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First things first, let's get those sweet potatoes ready for this delicious bowl! Preheat your oven to a good 400°F (200°C). Peel the sweet potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly – I’ve definitely had bowls with some mushy pieces and some still-hard pieces, oops! Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, giving them space to breathe and get crispy, not steamed. This is where I always make sure they're spread out, or they just don't get that lovely caramelization!
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Pop those sweet potatoes into the preheated oven. Let them roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and starting to get those beautiful browned edges. Give them a little flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. While they’re roasting, my kitchen starts to smell so warm and inviting, a hint of the delicious dish to come. Don’t rush this step; perfectly roasted sweet potatoes are key! I’ve pulled them out too early before, and they just weren’t the same. Patience, my friend!
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While the sweet potatoes are doing their thing, let’s get our chicken ready for this meal. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps them brown nicely. Slice them into 1-inch thick strips or cubes, whatever you prefer. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated! I always use my hands for this; it just feels right and ensures everything is evenly seasoned. It’s going to smell amazing even before it hits the pan!
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. You want a nice sear, but don't overcook it, or it’ll be dry – I learned that lesson hard one evening! Once cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat every piece in that sticky, sweet, and smoky goodness. The smell at this stage? Irresistible! This is really bringing this recipe to life.
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Now for the best part – putting it all together! Once the sweet potatoes are done and the chicken is coated in that luscious BBQ sauce, it's assembly time. Grab your favorite bowls. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly among them. Next, spoon generous portions of the BBQ chicken over the sweet potatoes. Honestly, you can pile it high! I love seeing all those vibrant colors come together; it just looks so inviting. Sometimes, I add a little extra drizzle of BBQ sauce right now, just because I can. Don't be afraid to make it your own!
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To finish off your glorious BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl, sprinkle generously with thinly sliced red onion and fresh chopped cilantro. The red onion adds a lovely crunch and a bit of a zesty bite, and the cilantro just brightens everything up. If you're feeling extra, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing would be amazing, too. Serve immediately and enjoy that warm, comforting feeling. Every bite is a little explosion of sweet, smoky, and savory. It's truly one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners!