BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal combining tender grilled or roasted chicken, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings. The chicken is coated in smoky BBQ sauce, while the roasted sweet potatoes provide a perfect balance of sweetness. These bowls are ideal for meal prepping, quick weeknight dinners, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl Assembly:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Directions

1. Make the BBQ Chicken:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize.

   • Rest for 5 minutes, then slice the chicken into strips.

2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

   • Toss the diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.

3. Assemble the Bowls:

   • In each bowl, layer the quinoa or brown rice as the base.

   • Top with roasted sweet potatoes, corn, red bell pepper, and avocado slices.

   • Add the sliced BBQ chicken on top.

   • Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 400-450

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 12g

The BBQ Chicken: Smoky and Tender

The BBQ chicken is the heart of this dish, offering a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes. The chicken breasts are seasoned with a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful crust that intensifies as it grills. The addition of BBQ sauce in the last minute of cooking allows the sauce to caramelize, giving the chicken an irresistible glaze that adds depth and sweetness to every bite.

Grilling or pan-searing the chicken ensures it remains juicy and tender, while also creating a slight char on the outside, which enhances the flavor profile. Slicing the chicken into strips makes it easy to arrange on top of the bowls, ensuring that each bite is balanced with the other ingredients. The BBQ chicken not only adds a smoky, savory component to the meal but also provides a generous amount of lean protein, making it a filling choice for a nourishing dinner.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Caramelized Perfection

Sweet potatoes are a natural complement to BBQ chicken, offering a contrast in both flavor and texture. When roasted, sweet potatoes develop a caramelized exterior that balances their inherent sweetness, creating a satisfying depth of flavor that enhances the dish. Tossing the diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper allows the natural flavors to shine while also infusing them with a savory warmth.

The cumin and paprika add a smoky, earthy undertone to the sweet potatoes, enhancing their sweetness and creating a savory contrast to the BBQ chicken. Roasting them until tender and lightly caramelized ensures they retain their natural sweetness while also developing a slightly crisp exterior. The roasted sweet potatoes add a satisfying texture to the bowl, providing a sweet, hearty component that balances the richness of the chicken and the freshness of the other toppings.

The Perfect Base: Quinoa or Brown Rice

Both quinoa and brown rice serve as excellent bases for the BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls. These whole grains provide a wholesome foundation for the dish, offering fiber, protein, and a hearty texture that supports the other ingredients. Quinoa is a gluten-free option that is particularly high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. Brown rice, on the other hand, provides a slightly nuttier flavor and is rich in fiber, which helps keep you fuller for longer.

Whichever base you choose, it acts as a neutral backdrop that allows the flavors of the chicken, sweet potatoes, and toppings to shine. The base soaks up the extra BBQ sauce, making every bite even more flavorful. The combination of quinoa or brown rice with the other ingredients ensures that each bowl is satisfying and nutritionally balanced.

Fresh Toppings: A Bright Contrast

One of the standout features of BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls is the variety of fresh toppings that add both texture and brightness to the dish. Corn kernels, whether fresh or frozen, offer a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that contrast nicely with the tender chicken and soft sweet potatoes. The red bell pepper adds a pop of color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Avocado slices provide a creamy, rich texture that balances out the smoky BBQ chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes. The healthy fats in the avocado also contribute to the meal’s satiety, making it even more satisfying. Fresh cilantro adds an herbal note that brightens up the bowl and ties all the flavors together, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the BBQ sauce and the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Assembling the Bowl: A Beautiful and Balanced Meal

Assembling the BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls is a fun and customizable process. Start by layering the base of quinoa or brown rice, creating a foundation for the rest of the ingredients. Next, add the roasted sweet potatoes, corn, red bell pepper, and avocado slices, ensuring that each ingredient is evenly distributed for a balanced bite. The sliced BBQ chicken is then arranged on top, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce for added flavor and moisture.

The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, which adds both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. The cilantro not only complements the BBQ sauce but also ties the different components of the bowl together, balancing the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This combination of textures and flavors creates a meal that is as satisfying to eat as it is to look at.

Meal Prepping with BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

These bowls are perfect for meal prepping, as all the components can be made in advance and assembled quickly when ready to eat. The BBQ chicken can be grilled or roasted ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, while the roasted sweet potatoes can be prepped and stored in an airtight container. The quinoa or brown rice can also be cooked in advance and kept in the fridge for up to a few days. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat the components and assemble the bowls with fresh toppings.

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. For those looking to reduce carbs, cauliflower rice can be used as a base, and for a vegan version, the chicken can be replaced with grilled tofu or tempeh. The toppings can also be adjusted based on what’s in season or your personal preferences, making this dish a great option for any occasion.

Pairing Suggestions

BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are a filling and well-rounded meal that pairs well with a variety of beverages. A refreshing iced tea, either sweetened or unsweetened, provides a light, crisp contrast to the smoky flavors of the chicken and the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. For wine enthusiasts, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the rich flavors of the BBQ sauce and the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing, citrusy note that brightens up the meal.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl. The smoky BBQ chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings combine to create a delicious and balanced dish that is perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd. The customizable nature of the dish allows you to tailor it to your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. With its combination of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish offers a nourishing, well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.