BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Discover a vibrant and wholesome meal that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl features tender roasted sweet potatoes as the base, generously topped with succulent, barbecue-glazed chicken, a zesty black bean and corn salsa, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro. It's an effortlessly satisfying dish that's both comforting and incredibly fresh, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
2 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Packed with a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
- A wholesome and balanced meal, rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Customizable to your taste preferences with additional toppings or spice.
- Perfect for meal prepping, as components can be prepared in advance.
- An effortlessly impressive dish that's ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, approximately 400-500 grams (14-18 oz) each
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 170-200 grams (6-7 oz) each
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, plus extra for sweet potatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) high-quality BBQ sauce
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) cooked black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) red onion, finely chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 medium lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with a touch of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until they are very tender when gently squeezed or pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on their size.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the chicken. Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the exterior and cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. After resting, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the diced chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans with the corn kernels. Stir gently to mix.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender and fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes until they are comfortable to handle. Carefully slice each sweet potato open lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through, and gently fluff the soft insides with a fork.
- To assemble each individual bowl, place one half of a baked and fluffed sweet potato into a serving bowl. Evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the sweet potato, followed by a spoonful of the black bean and corn mixture. Garnish each bowl with some finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Serve the BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the top adds a bright, zesty finish that truly elevates all the flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Fork
Essential Success Tips
- Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes of similar size to ensure even baking. Larger potatoes will need a bit more time.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing and even cooking.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender results. Skipping this step can lead to dry chicken.
- For extra flavor, lightly char the corn kernels in the skillet before mixing with the black beans.
- Fresh ingredients like ripe avocado, crisp red onion, and vibrant cilantro make a significant difference in the final taste and texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the sweet potatoes' flavor, try roasting them with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of maple syrup alongside the olive oil, which caramelizes beautifully.
- For a deeper, richer BBQ flavor, reduce the BBQ sauce slightly in a small saucepan over low heat until it thickens slightly before tossing with the chicken.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or a drizzle of spicy crema (sour cream mixed with lime juice and a pinch of cayenne) for an extra layer of complexity and creaminess.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Variations: Feel free to swap chicken with grilled shrimp, black beans with chickpeas, or add other vegetables like bell peppers or roasted zucchini.
- Meal Prep: Cook the sweet potatoes and chicken ahead of time. Store separately. Assemble bowls just before serving for best freshness, especially with avocado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein like grilled halloumi, extra black beans, or seasoned tofu or tempeh for a equally satisfying vegetarian bowl.
How can I make the sweet potatoes cook faster?
For faster cooking, you can cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise before roasting. This reduces the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes while still allowing for a delicious, tender interior.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
The best BBQ sauce is the one you enjoy most! Whether it's a smoky, sweet, or tangy variety, choose a high-quality sauce that complements the other fresh flavors in the bowl. Homemade BBQ sauce is also an excellent option.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 650-700, Protein: 40-45g, Fat: 25-30g, Carbs: 65-70g (Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving sizes).
Allergy Information
Contains no major common allergens as written, but can be customized. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check labels for BBQ sauce ingredients if specific allergies are a concern.
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