Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
If you’re craving a hearty, spicy, and creamy dinner that comes together quickly, you’re going to adore this Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the bold kick of buffalo chicken, then finishes with a creamy cheese topping that makes every bite an irresistible comfort food experience. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, these twice baked sweet potatoes are flavor-packed, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Fusion: Combines spicy buffalo chicken with naturally sweet sweet potatoes for an exciting taste contrast.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh produce for an easy but impressive meal.
- One-Dish Convenience: Everything bakes inside the sweet potato skin, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
- Protein-Packed Comfort: Chicken adds satisfying substance making it a well-rounded, filling dinner option.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice preference for a perfectly balanced meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes recipe shines because of its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings a unique texture, vibrant color, or flavor depth to the dish, making it a delightful sensory experience from first bite to last.
- Sweet potatoes: Medium-sized sweet potatoes serve as the perfect base with naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced for tender protein that absorbs buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy, tangy kick essential for the buffalo chicken flavor.
- Cream cheese or Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and balances the heat with a tangy richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection, adding gooey texture and sharpness.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced for a mild onion crunch and vibrant green color garnish.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
Variations for Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or simply to switch up the flavor profile. Here are some tasty ways to customize these twice baked buffalo chicken sweet potatoes to your liking or what’s on hand in your pantry.
- Extra spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo chicken mix for a fiery boost.
- Non-dairy version: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese substitutes for a plant-based twist.
- Different cheese types: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor and stretch meltiness.
- Meal prep friendly: Prepare and stuff sweet potatoes ahead of time, then bake when ready for a quick dinner.
- Extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers or spinach mixed into the filling for added color and nutrition.
How to Make Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for about 45-50 minutes or until they are super soft and easily pierced with a knife.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a mixing bowl. Add cream cheese or Greek yogurt to create a creamy, tangy base, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Scoop and Mix
Once the sweet potatoes are done and cool enough to handle, carefully slice each in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mix the sweet potato flesh with the buffalo chicken filling until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff and Top
Fill the sweet potato skins evenly with the buffalo chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each stuffed half.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return the filled sweet potatoes to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Pro Tips for Making Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
- Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes: This helps ensure all potatoes cook at the same rate for consistent texture.
- Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken speeds preparation and adds extra flavor depth.
- Don’t overfill: Avoid packing the filling too tightly to prevent bursting during the second bake.
- Buffalo sauce adjustment: Taste your chicken mixture before stuffing to tweak heat and tanginess to your liking.
- Broil for finishing touches: For extra crispy cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
How to Serve Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
Top your twice baked buffalo chicken sweet potatoes with fresh green onions, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the spicy buffalo flavors and add color.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or simple steamed broccoli to balance the bold flavors with refreshing, lighter sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your twice baked sweet potatoes on a rustic wooden board for casual dinners or pile them on a serving platter with garnishes arranged artfully for parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover twice baked buffalo chicken sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness without drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you prefer meal prep: freeze stuffed but unbaked sweet potatoes individually wrapped in foil, then bake fresh from frozen by adding extra cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through and the cheese feels melty again.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular white or russet potatoes can be used, but sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a creamier texture that pairs beautifully with buffalo chicken flavors.
How spicy are Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice; you can control heat by adjusting sauce quantity or switching to a milder or hot variety.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas and use vegan cream cheese and cheese substitutes to enjoy a plant-based version.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Assemble ahead and refrigerate or freeze; just bake fresh when you want a hot, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative that adds tanginess and creaminess while cutting down on calories and fat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to cooking sweet potatoes or a seasoned fan of buffalo chicken, this Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes recipe is a fantastic blend of bold flavors and comforting textures. Quick to prepare yet packed with punch, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want to treat yourself to something deliciously satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
Related Posts
PrintTwice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful dinner combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with spicy buffalo chicken and a creamy cheese topping. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a protein-packed, comforting meal with bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed sweet potato halves (3 whole sweet potatoes) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until very soft and easily pierced with a knife.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling: While the sweet potatoes roast, combine the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl. Add cream cheese or Greek yogurt, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- Scoop and Mix: When sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each lengthwise in half. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mix the sweet potato flesh with the buffalo chicken filling until fully combined.
- Stuff and Top: Evenly fill the sweet potato skins with the buffalo chicken mixture. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed half.
- Bake Again: Return the filled sweet potatoes to the oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Notes
- Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes to ensure consistent cooking.
- Use leftover cooked chicken like rotisserie for faster prep and added flavor.
- Do not overfill the skins to prevent bursting during the second bake.
- Taste and adjust buffalo sauce heat before stuffing for perfect spice balance.
- For extra crispy cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: twice baked sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken recipe, spicy chicken sweet potatoes, creamy buffalo chicken, easy dinner, gluten free dinner
