Pin Fluffy roasted sweet potatoes are filled with tender honey BBQ chicken, topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. This American-inspired dish is easy to prepare and naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome family dinner.
Pin Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a meal-prep friendly option, these loaded sweet potato boats provide a delicious balance of protein and complex carbohydrates in every bite.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes (scrubbed), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Chicken Filling: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded), 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Rub each sweet potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Prick potatoes several times with a fork.
- Step 3
- Roast sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet for 40–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Step 4
- While the sweet potatoes bake, mix shredded chicken, honey BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl until well combined.
- Step 5
- When sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each lengthwise and gently scoop out some flesh to create a boat, leaving about 1/4-inch border.
- Step 6
- Add some of the scooped sweet potato flesh to the chicken mixture and stir together.
- Step 7
- Fill each sweet potato boat with the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 8
- Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Step 9
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Don't forget to prick the sweet potatoes with a fork before roasting; this allows steam to escape so they don't burst. Mixing a portion of the scooped-out potato flesh back into the chicken filling ensures a creamier texture and zero food waste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize the flavor by substituting cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese or omit the topping entirely.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these stuffed potatoes with a side salad for a complete meal. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of chipotle powder to the chicken mixture provides a lovely smoky twist.
Pin This simple yet impressive meal is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender roasted potato and saucy BBQ chicken is a winner for any occasion!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, stuff the potatoes and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
- → What other proteins work well in this dish?
Pulled pork works excellently with the honey BBQ flavors. Shredded beef or turkey also pair nicely. For a vegetarian option, try black beans, corn, and extra cheese with the BBQ sauce.
- → How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?
Insert a fork into the thickest part of the potato. It should slide in easily with no resistance. The skin should feel slightly crisp and the interior will be very tender. This typically takes 40-50 minutes at 400°F.
- → Can I cook these in the microwave instead?
You can microwave the sweet potatoes for 6-8 minutes each until tender, then stuff and broil for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. However, oven-roasting produces superior flavor and texture with caramelized edges.
- → What sides complement this dish?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans work well. Coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the sweet BBQ flavors.
- → How can I make this spicier?
Add chipotle powder or cayenne to the chicken mixture. Use a spicy BBQ sauce instead of honey BBQ. Top with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce before serving. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.