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BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and Coleslaw (Whole30)

BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and Coleslaw (Whole30)

I can still remember the first time I gazed at a vibrant plate of BBQ chicken bowls glistening with a rich BBQ glaze, whispering promises of smoky flavors melded with sweet potato’s natural sweetness. These bowls are everything I crave—hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I dived into creating the perfect BBQ chicken bowls that align with Whole30 specifications. You might be wondering, “Is it really possible to enjoy barbecue on Whole30?” The answer is a resounding yes! Here, you'll find a medley of colors and flavors, from the savory BBQ chicken to the warmth of baked sweet potatoes and the crisp bite of coleslaw.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 699

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet Potatoes
  • 3 large sweet potatoes or 4 small ones
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
For the BBQ Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing the chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 bottle Paleo BBQ sauce such as The New Primal or Tessemae’s
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Coleslaw
  • 30 cup Whole/Paleo mayonnaise Sir Kensington’s Avocado Oil Mayo or Primal Kitchen
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or date syrup for Whole30
  • 1 bag coleslaw mix red and green cabbage with shredded carrots
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, chop your sweet potatoes into fry shapes. I recommend aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil and the seasoning mix (smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and cornstarch). Lay them out on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to sogginess—no one wants that!
  3. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for that crisp exterior and tender inside. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will have your family lining up for dinner.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
  1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, let’s focus on the chicken. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken breasts, seasoned with a sprinkle of black pepper.
  2. Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
  3. Once complete, remove the chicken from the pan. In the same pan, toss in the diced red onion and sauté it until translucent. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits left behind by the chicken; this will add a depth of flavor to your dish.
  4. Now, slice your seared chicken and toss it back into the skillet with the red onion and a generous pour of that delicious BBQ sauce. Stir to coat. Allow it to simmer together for a couple of minutes, letting those flavors marry.
Step 3: Preparing the Coleslaw
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the Whole30 mayonnaise, maple syrup (or date syrup), Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth.
  2. Add your coleslaw mix to the dressing, tossing to coat evenly. This zesty mix is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich BBQ flavors and adds that crunchy element we seek.

Notes

Here’s some wisdom from my kitchen to yours as you tackle this dish:
Batch Cooking: Make extra BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes to enjoy throughout the week. They’re great for salads or wraps.
Texture Check: If you love your fries crispy, spread them out more on the baking sheet. Crowding will result in steaming rather than roasting.
BBQ Sauce Selection: Always check the labels for compliant ingredients in your barbecue sauce.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Tweak the spices in your sweet potato mix based on your taste. Add cayenne for heat or more cinnamon for warmth.
Adding Protein Variations: Beyond chicken, feel free to mix in other proteins like shrimp or grilled tofu (if you’re not sticking strictly to meat).