BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe

These BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are the ultimate answer to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. Imagine tender shreds of barbecue-glazed chicken, perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes and onions, plus golden, roasted broccoli—all bundled together in one wholesome, flavor-packed bowl. This recipe is all about making weeknight meals easier, healthier, and outrageously tasty, with everything conveniently roasted on a single pan. In under an hour, you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal that balances smoky-sweet, earthy, and zingy flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into each layer of these crave-worthy bowls.

• Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness caramelizes as they roast, creating golden, crispy edges and a creamy interior. Tip: Go for medium-sized ones for quick, even roasting.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a gorgeous, savory depth as it softens and sweetens alongside the potatoes.
• Olive Oil: Helps everything roast up beautifully and intensifies the flavors.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this!
• Garlic Powder: For extra savory, aromatic oomph in every bite.
• Chipotle Powder or Chili Powder: Adds a gentle kick and a smoky backbone. Chipotle gives more smokiness; chili powder is milder, so choose your heat!
• Broccoli: Roasts to utter perfection with crispy fronds and a toasty nuttiness. If you’re not a broccoli fan, keep reading for some stellar substitutions.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and a great canvas for soaking up all that tangy barbecue sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: The real star here—the richer and tangier, the better. Use your favorite kind, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy.

Note: The ingredient list doesn’t include amounts since you’ll adjust based on your preferences and the number of bowls you want!

Variations

There’s so much room to play! Here are a few twists to spark your creativity:

• Spicy Twist: Add cayenne to the chicken or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the veggies.
• Other Veggies: Try cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers in place of—or alongside—the broccoli.
• Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for juiciness, swap in salmon or shrimp, or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas tossed in BBQ sauce.
• Vegan Version: Use BBQ jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken, and make sure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly.
• Different Sauces: Mix up the flavor by tossing the chicken with buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or a zesty chipotle-lime sauce.

How to Make BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into nicely bite-sized chunks. Slice the onion into generous pieces for plenty of flavor and sweetness. Toss both on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and a dash of chipotle or chili powder. Mix everything well so every piece is coated.

Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes and Onion

Slide the sheet pan into a hot, preheated oven set to 400°F. Roast for 20 minutes—this is when the magic starts, as the sweet potatoes start to caramelize and the onions soften.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken

After 20 minutes, scoot your sweet potatoes and onions to one side of the pan. Add chopped broccoli on the other side, tossing with a bit more olive oil and salt. Nestle the chicken breasts onto the sheet, and generously brush the tops with BBQ sauce.

Step 4: Finish Roasting

Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (it should be juicy, not dry, so don’t overbake) and the broccoli is golden and crisp-tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken & Assemble Bowls

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Toss shredded chicken with more BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Divide sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, and BBQ chicken into bowls, and serve right away while everything is hot.

How to Serve

These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few tasty ways to serve and pair them:

• Bowls: The classic presentation—pile up the chicken, sweet potatoes, onions, and broccoli, then drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
• Grain Base: Spoon over cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for an even more filling meal.
• Green Goddess: Serve everything on a bed of crisp greens and add some sliced avocado for good fats.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeños for pop and color.
• Wrap It Up: Stuff the whole mix in a large tortilla for a barbecue-inspired wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bowls store wonderfully. Simply transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Sweet potatoes and chicken freeze especially well, though the broccoli may lose a little crunch.

Reheating

Microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things moist, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overcooking so the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a weeknight dinner that truly checks all the boxes—easy prep, delicious flavors, balanced nutrition, and serious comfort—these BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are calling your name. They bring together everything that’s great about homemade meals, allowing endless opportunity for personalization. Get creative, have fun with it, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this wholesome meal again and again!

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