BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring together sweet roasted potato, savory spices, and smoky barbecue chicken for a true crowd-pleaser that feels special but is super simple to get on the table. This is the kind of filling, cozy dish I make both when I need a weeknight win or want something satisfying for guests with minimal fuss. Every bite hits that perfect sweet smoky balance.

I first put these together after a barbecue party when I was searching for a creative way to use up leftover chicken and some sweet potatoes from my farmer’s market haul. The combo was an instant hit with my family and now they ask for it anytime the weather gets chilly.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Seek out large sweet potatoes with smooth skins for easy scooping extra flavor comes from slow roasting
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness that plays off the savory spices make sure to use pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt: Brightens all the flavors a flakey texture makes measuring easy
• Paprika: Gives smoky depth try a Spanish paprika for extra punch
• Garlic powder: Brings a savory backbone buy fresh spice for the best aroma
• Cumin: Adds earthy heat I like to grind it fresh if possible
• Cinnamon: Lends warmth and balances the barbecue flavors
• Cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle heat adjust for your spice preference
• Dried thyme: A touch of herbal complexity
• Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie or home roast both work shred for the best texture
• Barbecue sauce: Low in sugar makes the filling less sweet and more smoky
• Red onion: Fresh and crisp for bite and color
• Scallions: Sprinkle over for fresh crunch and a pop of green

Instructions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

Place the whole sweet potatoes directly on your oven rack at a steady 400 degrees F This slow roast brings out their natural sugars and keeps the skins sturdy Aim for at least 45 minutes the insides should be fork tender with caramelized edges

Scoop and Season the Sweet Potato:

Once safe to handle cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl Reserve the skins to use as shells The flesh should be soft and steamy

Season the Filling:

Add your maple syrup kosher salt paprika garlic powder cumin cinnamon cayenne and dried thyme to the bowl with the sweet potato flesh Stir and mash until the mixture is smooth and the spices are well blended This step ensures every bite is sweet spicy and nuanced

Stuff the Skins:

Spoon the seasoned mixture evenly back into each potato shell Gently press to fill all the edges and arrange them in a baking dish The shells will hold everything together for serving

Prepare the BBQ Chicken:

Shred your cooked chicken breasts either using two forks or your hands for the best texture In another bowl mix the chicken with barbecue sauce and diced red onion until everything is well combined and every bite is coated

Top and Bake:

Generously spoon the barbecue chicken mixture over each stuffed sweet potato Arrange in the dish so they nestle snugly Return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes This brings all the flavors together and caramelizes the top

Garnish and Serve:

Drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top if you love even more smoky flavor Sprinkle with plenty of chopped scallions for a fresh finish Serve hot and enjoy the mingling of sweet and savory

I always look forward to the moment when I stir in real maple syrup then add the spices the scent is absolutely warming and fills my whole kitchen with that sweet spicy aroma A favorite memory is making a big batch with my kids on a rainy Sunday we each chose our toppings and made it our own around the table

Storage Tips

Let the stuffed potatoes cool fully then transfer to airtight containers They keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days For freezing wrap individual potatoes tightly and store up to two months Reheat in the oven for best texture to avoid sogginess Sweet potato shells soften more after freezing but the flavor holds up so well this way

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out barbecue sauce flavors for a sweeter or spicier finish If you are low on sweet potatoes try using butternut squash as the base Mashed chickpeas make a great vegetarian option in place of chicken and you can even sub in pulled pork for a richer flavor

Serving Suggestions

Pair these with a simple salad on the side like arugula dressed with lemon or pile slaw alongside For appetizers use mini sweet potatoes and scale down the filling I also love serving them in halves for a hearty lunch with extra barbecue sauce on the side

Cultural and Seasonal Profile

Sweet potatoes are a classic Southern staple and combining them with barbecue chicken feels like a portable picnic on a plate They’re especially comforting in fall and winter when just the smell of roasting potatoes makes everyone gravitate to the kitchen I love riffing on this in summer by adding grilled corn to the filling for a taste of smoky sunshine

Seasonal Adaptations

Try stuffing with roasted peppers and corn in summer Add sautéed apples for a fall twist Top with cranberry relish for a holiday version

Success Stories

A friend made these for her football party and said not a single bite was left my grandma actually approves of the spice blend which is high praise from a woman who has cooked every Sunday for sixty years The best moments are when a batch comes out perfectly caramelized and everyone grabs seconds

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this a freezer meal assemble the potatoes through the chicken topping but do not bake Place them in a freezer safe dish and wrap tightly Thaw in the refrigerator overnight then bake as directed scattering fresh scallions at the end

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a true family favorite for cozy nights and easy gatherings. You will love how adaptable and delicious they are every single time.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works well and blends nicely with the barbecue sauce for this dish.

→ What’s the best way to roast sweet potatoes?

Roasting whole sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack at 400°F ensures a tender and caramelized result.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the components ahead and assemble before the final bake for a quick meal when needed.

→ How can I make this spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or use a spicy barbecue sauce to enhance the heat in the sweet potato filling and chicken.

→ What toppings work well besides scallions?

Try cilantro, jalapeños, or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for added flavor and freshness.