BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes stuffed with tender and juicy BBQ chicken and topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. This is a healthy meal option that contains less than 5 ingredients!

I've found that there are two types of people: those who know exactly what a potato stuffed with BBQ meat is, and those who think your absolutely crazy for mentioning it. No matter what team you are on, if you like BBQ chicken, you need to try these stuffed sweet potatoes.

BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes are exactly as the name sounds: a giant sweet potato that is sliced down middle, the insides are fluffed, and it is filled with tender, shredded BBQ chicken.

The recipe is so easy to make--anyone can do it. There are less than 5 ingredients required and it requires very little prep work. Simply cook the meat in the crock pot, cook the potatoes and assemble. It's the perfect easy, weeknight meal that looks gourmet but isn't hard to make.

Nutrition Information

I like to think of this meal as a great alternative to eating your normal, full-fledge-loaded-with-fat BBQ. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the sweet potatoes add lots of vitamins and minerals (healthier than eating BBQ with a side of fries!). Here's some info on the nutrition of this recipe:

• Sweet potatoes: provide lots of Vitamin A (over 100% of your daily needs). They are also a great source of fiber, potassium and have many health benefits.
• BBQ Sauce: tends to add extra sugar, you can always look for a low sugar option if that's of concern
• Protein: the chicken provides an excellent source of lean protein. The potatoes contain 28 grams of protein per serving.
• The main component that determines how healthy these are, is what's put on top of the potato. Stick to the meat and small amount of cheese as listed in the recipe, and they will be lower in calories compared to a potato that is topped with sour cream and bacon.
• The full nutrition facts are listed below the recipe.

Ingredients

This easy dinner recipe only requires 5 ingredients! That’s it, 5 total items! Seriously, could it be any easier?

• Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast.
• Italian Dressing: I prefer the light zesty Italian dressing made by Kraft. Any brand will work, however. Use light dressing if concerned about calories. This recipe has not been tested with fat free Italian Dressing.
• BBQ Sauce: The flavor of BBQ sauce will significantly affect the flavor of your chicken, so choose your favorite! I absolutely love the Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce. It gives an excellent BBQ flavor that’s not overly sweet and not overly spicy.
• Sweet Potatoes: Look for a medium/large sweet potato. Try to find a round sweet potato, rather than a long and skinny potato. This will make it easier to add the BBQ chicken stuffing on the inside.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Optional, however tastes delicious on top of the potato! Any type of cheese can be used- cheddar, Mexican, Italian blend, etc..

Variations

Replace The Sweet Potatoes

I feel obligated to say (as a dietitian) that sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are loaded with Vitamin A & Vitamin C. However, if sweet potatoes aren’t your thing, this recipe can be easily substituted with baked potatoes. The only difference in the recipe is that the baked potato will take longer to cook in the oven.  Also, the interior of baked potatoes tend to be a little bit more dry compared to sweet potatoes. Save some of the extra sauce the from the crock pot chicken and use it as a sauce for the final product.

Types of Chicken That Can Be Used

This recipe has only been tested with chicken breast, however boneless and skinless chicken thighs can also be used. Chicken thighs will be slightly higher in fat and calories.

BBQ Sauce Options

Use your favorite sauce, as this provides the most flavor to the dish! Look for a BBQ Sauce (not paste) as these provide an excellent flavor. My recommendation is the Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Sauce. Another option is the KC Masterpiece original BBQ Sauce.

• Sweeter BBQ Chicken: choose a BBQ sauce that is honey flavored.

• Add some extra spice: look for a mesquite flavored BBQ Sauce.

Toppings

Once the sweet potato has been stuffed with chicken and topped with Mozzarella cheese, it’s time for toppings. While I personally think the potato has enough flavor and does not require extra toppings, here are some delicious options:

• Chopped red onions
• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon bits
• Extra BBQ Sauce
• Ranch Dressing

Make the Perfect Sweet Potatoes

It is recommended to cook the sweet potatoes in the oven, as this creates a moist and sweet potato. Do not boil the sweet potatoes over the stove, as this can cause the potato to fall apart and skin to come off. It will be very difficult to stuff the sweet potato with BBQ chicken.

Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes: 

• Preheat the oven to 375F. Wash sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork about 4-5 times. Brush lightly with olive oil or spray with pan release spray.
• Lay sweet potatoes flat on baking sheet. Cook for 45 minutes, rotating each potato every 20 minutes. Potatoes will be tender when done

Build the BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Let sweet potatoes cool for about 5 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.
• Make a slice down the middle length ways. Cut only as deep as the bottom of the sweet potato flesh, without cutting open the bottom skin. This will help to hold the sweet potato together better. The potato should open similar to opening a book: still bound together in the middle.  
• Using a fork, gently fluff the sweet potatoes so that the potato interior is broken up. Keep sweet potato in the skin.
• Add the BBQ Chicken to the middle of each sweet potato. Use a generous amount, until the potato is filled to the top.
• Top with mozzarella cheese.
• Place sweet potatoes back in the oven, cook for 2 minutes at 375F and then Broil for the remaining 2 minutes. The broil at the end helps brown the cheese lightly. Watch cheese carefully so it does not burn.
• Remove from oven and top with remaining sauce from the crock pot chicken, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!