Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together comfort, smoky flavors, and a touch of sweetness in one gorgeous package, then you’ve found a gem with this Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender sweet potatoes baked to perfection, scooped out and mixed with juicy shredded BBQ chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and green onions, then baked again to ooey, gooey deliciousness. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the ideal balance of flavors and textures — from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the tangy BBQ sauce and the sharp cheddar cheese that adds a perfect melty finish.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for even baking and natural sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here to save time and add extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite kind — whether smoky, sweet, or spicy — it’s the heart of this recipe.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds wonderful richness and melts perfectly on top.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a mild bite that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional): Gives a creamy tang if you like your potatoes extra smooth and luscious.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps crisp the sweet potato skins beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your sweet potatoes a good scrub and prick them a few times with a fork so steam can escape during baking. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for crispy, flavorful skins. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for about 45-55 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Sweet Potato Flesh
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the soft flesh but leave a thin border inside the skin so it holds its shape. Transfer the scooped flesh to a bowl — this will be combined with the chicken and other ingredients for the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In that bowl with sweet potato flesh, add shredded cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, half the cheddar cheese, and green onions. If you’re using sour cream, add it now too. Stir everything until well combined — you want a creamy, flavorful filling that’s ready to be spooned back into the skins. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Refill and Bake Again
Spoon the BBQ chicken and sweet potato mixture back into the reserved skins. Arrange the filled halves on a baking sheet and top each generously with the remaining cheddar cheese. Return to the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through.
How to Serve Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish wonderfully. A sprinkle of extra chopped green onions adds vibrant color and a fresh crunch. If you love a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can give your Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe an exciting kick. A dollop of sour cream on top is classic and comforting, perfect to balance the smoky BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies keeps the meal balanced and fresh. A simple coleslaw with a tangy dressing also partners beautifully, enhancing the BBQ flavor theme and adding crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or looking for a fun family dinner twist, try halving smaller sweet potatoes for cute, individual portions. For a more casual vibe, scoop the filling into small ramekins and bake for mini twice-baked treats that are perfect for parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep the texture and flavors fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled twice-baked potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. Microwaving works for a quicker option, but baking retains the best texture, especially for keeping the skins crispy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes adds something special to this recipe, you can swap in russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference — smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Homemade or store-bought both work well. Just avoid overly watery sauces to keep the filling nice and thick.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with smoked or shredded jackfruit, sautéed mushrooms, or even black beans to keep the hearty texture and smoky vibe without meat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Then just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes it even more convenient for busy evenings.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe is generally mild, letting the natural flavors shine. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, the Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s perfect for cozy nights, feeding family with minimal fuss, and showcasing simple ingredients with big, bold flavor. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
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Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Twice Baked BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal combining tender baked sweet potatoes with a smoky BBQ chicken filling, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious layers of taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare the sweet potatoes for baking.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, prick them several times with a fork, and rub each with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Filling: While the sweet potatoes bake, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce in a bowl until well combined.
- Halve and Scoop: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the filling.
- Mix the Filling: Combine the sweet potato flesh with the BBQ chicken mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Fill the Potatoes: Spoon the BBQ chicken and sweet potato mixture back into the potato shells, dividing evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filled potatoes and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver but feel free to use any cooked chicken.
- You can use your favorite BBQ sauce to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Leftover stuffed sweet potatoes can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a nice creamy contrast to the smoky BBQ flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
