These BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potato bowls are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken mixed with sweet, tender potatoes makes each bite delightful. Plus, they are super easy to whip up!
I love how colorful and filling these bowls are. They’re perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something hearty but simple. Don’t forget the extra BBQ sauce for drizzling! Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for added flavor and tenderness. Or go for a plant-based option like shredded jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian twist!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or spicy! If you want a healthier option, homemade BBQ sauce is easy and customizable. You can even try teriyaki or honey mustard for something different.
Sweet Potatoes: These provide a lovely sweetness and texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work too. Just adjust roasting time since they may cook differently.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are great for color and crunch. You can substitute them with green beans, asparagus, or even spinach for a change. Just adjust cooking time based on your choice.
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes to perfection requires a few simple steps! The goal is to get them tender inside with a lovely caramelized exterior.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that nice roasting environment.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Toss them well with olive oil and spices to coat evenly, enhancing flavor and helping with browning.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to avoid steaming. Don’t crowd the pan!
- Give them a toss halfway through roasting for even cooking and browning—this really makes a difference!
How to Make BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40-50 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 25-30 minutes roasting and cooking the chicken and broccoli. You can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting those sweet potatoes until they’re caramelized and delicious!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, take the diced sweet potatoes and toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are all evenly coated so they roast nicely. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet with sweet potatoes into your preheated oven. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to toss them halfway through cooking so they get golden all over. They’re ready when they’re tender and slightly caramelized!
4. Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are doing their thing, it’s time to cook the chicken. Place the boneless chicken breasts in a slow cooker or a baking dish. Pour your BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
5. Slow Cooker or Oven Cooking:
If you’re using a slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For oven cooking, cover your baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Check the chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally—it should be cooked through and juicy!
6. Prepare the Broccoli:
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, it’s time to steam or sauté your broccoli florets. Cook them until they’re tender and vibrant green, which only takes a few minutes!
7. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it with two forks right in the BBQ sauce. Mixing it together will help keep the chicken flavorful.
8. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to create your tasty bowls! Scoop portions of the roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli into each bowl. Top them off with the shredded BBQ chicken for a colorful and delicious meal.
9. Optional Garnish:
For a bit of extra flavor and color, feel free to garnish your bowls with chopped green onions or parsley just before serving!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed—lighter veggies may cook faster, while denser ones like carrots might take a bit longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have a Slow Cooker?
No problem! You can prepare this dish in the oven instead. Just follow the baking instructions by covering the baking dish with foil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. You can also marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce beforehand for better flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, separate the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep things moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper or adding your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the sweet potatoes before roasting for an extra kick!
