BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

Short Description

A wholesome and satisfying bowl made with tender BBQ chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy coleslaw, and tangy pickles. This well-balanced dish offers a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor from smoky BBQ chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes

• Offers a nutritious balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats

• Customizable and perfect for meal prep

• Can be made using various cooking methods: Instant Pot, slow cooker, oven, or stovetop

• Great for gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30-friendly diets

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the BBQ Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• BBQ sauce

• Italian dressing or a mix of oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning

• Salt

For the Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• Chili powder

• Ground cinnamon

• Avocado oil or coconut oil

For the Coleslaw

• Shredded coleslaw mix

• Mayonnaise

• Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

• Coconut aminos

• Salt

For the Quick Pickles

• Sliced cucumber or dill pickles

• Fresh dill

• Garlic clove

• Mustard seeds

• Water

• Vinegar

• Salt

To Garnish

• Fresh parsley

• BBQ dry seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato cubes with oil, chili powder, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Stir and continue roasting for 10–15 minutes until tender and lightly crisped.

2. Make the Quick Pickles: Combine cucumber slices with dill, garlic, mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt. Let them sit while the rest of the meal is prepared.

3. Cook the BBQ Chicken:

   • Instant Pot: Add chicken, BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and salt. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure, shred the chicken, and sauté until coated and thickened.

   • Slow Cooker: Cook chicken with sauce and dressing on High for 3 hours or Low for 5 hours, then shred.

   • Stovetop: Simmer shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until heated through.

4. Prepare the Coleslaw: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, coconut aminos, and salt. Toss with coleslaw mix until evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, arrange roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, and pickles. Garnish with parsley and BBQ seasoning if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 bowls

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 60 minutes

• Total Time: 75 minutes

Variations

• Grain Bowl: Add brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as a base.

• Grilled Style: Grill the chicken and sweet potato slices for a smoky flavor.

• Air Fryer Version: Use the air fryer to cook sweet potatoes and chicken pieces quickly.

• Vegan Twist: Replace chicken with BBQ jackfruit or tofu.

• Tex-Mex Fusion: Add avocado slices, black beans, or corn for a southwestern spin.

Storage/Reheating

• Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat the BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

• Keep coleslaw and pickles chilled; assemble just before serving for best texture.

• The BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly in this recipe.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the BBQ sauce and Italian dressing are gluten-free.

3. Can I skip the pickles?

Yes, the pickles add a tangy crunch but can be omitted or substituted with store-bought ones.

4. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust the chili powder and BBQ sauce for more or less heat.

5. Can I use store-bought coleslaw dressing?

Yes, but ensure it matches your dietary needs if following specific diets.

6. Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare all components and store separately for easy meal prep.

7. How do I reheat this dish?

Microwave or reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes on the stovetop. Assemble with fresh coleslaw and pickles.

8. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs especially well with BBQ flavors.

9. What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, spicy, or tangy depending on preference.

10. Can I add cheese to this bowl?

Yes, shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can be added if not following a dairy-free diet.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl is a flavorful, nourishing, and customizable dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. With a great balance of textures and flavors, it’s a dish the whole family can enjoy—and one that easily adapts to your dietary needs and preferences.