Did you know that sweet potatoes contain up to 400% of your daily vitamin A requirements? You’ll transform these nutrient-packed spuds into an irresistible fusion dish that combines classic BBQ flavors with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. When you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to compromise on nutrition, these loaded skins deliver the perfect balance – plus, you can customize the toppings to make them uniquely yours.
Key Takeaways
- Sweet potato skins are baked at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until tender, then filled with BBQ chicken and cheese.
- Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with BBQ sauce, spoon into hollowed sweet potato halves, and top with cheddar cheese.
- Broil assembled skins for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden brown, then garnish with green onions.
- Healthier alternative to traditional potato skins, combining lean protein and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes in one dish.
- Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, can be served as appetizer or main dish with optional toppings.
History
While loaded potato skins have been a beloved bar food since the 1970s, the sweet potato version emerged in the early 2000s as part of the healthy comfort food movement.
You’ll find these nutritious reimagined skins popping up on trendy restaurant menus and food blogs as chefs began experimenting with wholesome alternatives to classic comfort foods.
The fusion of BBQ chicken with sweet potatoes wasn’t far behind. This delicious combo gained popularity as home cooks discovered how perfectly the smoky-sweet BBQ flavors complemented the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Since then, countless variations have appeared – from spicy chipotle versions to ones topped with bacon and ranch!
The dish really took off when food photographers started sharing these colorful, cheese-topped creations on social media, making them a hit at parties and gameday gatherings.
Recipe
Loaded BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Skins transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The tender sweet potatoes serve as perfect vessels for the BBQ chicken filling, while melted cheese creates an irresistible golden crust on top.
This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional potato skins while delivering the same satisfying comfort food experience. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the sweet potatoes makes this dish both nutritious and delicious, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Once cooled slightly, cut potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the middle, leaving a ¼-inch border.
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Fill each potato skin with the BBQ chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
For optimal results, select sweet potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking times. The scooped-out potato flesh can be saved for other recipes or mashed with butter and seasonings.
If the potato skins become too soft after scooping, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up before adding the filling. Allow the stuffed skins to rest for 5 minutes before serving to prevent the filling from being too hot.
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by preheating your oven to 400°F and piercing your sweet potatoes several times with a fork before placing them on a baking sheet.
Once the potatoes are fork-tender after about 45 minutes, slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers while leaving a sturdy border.
Finally, you’ll load up those crispy skins with your BBQ chicken mixture and cheese, then broil until bubbly and golden!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 400°F
Begin this delicious BBQ chicken sweet potato adventure by preheating your oven to 400°F! This precise temperature ensures your sweet potatoes will cook evenly and develop the perfect tender texture.
While your oven’s heating up, it’s the perfect time to gather your ingredients and prep your workspace.
You’ll want to give your oven about 10-15 minutes to reach the full temperature – don’t rush this step! A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving those perfectly baked sweet potatoes with crispy skins.
If you’re using a convection oven, remember to reduce the temperature by 25 degrees to 375°F.
Place your oven rack in the middle position to promote even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
Now you’re ready to start preparing those amazing loaded BBQ chicken sweet potato skins!
Step 2. Pierce Potatoes With Fork
Taking your scrubbed sweet potatoes, pierce them thoroughly with a fork, creating 8-10 evenly spaced holes on each side. These holes are essential for proper cooking and will prevent your sweet potatoes from exploding in the oven!
Make sure you’re pressing the fork deep enough to create substantial punctures. Focus on piercing the potatoes in a consistent pattern, paying special attention to the thickest parts where steam needs to escape.
You’ll notice the fork easily slides into the raw potato’s flesh – that’s exactly what you want. If you’re working with larger sweet potatoes, add a few extra holes to ensure even cooking.
The piercing process helps release moisture during baking, resulting in perfectly tender sweet potatoes that’ll be ready for that mouthwatering BBQ chicken filling.
Step 3. Bake Until Tender
Now that your sweet potatoes are properly pierced, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set your oven to 400°F.
The sweet potatoes will need 45-60 minutes to become perfectly tender, depending on their size.
You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily into the center with no resistance. During baking, the skin will become slightly wrinkled and caramelized, while the inside transforms into a soft, creamy texture that’s perfect for scooping.
Don’t rush this step – properly baked sweet potatoes are essential for creating the best potato skins! If you’re working with larger potatoes, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Keep checking for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part.
Step 4. Scoop Potato Centers Carefully
Let the sweet potatoes cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing them in half lengthwise to create your potato boats.
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the sweet, tender flesh from each half, leaving about a 1/4-inch border along the sides and bottom. You’ll want the shells sturdy enough to hold your delicious BBQ chicken filling!
Be careful not to pierce through the skin as you’re scooping – work slowly and deliberately.
If any of your potato skins become too soft during this process, pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to firm up.
Set aside the scooped potato flesh in a bowl; you can use it later for a creamy mashed sweet potato side dish or save it for another recipe.
Step 5. Add Filling and Broil
The prepared sweet potato shells are ready to become amazing BBQ chicken boats!
Mix your shredded rotisserie chicken with 1 cup of tangy BBQ sauce until well-coated. Spoon this saucy mixture generously into each potato skin, filling them to the top.
Now comes the fun part – cheese time! Sprinkle a thick layer of shredded cheddar over each loaded potato skin. You’ll want about 1/4 cup per half.
Place your stuffed skins under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Don’t walk away – broilers work quickly!
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, pull them out and finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Your BBQ chicken sweet potato skins are ready to serve while they’re hot and gooey!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or planning a cozy family dinner, these loaded BBQ chicken sweet potato skins deliver incredible flavor in every bite! The combination of tender sweet potatoes and tangy BBQ chicken creates an irresistible dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
You’ll love how versatile these potato skins are – serve them as a hearty main course, crowd-pleasing appetizer, or satisfying snack.
They’re perfect for meal prep too! Make a batch ahead of time and reheat when needed. For extra convenience, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving.
Don’t forget to experiment with different BBQ sauces to create your perfect flavor combination. These loaded sweet potato skins are sure to become a regular addition to your recipe rotation!
