BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

$- 4 medium sweet potatoes - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup chopped green onions - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Sweet potatoes make a great base for this dish. They are sweet and creamy. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Use your favorite barbecue sauce to tie it all together. You can add corn for a sweet crunch and black beans for fiber. Cheese is a tasty option too, giving a rich, melty texture. For seasoning, smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky flavor. Chopped green onions add a fresh bite. Finish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and taste. These simple ingredients come together for a flavorful delight. Each bite is packed with goodness. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite combo! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat gets the oven ready, making sure your sweet potatoes cook evenly. Take your sweet potatoes and poke holes in them with a fork. This lets steam escape while they bake. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes. They are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Add in corn and black beans. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated in that tasty sauce. Take half of your shredded cheddar cheese and fold it into the BBQ chicken mix. This makes the filling extra cheesy and rich. Once the sweet potatoes cool a bit, cut a slit down the center of each one. Use a fork to fluff up the insides. This makes a nice pocket to hold the filling. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each sweet potato. Pack it in lightly to make sure every bite is full of flavor. Now, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed sweet potato. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked. Put the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly for the best taste. When they come out of the oven, add chopped green onions and fresh cilantro on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor that makes your dish look amazing. To bake sweet potatoes just right, start by choosing medium-sized ones. Make sure they are smooth and firm. Before baking, use a fork to poke holes in each potato. This lets steam escape and helps them cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 45-60 minutes until they are soft. You can test this by poking them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they are ready! You can make this dish your own by having fun with flavors. Try using different barbecue sauces. A smoky sauce can add depth, while a spicy one can kick it up a notch. You can also mix in various veggies. Bell peppers or jalapeños bring a nice crunch. Experiment with herbs like cilantro or parsley for fresh notes. Each change can turn this dish into a new adventure! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. You can also use the oven to keep them crispy. Just place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes again! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes for even cooking and the best flavor. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce or try making your own for a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different brands for varying sweetness and spice levels. Make It Ahead: Prepare the BBQ chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the sweet potatoes and bake when you’re ready to eat. Keep It Tasty: Add additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish and add more texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian BBQ stuffed sweet potato. Just skip the chicken. Instead, use a mix of black beans and corn. Add some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Use your favorite barbecue sauce to keep the flavor bold and fun. Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can use shredded pork or beef. Both work great with BBQ sauce. For a lighter choice, try shredded turkey. Each protein adds its own twist to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite! Cheese adds creaminess and flavor. While cheddar is a classic, you can use other types. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Or go with mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Feta cheese also gives a nice tangy flavor. The choice is yours! To keep your BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes fresh, allow them to cool. After cooling, wrap each sweet potato in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain flavor and texture. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Check to ensure they are warm throughout. You can freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes for later. After cooling, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as needed for a quick meal. Yes, you can use other potatoes. Regular russet potatoes work well. They will have a different taste and texture. Try red potatoes for a creamier bite. Each type adds its own flavor. Just make sure to bake them until soft. To make it spicier, add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños. If you like heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper on top. These small changes will bring the heat you desire. These stuffed sweet potatoes pair well with a fresh salad. A side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch. Serve with grilled corn for a fun twist. You can also enjoy them with tortilla chips and salsa for a great snack. This blog covered making BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes. We discussed key ingredients like sweet potatoes, chicken, and barbecue sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and garnishing. I shared tips for storing leftovers and offered variations for different diets. Incorporate these ideas to make a tasty meal. Enjoy creating your own version, and remember to have fun with it!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes stuffed with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and cheese.

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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 barbecue sauce
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup chopped green onions
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, corn, black beans, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated and integrated.
Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese with the BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring it melds well to create a rich and melty filling.
After the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully cut a slit down the center of each sweet potato to form a pocket for the stuffing. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides, making them ready for filling.
Evenly spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each sweet potato, packing it in lightly to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over each filled sweet potato, creating a delicious cheesy topping.
Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the stuffed sweet potatoes with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden platter with extra barbecue sauce and garnishes.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, stuffed, sweet potatoes