Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and spicy, and this Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect example. The heat from the buffalo sauce blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a meal that’s bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
I first made this dish on a game night with friends, looking for something easy yet full of flavor. I had leftover shredded chicken, a bottle of buffalo sauce, and some sweet potatoes sitting in my pantry. The result? A mouthwatering dish that quickly became a household favorite. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for a casual get-together, these loaded sweet potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
⏱ Recipe Time & Servings
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 50-70 minutes | 2 servings |
🛒 Ingredients for My Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (preferably pulled chicken)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
⭐ Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes – Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and uniform in size so they bake evenly.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with a little ranch dressing before tossing it with the chicken.
- Crispier Skin Trick – For extra crispy sweet potato skin, rub them with a bit of olive oil before baking.
- Make It a Meal Prep Dish – Bake the sweet potatoes in advance and reheat them before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
- More Toppings? Yes, Please! – Add extras like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy bacon for even more deliciousness.
🍳 Tools Required
- Baking sheet
- Fork (for pricking sweet potatoes)
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Spoon (for scooping out sweet potatoes)
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | New Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Blue cheese dressing | Ranch dressing | Adds a tangy, bold flavor |
| BBQ sauce | Buffalo sauce | Sweet and smoky instead of spicy |
| Rotisserie chicken | Shredded cooked chicken | Adds extra seasoning and convenience |
| White potatoes | Sweet potatoes | A more traditional loaded potato option |
| Chopped cilantro | Green onions | A fresh, citrusy twist |
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake sweet potatoes in advance – Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) before filling.
- Pre-mix the buffalo chicken – Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days for quick assembly when ready to eat.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water and scrub off any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel.
Next, take a fork and poke several holes all over each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting in the oven. Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let them bake for about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork or knife easily slides through the center. If they feel too firm, bake them for an additional 10 minutes and check again.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Shredded Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are baking, grab a large mixing bowl and add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. This can be leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts.
Pour in ½ cup of buffalo sauce, adjusting the amount to suit your spice preference. If you love extra heat, add more sauce; if you prefer a milder taste, mix the buffalo sauce with a little ranch before combining. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. They’ll be extremely hot, so be careful when handling them.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to gently scoop out a small amount of the flesh, creating a shallow well for the buffalo chicken filling. Don’t scoop out too much—you still want enough of the soft, sweet potato inside to mix with the chicken.
Step 4: Load Them Up and Add Toppings
Spoon generous portions of the buffalo shredded chicken into each sweet potato half, filling them to the top. Then, drizzle ranch dressing over each one, adding as much or as little as you like. The cool, creamy ranch balances out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of freshness and color. At this point, you can add any additional toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Step 5: Final Bake and Serve
For extra warmth and to let the flavors meld together, place the loaded sweet potatoes back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for another 10 minutes. This helps everything heat through and creates a deliciously comforting texture.
Once out of the oven, serve them immediately while they’re hot and enjoy every sweet, spicy, and creamy bite!
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes
| Pairing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Crispy Kale Chips | A crunchy, healthy side that complements the creamy buffalo chicken filling. |
| Celery and Carrot Sticks | Classic buffalo wings sides that add a refreshing crunch. |
| Avocado Slices | A creamy, mild addition to balance out the spice. |
| Coleslaw | A tangy, crisp side dish that cuts through the richness. |
🥡 Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the sweet potatoes may become watery upon thawing.
🥦 Nutritional Information and Benefits of This Dish
- High in Protein – Shredded chicken provides an excellent source of protein.
- Rich in Vitamins – Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, Vitamin A, and antioxidants.
- Low in Carbs Alternative – Can be made keto-friendly by swapping sweet potatoes for roasted cauliflower or spaghetti squash.
🍷 Suggested Drink That Pairs With The Dish
Best Drink Pairing: Crisp, Hoppy IPA
Why? The bold, spicy buffalo sauce pairs perfectly with the bitterness and citrusy notes of an IPA, balancing out the flavors. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a tall glass of iced lemonade will help cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce!
❤️ Enjoy!
This Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes recipe is an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Try it out tonight and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! 🔥🍠✨
🔍 SEO Meta Description
These Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes are the perfect balance of spicy and sweet! An easy, protein-packed meal topped with ranch dressing and green onions. Try them for a delicious weeknight dinner!
