Ugh, weeknight dinners. We’ve all been there, right? Staring into the fridge, totally drained, and just needing something *good* without a ton of fuss. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato dish. It’s honestly a lifesaver! It’s got that sweet, savory, finger-licking BBQ goodness, plus the comforting sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. I swear, I’ve made this on nights I’m practically melting into the floor, and it comes together so fast. It reminds me of when I used to try and whip up something hearty for my roommates after a long day of classes – we’d practically inhale it!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe
Seriously, you’re going to want to add this to your regular rotation. Here’s why:
- So Easy! You basically just chop, toss, bake, sauce, and bake again. Minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser Alert! Even the pickiest eaters usually love sweet and savory BBQ chicken, and the tender sweet potatoes are a hit.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: It’s a complete meal all on one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time for… well, anything else!
- Flavor Explosion: That sweet, smoky BBQ sauce with perfectly tender, slightly caramelized chicken and sweet potatoes? Dreamy.
Ingredients for Your Perfect BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
Okay, so gathering your ingredients is the first real step, and trust me, you probably have most of this stuff lurking in your pantry or fridge already! It’s really straightforward.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I like to cut these into nice, bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. That way they cook up nice and even with the sweet potatoes.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – You’ll want to peel these beauties and then cube them up too. Aim for pieces that are a similar size to your chicken so they’re all happy together in the oven.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce – This is where you can totally play! Use your favorite brand, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. It makes all the difference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a touch to get things coated and prevent sticking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – I usually reach for kosher salt because it has a nice texture and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper is always best for that little bite! Check out my pepper guide if you want to know why!
How to Prepare This Delicious BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
Okay, let’s get this magic happening! Making this is seriously foolproof, even if you’re not usually a kitchen whiz. The oven does most of the heavy lifting, which is my favorite kind of cooking. It’s similar to how I whip up my garlic herb roasted potatoes, just with a few extra steps!
Step 1: Prep and Season Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
First things first, crank up that oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, grab a big ol’ bowl. Toss your cubed chicken and sweet potatoes in there. Drizzle with that olive oil – just a tablespoon is perfect. Then, sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Give it all a good, hearty toss to make sure everything is nicely coated. We want every single piece to be seasoned and ready for its close-up!
Step 2: Bake the Initial BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Mixture
Now, carefully spread out that seasoned chicken and sweet potato mixture onto your baking sheet. Make sure it’s in a single layer, okay? This is super important for getting everything cooked evenly. Don’t let things pile up, or you’ll end up with steamed bits instead of beautifully roasted ones. Pop it into the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll see the sweet potatoes starting to soften a bit, kind of like the first bake in my garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet.
Step 3: Sauce and Finish Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
After those first 20 minutes, pull the baking sheet out. Time for the star of the show – the BBQ sauce! Drizzle that glorious sauce all over the chicken and sweet potatoes. Use a spatula or a spoon to toss everything gently right there on the pan until it’s all coated in that yummy sauce. Pop it back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked all the way through and the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender and maybe a little caramelized. It smells amazing at this point, trust me!
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about those little tricks that take it from good to *great*. It’s all about the small details, you know?
- Sweet Potato Choice Matters: Not all sweet potatoes are created equal! For this dish, I really prefer the classic orange-fleshed ones, like Beauregards or Garnets. They get nice and tender and have that great sweet flavor. Stick with medium-sized ones for the best cooking consistency – avoid those giant ones, they can be a bit watery. If you want to get fancy, check out my tips for picking the best sweet potatoes!
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce Toss: When you add the BBQ sauce, really make sure everything gets coated well! That sauce caramelizes in the oven, and you want that delicious flavor on every single bite of chicken and sweet potato.
- Single Layer is Key: I know I said it in the instructions, but seriously, arrange everything in a single layer on the baking sheet. It makes such a huge difference in getting those lovely roasted edges instead of just steamed-up mush.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
So, let’s chat ingredients for a sec! While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Chicken thighs are also fantastic here – they’re a bit more forgiving and stay super moist. If you’re using thighs, just trim off any excess fat before cubing. And the BBQ sauce? Oh my goodness, the choices! Use whatever kind makes your taste buds sing – a smoky chipotle for heat, a Kansas City-style for sweetness, or even a vinegar-based one for a little tang. It’s all good! If you’ve got shredded chicken on hand from another meal, that works too, maybe check out my shredded chicken rice for ideas. For a completely different flavor profile, my Mediterranean chicken gyros are great, but this BBQ version is pure comfort food!
Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
This BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, I’ve got some ideas! For something light and refreshing, a crisp salad is always a winner. My pineapple cucumber salad cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce beautifully, or you could go for a simple cucumber Caprese salad. Honestly, though, even just a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some chopped green onions on top makes it look and taste extra special!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
So, you’ve got some amazing leftovers? Lucky you! To keep this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato tasting as good as day one, pop any extras into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the oven or a toaster oven works best. Just spread it out on a baking sheet again at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. This helps keep those sweet potatoes from getting too mushy, which can happen in the microwave sometimes. You want it perfectly reheated, not nuked!
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This dish is pretty straightforward, but it’s always good to clear up any little things.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice here. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay super moist, which is always a win. Just trim off any extra fat and cube ’em up like you would the breasts. They might take a minute or two longer to cook through, so just keep an eye on them!
How do I make this BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato spicier?
Oh, I love a little kick! The easiest way is to use a spicier BBQ sauce, or you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when you toss everything with the oil and spices in the first step. A little hot sauce drizzled on top when serving also works wonders!
What kind of sweet potatoes are best for this recipe?
For this specific recipe, I find the classic orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, like Garnets or Beauregards, work the best. They have that perfect balance of sweetness and moisture that gets beautifully tender and a little caramelized when roasted. Stick with medium-sized ones for the most even cooking!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the chicken and sweet potatoes by cubing and seasoning them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just spread them on the baking sheet and follow the recipe as usual. The sauce step is best done right before the final bake to get that nice sticky glaze!
Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this super yummy dish is an estimate, as it can totally depend on the specific BBQ sauce you use and precisely how big your sweet potatoes are! But generally, one serving clocks in with around 450 calories, about 30g of protein, and 50g of carbs, with 15g of fat. It’s a pretty balanced meal in my book! You can find our full nutritional disclaimer here.
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BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and sweet potatoes coated in barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces and sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chicken and sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the barbecue sauce over the chicken and sweet potatoes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder to the chicken and sweet potatoes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: bbq chicken, sweet potato, baked chicken, roasted sweet potato, easy dinner, weeknight meal