BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of sweet and savory, these BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are exactly what you need! Tender, baked sweet potatoes are loaded with shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of freshness from cilantro and red onions. This easy yet delicious meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a unique dish to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes
   Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick each potato several times with a fork. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake Sweet Potatoes
   Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
4. Prepare BBQ Chicken
   In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff Sweet Potatoes
   Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them open lengthwise. Gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
6. Add BBQ Chicken
   Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each sweet potato. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Return to Oven
   Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calorie Count: Approximately 400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Different BBQ Sauces: Try experimenting with spicy, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauces for a unique twist.
• Cheese Options: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon and stuff the sweet potatoes with black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies. Use a BBQ sauce of your choice for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
2. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
   No, you can leave the skin on. It adds texture and nutrients.
3. What BBQ sauce should I use?
   Any BBQ sauce will work. Choose your favorite flavor, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   As long as you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.
6. Can I use different types of cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred cheese, like mozzarella or gouda.
7. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
   The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
8. Can I grill the sweet potatoes instead of baking them?
   Yes, you can wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and grill them until tender.
9. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes, turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe.
10. Can I freeze stuffed sweet potatoes?
    Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds! With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or as a dish to impress at gatherings. Try out different variations to make it your own and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish!

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