Shredded Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Name: Shredded Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 avocado, diced (for topping); Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites

I absolutely love making Shredded Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for a cozy dinner. The sweet potatoes provide a perfect balance to the savory, seasoned chicken, while also being packed with nutrients. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized to suit anyone's taste. Whether it's a busy weeknight meal or a tasty weekend treat, these stuffed sweet potatoes never disappoint, and I can confidently say that they are both satisfying and delicious!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:24:49.835Z

When I first combined shredded chicken with sweet potatoes, I found the flavor contrast simply delightful. The sweetness of the potato perfectly complements the seasoned chicken, transforming the dish into a hearty and comforting meal. I always recommend choosing organic sweet potatoes for a richer taste and health benefits.

One key tip I learned along the way is to season your chicken generously before cooking. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. I've experimented with various spices and found that a bit of smoked paprika elevates the dish even further. Trust me, it's worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling without feeling heavy
Packed with flavors that combine sweet and savory
Easily customizable for any dietary preferences

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly

Cooking sweet potatoes until they're perfectly tender is crucial for this dish. Aim for an internal temperature of about 205°F (96°C) to ensure they are fluffy inside. If you find they are too firm after baking for 45 minutes, simply return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. A fork should easily penetrate through the skin; if you encounter resistance, they need more time.

For a more intense flavor, consider wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil before baking. This method steams them slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness while keeping them moist. Just remember to adjust your cooking time, as foil-wrapped sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster, so check them after 40 minutes.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option that adds depth of flavor to your filling. However, if you'd like to cook your chicken from scratch, poach or bake skinless breasts in a seasoned broth to keep the meat moist. Shred the chicken once cooked, making sure to season it while it's warm for the best flavor absorption. Remember, the type of chicken used can impact the overall taste of your dish significantly.

If you're following a specific diet, like keto or paleo, you can easily use ground turkey or shredded pork instead of chicken. Just be sure to adjust the spices accordingly, as turkey and pork have different flavor profiles. Season them well during cooking to enhance the dish's balance of sweet and savory.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the sweet potatoes from getting soggy, try separating the filling from the potato halves until you're ready to reheat. This helps maintain their texture and freshness.

When reheating, a microwave is quick, but for the best texture, I recommend using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the stuffed sweet potatoes tend to dry out, cover them with foil during reheating to retain moisture.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, diced (for topping)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Make sure all ingredients are of good quality for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your stuffed sweet potatoes:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, pierce them several times with a fork, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Mix the Filling

While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.

Stuff the Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and gently scoop out some of the flesh to make room for the chicken mixture. Fill each sweet potato half generously with the chicken filling.

Serve and Garnish

Top each stuffed sweet potato with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like cheese or other vegetables. For added heat, consider adding jalapeños to the mixture!

Serving Suggestions

These Shredded Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes can be served alongside a refreshing salad or a scoop of your favorite salsa for a zesty touch. The contrasting textures create a delightful experience, making every bite interesting. Pairing with a tangy yogurt sauce or sour cream also adds a rich creaminess that complements the spices in the filling.

To elevate the meal, consider adding toppings such as crumbled feta or shredded cheese before placing the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven for a few minutes to melt. This addition introduces a delicious layer of flavor and creaminess that takes this dish to the next level!

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to play with the spices in the filling! If you love heat, adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes will spice things up nicely. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, try reducing or omitting the chili powder and cumin, and instead, incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with quinoa or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. This retains the heartiness of the dish, while providing a nutrition-packed filling that everyone will enjoy. You can also experiment with different beans like pinto or cannellini to switch up the flavor profile.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe for larger gatherings is incredibly straightforward. Just ensure you have ample oven space and enough baking sheets if you’re cooking multiple sweet potatoes at once. If you need to feed a crowd, consider preparing them in batches, or use multiple racks in the oven while keeping an eye on cooking time for even results.

When scaling down, remember that you can easily halve the ingredient amounts while maintaining proportions. This makes it practical to prepare just one or two stuffed sweet potatoes when you're cooking for yourself or a small family dinner. Adjust seasonings to taste, as sometimes smaller quantities can take on spices differently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time.

→ Are there any alternatives to sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even zucchini boats for a lower-carb option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.