Get ready for a tasty treat with BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls! Juicy BBQ chicken meets tender sweet potatoes, all piled in a cozy bowl.
This meal is not only colorful but also super satisfying. It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love adding fresh veggies on top for a crunch—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and easy to shred. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! You can also use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. If you’re looking for lower sugar options, consider sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauces. Experimenting with different flavors can give you a fun twist!
Sweet Potatoes: These are perfect for this dish, but you can substitute with regular potatoes for a different taste. If you want a colorful option, try purple or golden sweet potatoes.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. If you don’t have broccoli, feel free to swap with green beans, kale, or even Brussels sprouts for a change.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes takes patience, but the result is so worth it! The key is to coat them well so they caramelize nicely. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps them roast effectively.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This prevents steaming and allows for browning.
- Remember to toss them halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly and develop a nice texture.
How to Make BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 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
- Fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 30-35 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend some time chopping and mixing, but the end result is totally worth it. So, in about an hour, you can have a warm, filling meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot for roasting those sweet potatoes and broccoli.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the sweet potatoes are well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes into the preheated oven. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remember to toss them halfway through cooking for even browning!
4. Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, place the chicken breasts in a saucepan. Cover them with enough water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken is done cooking, take it out of the saucepan and shred it using two forks. Then, in a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until it’s all coated and flavorful.
6. Prepare the Broccoli:
With about 10 minutes left for the sweet potatoes, add the broccoli florets to the baking sheet. This will let the broccoli roast a bit and become tender and delicious!
7. Assemble the Bowls:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to put it all together! Layer the roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, and roasted broccoli in your serving bowls.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls!
Can I Use Another Type of Sauce Instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! Feel free to use teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or any favorite marinade you enjoy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the sauce requires different preparation, like a quick sauté instead of boiling.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Cook the chickpeas until warm and toss them with BBQ sauce, or marinate and bake the tofu for added flavor. Roast the veggies as directed!
Can I Prepare the Bowls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep everything a day in advance. Store the sweet potatoes, chicken, and broccoli in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat everything in the microwave or oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables together. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!
