Stuffed sweet potatoes with chicken are hearty and satisfying! They’re packed with tender chicken, tasty spices, and nutty sweet potatoes that will make your taste buds happy.
These make for a great meal any day of the week. I love how easy they are to prepare—you just bake the sweet potatoes, mix in the chicken, and enjoy a delicious dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I prefer larger sweet potatoes as they hold more filling. If you can’t find them, regular potatoes can work too, though the flavor will differ. Also, trying out different types of sweet potatoes, like purple ones, can add a fun twist!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient! If you’re vegetarian, you can replace it with black beans or chickpeas for protein. For a different flavor, try using leftover turkey or even cooked quinoa.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder give the chicken great flavor. If you want it spicier, add cayenne pepper. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works well too. Feel free to play around with your favorite spices!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, try parsley or green onions instead. Both can give a fresh taste to the dish.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I love a drizzle of tangy Greek yogurt! If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a dollop of guacamole for creaminess.
How Do I Bake Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Baking sweet potatoes may seem simple, but there’s a trick for the best results! Follow these steps to achieve tender and flavorful sweet potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork several times—this prevents them from bursting during baking.
- Place them directly on a baking sheet or use aluminum foil to catch any drips.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, testing for doneness by inserting a knife. It should glide easily through.
Let the potatoes cool slightly before cutting in half and stuffing—they’re easier to handle!
How to Make Stuffed Sweet Potato With Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 45-60 minutes for baking, making a total time of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Most of this time is just letting the sweet potatoes bake. The result is a warm, delicious meal that fills you up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Baking the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then poke them several times with a fork—this helps steam escape while baking. Place the sweet potatoes directly onto a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes. They should be nice and tender when you poke them with a knife.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, get started on the chicken filling. In a medium bowl, season your shredded chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Heating the Chicken:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and warm it up for about 3-5 minutes or until it’s heated through and smells delicious!
4. Stuffing the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are done baking and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out a bit of the sweet potato flesh from each half, leaving some around the edges to hold the filling.
5. Mix and Fill:
In a bowl, combine the scooped sweet potato flesh with the warm chicken, chopped cilantro, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until everything is well mixed. Now, take this delicious mixture and spoon it back into each sweet potato skin, mounding it generously.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top of your stuffed sweet potatoes. If you like, add some extra chopped cilantro and green onions for a fresh garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your stuffed sweet potatoes warm and enjoy a hearty, tasty meal that is sure to please your family and friends!
This recipe not only makes a delicious meal but also looks beautiful when served, just like the photo you shared! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute cooked shredded turkey, canned tuna, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any substitute is pre-cooked and seasoned to your liking!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the chicken mixture up to 1 day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sweet potatoes and warm the chicken filling before assembling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the stuffed potatoes (without the sour cream or yogurt) and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!