This stuffed sweet potato with chicken is a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug! The sweet potato is fluffy and filled with tasty chicken, making it super filling and nutritious.
Honestly, I love how easy it is to prepare! Just bake the sweet potatoes, mix in the chicken, and voilà—dinner is ready. And let’s not forget, it’s great for meal prep too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! Look for large, firm ones for better texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try butternut squash or regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different.
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is essential for filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even leftover turkey or cooked beans for a vegetarian version.
Spices: Smoked paprika and ground cumin give a deep flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can work too, but the smokiness won’t be the same.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess. If you want it dairy-free, consider using cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Bacon: While optional, it adds a nice crunch! Turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can be a good substitute for a lighter touch.
How Do You Bake Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Baking sweet potatoes might seem simple, but you want to get them just right for that fluffy texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes to prevent them from bursting in the oven. Use a fork to poke a few holes.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the time may vary based on size.
- To check for doneness, pierce with a fork. It should slide in easily.
Take your time with these; the more they bake, the sweeter they get!
Stuffed Sweet Potato With Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Hot sauce or chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes around 5-10 minutes of prep time and about 45-60 minutes for baking the sweet potatoes, totaling about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. You’ll spend a little time mixing the ingredients and preparing the filling while the sweet potatoes cook. Get ready for a delicious, warm meal!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the sweet potatoes a good wash and prick them a few times with a fork to let the steam escape while they bake. This step is important to prevent them from bursting!
2. Bake Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender all the way through. To check, you can pierce them with a fork; it should go in easily.
3. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
While your sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and slightly browned. Then remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise (if you’re using it), and lime juice. You can also add a pinch of salt and some hot sauce or chili powder for an extra kick if you like it spicy!
5. Stuff the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, take them out of the oven (careful—hot!). Slice each sweet potato lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside flesh, creating room for the filling.
6. Fill with Chicken:
Generously spoon the spiced shredded chicken mixture into each sweet potato. Make sure to fill them up nicely!
7. Add the Creamy Drizzle:
Drizzle the creamy sour cream mixture on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes. The creaminess will balance perfectly with the spiced chicken.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top (if you’re using it) and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal!
This recipe results in delightful stuffed sweet potatoes, offering a wonderful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for dinner and even better the next day as leftovers!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes make this dish uniquely flavorful and nutritious, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even butternut squash if you prefer a different taste or texture. Just adjust the baking time as necessary, especially for regular potatoes, which may take longer to cook.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. You might add a little extra sour cream or yogurt before serving for freshness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this recipe vegetarian, you can replace the shredded chicken with black beans or chickpeas. Add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra flavor! Just season them the same way as you would the chicken for a delicious filling.
What Can I Add for Extra Toppings?
Feel free to get creative! Some great toppings include avocado slices, diced green onions, shredded cheese, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick. Adding additional spices or hot sauce can make it uniquely yours!
