBQ chicken salad.
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Mash the sweet potato filling and turn it into sliders or patties.
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Serve the filling in lettuce cups or grain-free tortillas for a low-carb wrap alternative.
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Top with a fried egg for a savory brunch-style twist.
It’s not just a one-and-done meal. It becomes part of your larger weekly strategy — easy to reheat, remix, and reinvent.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are more than just a clever combination of two beloved ingredients. They’re a celebration of bold flavors, nourishing whole foods, and kitchen simplicity. Whether you’re new to clean eating or a seasoned meal prep pro, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.
It’s budget-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and loved by kids and adults alike. From casual dinners to meal prep containers, this dish adds color, comfort, and creativity to your kitchen. And let’s face it — anything that feels like comfort food but aligns with your health goals? That’s worth repeating.