Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. These are the base of our bowl, providing sweetness and a healthy dose of vitamins.
- Chicken Breast: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Lean protein that becomes incredibly flavorful when marinated in BBQ sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. The star flavor component, choose one you love as it will define the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the chicken, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking.
- Spices (for sweet potatoes): 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. These enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes and add depth of flavor.
- Spices (for chicken): 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper to taste. These spices create a savory base for the BBQ sauce to cling to.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained. Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the bowl.
- Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if canned. Provides sweetness, texture, and a pop of color.
- Red Onion: ½ red onion, thinly sliced or diced. Adds a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
- Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced. Creamy and rich, it adds healthy fats and a luxurious texture.
- Cilantro: ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Fresh herb that brings a bright, citrusy note and complements the BBQ flavors.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, hot sauce. These allow for customization and added layers of flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel them and cut them into uniform cubes, about ½ to 1 inch in size. Evenly sized cubes will ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Season and Roast Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spices. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and gives them a wonderful texture.
- Prepare Chicken: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: You have a few options for cooking the chicken. You can grill it, bake it, or pan-sear it.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a separate baking sheet. Bake in the oven alongside the sweet potatoes (or separately if needed) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken and Add BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can add more or less BBQ sauce to your liking.
- Prepare Black Beans and Corn: While the chicken and sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the black beans and corn. If using canned black beans, rinse and drain them thoroughly. If using frozen corn, you can quickly sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until heated through, or microwave it according to package directions. Canned corn can be drained and heated as well.
- Assemble the Bowls: Now it’s time to assemble your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly among bowls. Top with the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Add Optional Toppings and Serve: Add any optional toppings you desire, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, pickled jalapeños for a kick, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or a dash of hot sauce for heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 650
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 45