Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Bowl with Sweet Potatoes
This hearty and wholesome BBQ Chicken Bowl is a slow cooker favorite that’s sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. Tender pulled BBQ chicken is served over roasted or steamed sweet potatoes, with your choice of fresh toppings like slaw, corn, and avocado. It’s a healthy and satisfying one-bowl meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients:
For the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite, or homemade)
1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet Potatoes:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or sliced into rounds)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika
Bowl Toppings:
1/2 cup corn (grilled or canned)
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup red cabbage or coleslaw mix
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Pickled red onions (optional)
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker.
Add BBQ sauce, water/broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Keep warm.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
While the chicken is cooking, toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Alternatively, steam them for 12–15 minutes until soft if you prefer oil-free.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
Start with a base of roasted sweet potatoes.
Top with a generous scoop of BBQ pulled chicken.
Add toppings like corn, slaw, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onions.
Squeeze lime over the top for extra flavor.
Notes & Tips:
For a spicier BBQ chicken, add 1 tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes to the slow cooker.
Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of cubed for a comfort food twist.
Make it dairy-free and gluten-free by using certified GF BBQ sauce and no dairy toppings.
Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
This bowl is perfect for meal prep — just assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of slow cooking?
A: Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken and simmer in BBQ sauce on the stove for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
A: It’s recommended to thaw chicken before using in a slow cooker for safety and even cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
A: Use regular potatoes, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice as a substitute.
Q: Can I freeze the BBQ chicken?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Choose a mild BBQ sauce, and kids will love the sweet-and-savory combo.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sugars: 13 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 610 mg
Vitamin A: 180% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 35% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value