and Pickles Recipe
If there’s one recipe in my rotation I can always count on for weeknight dinner magic, it’s these BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles. This is comfort food that knows how to party—tender, saucy BBQ chicken nestled next to smoky roasted sweet potatoes, creamy coleslaw, and, of course, a tangy, crunchy helping of those signature and Pickles. Colorful, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, each bite is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zingy. Trust me: this is the kind of bowl you’ll crave long after the last pickle slice disappears!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can create such amazing flavors and textures. Each element has a special job—from the smoky warmth of paprika on sweet potatoes to creamy coleslaw and the all-important and Pickles!
- BBQ Chicken (2 cups, cooked & shredded): The star of our show! Use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
- Sweet Potatoes (2 medium, peeled & diced): Roasted for sweetness and color, they make your bowl hearty and vibrant.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps caramelize the sweet potatoes and deepen their flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a tiny taste of the BBQ smoke that makes everything feel cozier.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): A little garlic boost enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for brightening every ingredient—don’t skip!
- Coleslaw Mix (2 cups): The crunchy counterpart that brings freshness to your bowl—grab a bagged mix to keep things easy.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Provides creamy body to the coleslaw, making each forkful luscious.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives your slaw a tang that wakes up your taste buds.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances out all the acidity with subtle sweetness.
- Dill Pickles (½ cup, sliced): The must-have and Pickles: they add crunch and a zippy punch that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle for a pop of color and a fresh finish.
How to Make and Pickles
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start this flavor road trip by tossing your diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet—if they’re crowded, they’ll steam instead of roast. Slide them into a 400°F oven, and let them get tender and golden-brown (about 25 to 30 minutes), flipping once halfway through for that irresistible caramelization we all love. While the potatoes roast, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 2: Mix Up the Coleslaw
While the sweet potatoes are turning into roasted perfection, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a kiss of salt and pepper in a big bowl. Add the crisp coleslaw mix, toss it all together, and don’t be shy—a little extra toss brings out those creamy, tangy, sweet flavors. Pop the bowl into your fridge to chill, which not only lets the flavors meld but also gives the slaw the perfect, refreshing crunch for your and Pickles bowl.
Step 3: Warm the BBQ Chicken
If your BBQ chicken isn’t hot, go ahead and give it a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium heat or with a very short spin in the microwave. This little trick makes sure every bite is as juicy, saucy, and satisfying as possible! If you have leftover chicken or store-bought BBQ chicken on hand, now’s its moment to shine.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls and Pickles
Here comes the best part: assembling! Grab four bowls and divide the caramelized sweet potatoes between them. Top each with a generous mound of BBQ chicken, a fresh scoop of creamy coleslaw, and—don’t forget—a beautiful pile of sliced dill and Pickles. The pickles add that super satisfying salty snap that takes this bowl straight over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions or parsley for a fresh, happy flourish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles immediately, while everything is still perfectly warm and crisp. These are bowls meant to be devoured with gusto, so dig in and enjoy every colorful, flavorful bite!
How to Serve and Pickles
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the joy of a great garnish. Sprinkle your bowls with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a fresh green lift. A little bit of flaky salt or cracked black pepper also works wonders. And if you’re someone who loves extra zing, go ahead and drizzle just a touch more BBQ sauce or top with an extra handful of and Pickles for crunch that won’t quit.
Side Dishes
These BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles are honestly a meal in themselves—but if you’d like a little something alongside, consider cornbread muffins, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. For bigger gatherings, I love setting up a “bowl bar” so everyone can pile on their favorite extras (think hot sauce, jalapeños, or extra and Pickles).
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your bowl game by serving these beauties in wide, shallow dishes so every layer is on display. Hosting a party? Try mini portions layered in jars for cute, portable and Pickles parfaits. Or turn the components into a DIY platter for folks to build their own custom bowls just the way they like them. However you serve it, the bowl’s colorful stripes of chicken, potatoes, slaw, and Pickles are sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply keep each component in a separate airtight container in the fridge—this keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. The BBQ chicken, sweet potatoes, and slaw will all last up to three days, while your trusty sliced and Pickles will stay bright and crunchy even longer. When ready to eat, assemble fresh bowls in minutes.
Freezing
For meal prepping big batches, freeze just the shredded BBQ chicken and roasted sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. The slaw and the and Pickles are best enjoyed fresh for crispness, so make a new batch on serving day for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or in a skillet until heated through. Stir the slaw well (add a fresh splash of vinegar or mayo if needed), and layer with new and Pickles for that signature crunch. Your bowl will taste just as delicious and vibrant as the first time!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or store-bought BBQ chicken for these bowls?
Absolutely! Store-bought or rotisserie chicken saves time and still tastes fantastic when mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s a great hack for those busy nights when you crave and Pickles but want dinner on the table fast.
What other veggies can I add to the bowl?
Roasted bell peppers, grilled corn, or even sautéed greens make great additions. You can also toss in extra fresh veggies before serving to give your and Pickles bowl even more texture and nutrition.
Is this bowl recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check your BBQ sauce and pickles to make sure they don’t contain any wheat or malt vinegar. This makes the and Pickles bowl a safe and satisfying option for most dietary needs.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the mayo in the coleslaw for a vegan or dairy-free version, or use a tangy vinaigrette instead. All the other bowl components, including the and Pickles, are dairy-free as written.
How do I meal-prep these BBQ chicken bowls?
Roast a big batch of sweet potatoes, shred extra chicken, and prep the slaw up to 2 days ahead. Store each part separately, then assemble your bowl with fresh and Pickles just before serving for total meal-prep win!
Final Thoughts
It’s honestly hard not to love a meal that’s as vibrant, hearty, and easy as these BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles. Whether you’re a meal-prep maven or just looking for a dinner everyone will rave about, this recipe never disappoints. Try it out, and don’t be surprised when the and Pickles magic makes you want to make it again and again!
Print
and Pickles Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal with these BBQ Chicken Bowls featuring tender sweet potatoes, flavorful coleslaw, and zesty pickles. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coleslaw:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded BBQ chicken
- ½ cup sliced dill pickles
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and browned.
- Make the Coleslaw: In a bowl, combine coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Warm the BBQ Chicken: Heat the cooked BBQ chicken in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, and pickles among 4 bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Bowls!
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade BBQ chicken.
- Substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Coleslaw can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
