Indulge in a mouthwatering blend of tender BBQ chicken and cheesy sweet potato goodness! If you’re looking for a fun and healthy twist on your typical loaded potato skins, BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skins are the perfect option. These delicious and nutritious skins are packed with a mix of shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and a satisfying hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes themselves. Whether you’re serving them up as an appetizer or making them the star of your dinner table, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before we jump into the preparation, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need to bring these BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skins to life.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes – These serve as the base for the skins, providing sweetness and nutrition.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for that perfect tangy flavor.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – This adds a sharp, creamy richness to the potato skins.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides a smooth, melty texture that complements the cheddar.
- ¼ cup sour cream – To add a cool, creamy finish to the dish.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) – The garnish brings a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For brushing on the sweet potatoes before baking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasoning for both the potatoes and chicken mixture.
Directions and Preparation Method
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you begin, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will make clean-up easier and ensure your sweet potatoes don’t stick during baking.
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and drying the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to poke several holes in each one—this helps steam escape while they cook. Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil and place them on the lined baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once they’re done, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes, just enough so that you can handle them without burning yourself.
3. Prepare the Chicken
While the potatoes are baking, take your cooked, shredded chicken and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Set the bowl aside to let the flavors meld while the potatoes finish baking.
4. Scoop Out the Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, it’s time to turn them into skins. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, exposing the soft flesh inside. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a quarter inch of the potato inside the skins to hold their shape. You can save the scooped-out potato for another dish, like mashed sweet potatoes, or discard it.
Season the potato skins with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
5. Fill and Bake Again
Now for the fun part—stuffing the skins! Fill each sweet potato skin with the BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed. Once filled, top each one with a generous amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Place the filled potato skins back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling. The skins should be crisp along the edges and the cheese golden and gooey.
6. Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the sweet potato skins from the oven. Let them cool slightly before adding a dollop of sour cream on top of each one. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions to add a burst of color and flavor.
Your BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skins are ready to serve! They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition, you can easily swap them for regular russet potatoes if that’s your preference. Just follow the same preparation steps.
2. What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
This recipe works best with cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent option if you’re short on time. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just make sure the chicken is well-seasoned for the best flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these sweet potato skins can be prepped ahead of time. Bake the potatoes, scoop out the flesh, and fill them with the BBQ chicken mixture. You can refrigerate them (without the cheese) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, top them with cheese and bake them until hot and bubbly.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and replace it with a hearty plant-based protein like black beans or crumbled tofu. Use a vegetarian BBQ sauce, and you’re good to go!
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potato skins in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the skins may lose their crispness.
6. What are some other topping options?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Instead of BBQ chicken, you can fill your sweet potato skins with pulled pork, taco meat, or sautéed vegetables. For additional flavor, drizzle some ranch dressing or add crumbled bacon on top.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skins are a delightful, savory snack or meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken with the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes. This dish is ideal for parties, game day, or even as a fun family dinner option. With a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, these stuffed sweet potato skins come together in just over an hour, making them a convenient yet impressive recipe.