BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

Wholesome, hearty, and loaded with bold BBQ flavor!

Thank you so much for stopping by — because this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl is one of those recipes that hits every craving at once. It’s sweet, smoky, savory, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or building a balanced dinner everyone will love, this bowl delivers on flavor and feel-good fuel.

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What Are BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls?

These bowls combine tender BBQ-sauced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and a mix of veggies, grains, and optional toppings — all layered into one colorful, nutrient-packed dish. It’s kind of like your favorite BBQ plate meets a power bowl — with a balance of protein, fiber, and bold flavor that makes you want to keep digging in.

They’re easy to customize, naturally gluten-free, and meal prep-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Sweet, smoky BBQ flavor in every bite

• ✅ Packed with nutrients and filling ingredients

• ✅ Great for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners

• ✅ Easy to customize with what you have on hand

• ✅ Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (with optional toppings)

What It Tastes Like

These bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy. The sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, the BBQ chicken is juicy and bold, and the grain or salad base adds texture and heartiness. Add creamy avocado or crunchy slaw on top, and you’ve got a complete, flavor-packed bowl that’s anything but boring!

Benefits of This Recipe

• High-protein and full of complex carbs

• Fiber-rich and filling from sweet potatoes and veggies

• Meal-prep friendly — stays fresh for days

• Balanced macros make it perfect post-workout or for busy weeks

• One-pan option keeps cleanup minimal

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil

🍠 For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

🥗 For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cooked greens

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage or coleslaw mix

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or green onion

🥑 Optional Toppings:

• Avocado slices

• Lime wedges

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Hot sauce or extra BBQ drizzle

• Toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet

• Large skillet or grill pan (if pan-searing chicken)

• Cutting board and knife

• Mixing bowl

• Meal prep containers (if storing ahead)

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

• No sweet potatoes? Use roasted butternut squash, carrots, or regular potatoes

• No chicken? Swap in shredded BBQ jackfruit, tempeh, tofu, or rotisserie chicken

• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or greens

• Add beans: Black beans or pinto beans are delicious and filling

• Add cheese: Crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or dairy-free shreds work well

How to Make BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the sweet potatoes roast:

• Stovetop method:
  Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side). Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes and let it caramelize.
  Let rest, then slice or shred.

• Oven method:
  Place chicken on a foil-lined pan. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through. Broil for 1–2 minutes for caramelization.

3. Build Your Bowl

In each bowl, layer:

• Grain base (quinoa, rice, or greens)

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• BBQ chicken (sliced or shredded)

• Corn, cabbage or slaw, red onion

Top with avocado, herbs, and any extras you love.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Bowls

These bowls are super satisfying on their own, but you can round out the meal with:

• Cornbread muffins or jalapeño cheddar biscuits

• Fruit salad or grilled peaches

• Iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted veggies or grilled zucchini on the side

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Bowls

• 🔥 1. Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce

  • The BBQ sauce brings most of the flavor, so pick one you love — smoky, sweet, spicy, tangy, or homemade!

  • Want to keep it clean? Look for options with minimal added sugars or use a DIY version with your favorite spice level.

  🍗 2. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook.

  • Chicken breasts work great too — just don’t overcook! Let them rest before slicing for max juiciness.

  • Rotisserie chicken is a fast, easy shortcut — just shred and toss with warmed BBQ sauce.

  🍠 3. Roast Sweet Potatoes for Maximum Flavor

  • Cut sweet potatoes into even cubes (about ½-inch) so they roast evenly.

  • Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a caramelized, slightly smoky flavor.

  • Roast at 425°F and flip halfway to get crispy edges!

  🥣 4. Layer for Texture

  • Use a grain or greens base (like quinoa, brown rice, or arugula) to anchor the bowl.

  • Layer hot ingredients (chicken + potatoes) over the base so they slightly wilt the greens or warm the grains.

  • Add cool, fresh toppings like slaw, avocado, or red onion last for contrast.

  🥑 5. Add Creamy + Crunchy Elements

  • For balance, add a creamy component (like avocado, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of ranch).

  • Add crunch with toasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, or crushed tortilla chips — this really rounds out the bowl.

  🧂 6. Season Every Layer

  • Don’t just rely on the BBQ sauce! Lightly season your base (quinoa, rice, or greens) with lemon juice, olive oil, or a pinch of salt.

  • A squeeze of lime or a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten and balance the sweetness from the BBQ sauce and sweet potatoes.

  🧊 7. Meal Prep Like a Pro

  • Store ingredients separately when possible to maintain texture (especially avocado, crunchy toppings, or fresh herbs).

  • Reheat grains, chicken, and sweet potatoes, then assemble fresh for the best flavor.

Storage Instructions

• 🧊 Refrigerator (Best for Meal Prep)

  • Fully assembled bowls (minus fresh toppings like avocado or herbs) can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

  • Store sauce separately if you prefer to keep things from getting soggy.

  • If adding ingredients like avocado, dairy-based toppings, or greens, it’s best to add them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

  🔥 Reheating Instructions

  • Reheat the chicken, sweet potatoes, and grains in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or until heated through.

  • Add cold toppings (like slaw, avocado, or fresh herbs) after reheating.

  • You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil for a crispier finish.

  ❄️ Freezer-Friendly Components

  • While assembled bowls don’t freeze well (due to fresh toppings and texture changes), you can freeze parts of the bowl:

    • BBQ chicken: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    • Roasted sweet potatoes: Freeze flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container (also good for up to 2 months).

  • To thaw: Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual.

General Info About Power Bowls

Power bowls — also called grain bowls or Buddha bowls — are balanced meals layered with whole grains, lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats. They’re designed to be nutrient-dense, easy to customize, and often built around seasonal ingredients or a flavor theme (like BBQ, Mediterranean, or Southwest). Best of all? They’re perfect for meal prepping and incredibly satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in BBQ jackfruit, tofu, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose your favorite! Smoky, spicy, honey-sweet, or vinegar-based — they all work. You can even make your own if you want to control the sugar or spice.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shred it, toss with BBQ sauce, and you’re good to go — no extra cooking needed.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes — just use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and grain (like rice or quinoa).

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls are the kind of meal that feels indulgent but fuels you right — bold BBQ flavor, naturally sweet roasted veggies, and layers of texture in every forkful. Whether you’re prepping lunches or serving a quick dinner, these bowls are hearty, healthy, and seriously satisfying.

And if you loved this, don’t miss my Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowls or Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos — more big flavor in bowl form!

Show Me Your Bowls!

Made this recipe? I can’t wait to see how you personalized your bowl!
📸 Tag your bowl builds on Pinterest or leave a review — your creations help inspire our whole recipe community!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 8g (varies by BBQ sauce)

BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 bowls 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Wholesome, hearty, and loaded with bold BBQ flavor — this BBQ Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl is a nourishing, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Sweet, smoky, savory, and totally satisfying!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or greens
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• Optional: chopped cilantro or green onion
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, lime wedges, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, toasted pumpkin seeds or tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet with oil over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce at the end. Let rest, then slice or shred. (Or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.)
3. In bowls, layer base (quinoa, rice, or greens), roasted sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, corn, cabbage, and red onion.
4. Top with avocado, herbs, and any extras. Serve with lime wedges or extra BBQ drizzle.

Notes

Great for meal prep! Store ingredients separately for best texture. Easily customizable with plant-based proteins, different grains, or toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasted
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken bowl, sweet potato bowl, healthy meal prep, power bowl, easy dinner, gluten-free