These BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a hearty and satisfying twist on a classic dinner. Stuffed with tender BBQ chicken, melted smoked Gouda, and topped with red onion and jalapeños, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, these sweet potatoes make for an easy and delicious meal that you can easily customize.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into quarter moons

• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet, toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

2. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 1 hour, or until tender. Let them cool slightly.

3. Once cooled, slice along the top of each sweet potato and push the ends to create a well in the center.

4. In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and garlic. Stuff the chicken mixture into the sweet potatoes, then top with red onion, jalapeño, and shredded Gouda.

5. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for about 15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.

6. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce before serving.

Nutrients
1 serving (1 stuffed sweet potato):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal

• Total Fat: 14-18g

  • Saturated Fat: 5-6g

• Carbohydrates: 40-45g

  • Fiber: 6-7g

• Protein: 25-30g

The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits that make them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. One of the key advantages of sweet potatoes is their rich content of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The fiber in sweet potatoes also promotes feelings of fullness, which can prevent overeating and assist with weight management.

Sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which is crucial for maintaining good vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and vitamin C, which supports immune function and overall health.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs perfectly with savory toppings like BBQ chicken, making it an ideal base for a meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. The fiber, vitamins, and minerals in sweet potatoes provide a balanced and wholesome foundation for the dish, offering a healthy alternative to traditional baked potatoes.

The Rich Flavors of BBQ Chicken and Smoked Gouda

The BBQ chicken in this dish brings a burst of smoky, tangy flavor, creating a perfect complement to the sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes. BBQ sauce adds a rich depth of flavor, with its combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes that enhance the overall taste of the chicken. Whether you choose a classic BBQ sauce or a tangier, spicier variety, the sauce will infuse the chicken with bold flavors that pair beautifully with the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes.

The addition of smoked Gouda cheese takes this dish to the next level, adding a subtle smoky flavor and a creamy texture that melts perfectly over the chicken and sweet potatoes. Smoked Gouda has a slightly nutty, earthy taste, making it the perfect cheese to enhance the savory profile of the BBQ chicken while balancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The cheese also adds richness and depth to the dish, creating a comforting, satisfying bite in every mouthful.

Together, the BBQ chicken and smoked Gouda create a well-balanced flavor profile that elevates the humble sweet potato into a hearty and indulgent meal. The combination of savory, smoky, and sweet elements ensures that each bite is full of complex flavors, making BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes a truly enjoyable dish.

The Role of Toppings: Red Onion, Jalapeños, and BBQ Sauce

The toppings on BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are what truly make this dish stand out. Thinly sliced red onion adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken. Red onion also brings a mild sharpness that contrasts nicely with the smoky, creamy ingredients, adding an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

Jalapeños are another important topping, bringing a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The heat from the jalapeños contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the BBQ chicken, adding excitement to each bite. The fresh, crisp texture of the jalapeños also provides a nice contrast to the soft, baked sweet potatoes and melted cheese.

Finally, a drizzle of additional BBQ sauce before serving adds a final layer of flavor and moisture to the dish. The BBQ sauce not only enhances the taste of the chicken but also ties the entire dish together, making each bite a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preferences, adding more for extra tang or keeping it light for a subtler flavor.

A Flexible and Customizable Dish

One of the great aspects of BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes is how easily the recipe can be customized to suit different tastes. While the base ingredients—BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, smoked Gouda, and fresh toppings—create a delicious foundation, there are plenty of ways to modify the dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

For those who prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap the smoked Gouda for other varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese option if you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet. The smoky flavor of the Gouda can be replicated with a different cheese that melts well and complements the BBQ chicken.

If you like your dishes spicier, you can add more jalapeños or even incorporate other hot peppers, such as serrano or poblano peppers. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeños and substitute them with other toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or even a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

For a lighter version of the dish, you can reduce the amount of cheese or BBQ sauce used, or opt for a lower-fat BBQ sauce. If you want to add more vegetables, consider topping the sweet potatoes with sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to increase the dish’s nutrient density while still keeping the flavors vibrant and delicious.

The Convenience of Leftovers and Meal Prep

BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are not only an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner but also a great option for meal prep. The recipe can be easily scaled up to prepare multiple servings, making it a convenient choice for families or for anyone looking to have leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day. The sweet potatoes and chicken store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated quickly in the microwave or oven.

In addition to being perfect for leftovers, these sweet potatoes are a great option for meal prep. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and BBQ chicken ahead of time, stuff them, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them with the cheese and toppings, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready to go.

The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for those who need to plan meals in advance, as it can be prepared in bulk and enjoyed over several days. With its rich flavors and ability to be customized, BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are an excellent addition to any meal-prepping routine.

A Comforting and Hearty Meal

BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes offer a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a chilly evening, a filling meal after a workout, or a dish to impress guests at a family gathering, this recipe delivers both in flavor and nutrition.

The combination of sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, and smoked Gouda makes for a balanced meal that offers a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The fiber from the sweet potatoes and the protein from the chicken help keep you full and satisfied, while the healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil provide lasting energy.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dinner

BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful, satisfying meal. The sweet potatoes provide a healthy and nutritious base, while the BBQ chicken, smoked Gouda, and toppings add depth, richness, and excitement. This dish offers a great balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized to suit different tastes.

Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight meal, a make-ahead lunch, or a hearty dinner to enjoy with loved ones, BBQ Chicken Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements creates a meal that is both comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect option for any occasion.