and Pickles Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles—a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that celebrates smoky barbecue goodness, creamy slaw, hearty roasted sweet potatoes, and tangy homemade pickles. Each bite bursts with contrasting textures and tastes, from tender chicken drenched in your favorite barbecue sauce, to pillowy roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy coleslaw dressed to perfection, and those all-important, zesty pickles that make this bowl anything but ordinary. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a showstopper to serve friends, this recipe guarantees “wow” at every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity meets sensational flavor with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients—each one with a starring role in delivering the bold color, hearty texture, and downright craveable flavor in every bowl. With fresh veggies, classic condiments, rich spices, and Pickles, this lineup never fails.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, the perfect proteins for soaking up barbecue flavor and shredding beautifully.
• Whole30 BBQ Sauce: Smoky, sweet, and bold; your choice of barbecue sauce sets the one-of-a-kind flavor for the chicken.
• Italian Dressing: Adds subtle zesty undertones; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• Salt: Enhances every other ingredient—add to taste.
• Sweet Potatoes: Earthy, naturally sweet, and hearty; they roast up golden and soft.
• Chili Powder: A warm kick that adds depth to the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon: Just a dash for sweet warmth and a little surprise.
• Avocado or Refined Coconut Oil: Ensures those potatoes roast perfectly crisp and caramelized.
• Fresh Dill: The star herb for bright, fresh-tasting pickles.
• Garlic: Minced for a punch of savory flavor in the homemade pickles.
• English Cucumber: Sliced thin for the ultimate crisp, fresh pickle crunch.
• Yellow Mustard Seeds: Classic for pickling, they infuse gentle heat and flavor.
• Water: Keeps the pickling brine balanced and not too strong.
• White or White Wine Vinegar: Brightens the pickles with zippy acidity.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the tangy coleslaw dressing.
• Apple Cider or White Wine Vinegar: Provides more tang for the slaw.
• Coconut Aminos: For depth and a subtle umami note in the slaw dressing.
• Kosher Salt: Draws out the crunch and flavor in the coleslaw.
• Shredded Coleslaw Mix: Convenient and colorful for a quick, crunchy slaw.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds vibrant green as a flavorful garnish.
• Dry BBQ Seasoning: Sprinkle on top for an extra dose of smoky, spicy flavor.
• Optional: Use pre-made cold dill pickles if you’re short on time!

How to Make and Pickles

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425º F and tossing the cubed sweet potatoes with chili powder, a dash of cinnamon, oil, and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet. This easy prep lets each sweet potato soak up warmth and flavor, resulting in caramelized edges and soft centers. After 20 minutes, give them a good stir so they cook evenly, then finish roasting until the color deepens and their sugars get perfectly toasty—about another 10 to 15 minutes. The smell alone will have you swooning!

Step 2: Make the Pickles

While those sweet potatoes work their magic in the oven, it’s pickle time! Assemble sliced English cucumber, fresh dill, minced garlic, mustard seeds, water, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit and mingle on the counter to develop that punchy, tangy, cool flavor. Homemade and Pickles are quick, fun, and always taste brighter than the jarred stuff. Want to save time? Store-bought cold dill pickles are totally fair game.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Whether you’re using a trusty Instant Pot or taking your time in the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, and salt and let the magic happen. Pressure cook for ten minutes (or follow the note for other methods), then shred the chicken right in the pot. Crank the sauté setting for a few minutes to allow the shreds to soak up every drop of sauce, ensuring tender bites that are juicy and packed with flavor. Prefer pork? Go with it! Any leftover pulled pork or BBQ chicken works wonderfully.

Step 4: Make the Coleslaw

A crisp, creamy slaw is an absolute must to balance all the smoky, spicy, and sweet going on in your BBQ bowls. Mix up the slaw dressing ingredients first to emulsify everything—mayo, vinegar, coconut aminos, and salt—then coat the shredded veggie mix. Don’t be afraid to use your hands if you like your slaw extra mixed and fluffy!

Step 5: Assemble the and Pickles Bowls

Here comes the best part: layer up! Divide the sweet potatoes, BBQ chicken, and coleslaw between four bowls. Top generously with your newly crafted pickles (or those tangy cold dill slices). Finish with parsley and a dusting of dry BBQ seasoning for color and that final pop of flavor. You have yourself a complete meal, brimming with textures, colors, and unforgettable flavors that play perfectly together thanks to the star combo of BBQ and Pickles.

How to Serve and Pickles

Garnishes

Go big on the finishing touches to make these BBQ Chicken Bowls sing! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds fresh green and brightness, while an extra dash of dry BBQ seasoning can jazz things up visually and taste-wise. Want more pizzazz? Top with additional and Pickles, or even crunchy fried onions for a Southern-inspired flair.

Side Dishes

Although these bowls are a meal on their own, consider adding complementary sides. A warm slice of cornbread or a side of grilled veggies enhances the smoky profile. If you’re serving a crowd, try a cool watermelon salad or crispy potato wedges alongside your BBQ bowl and Pickles for the true cookout experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Try loading all the layers into mason jars for a portable picnic lunch, or set up a build-your-own bowl bar at gatherings where guests can customize their toppings. Even kids love stacking up their own bites with extra sweet potatoes or and Pickles on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

BBQ Chicken Bowls keep surprisingly well! Store each component—chicken, potatoes, slaw, and Pickles—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, nothing gets soggy, and you keep every bite tasting fresh. The pickles and slaw can even improve with a little extra marinating time.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the shredded BBQ chicken and the roasted sweet potatoes for up to two months. Just cool them completely before sealing in freezer bags or containers. The coleslaw and pickles, however, are best enjoyed fresh—their crunch doesn’t bounce back after freezing.

Reheating

For a quick meal, microwave the chicken and sweet potatoes until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet for a slightly crispier finish. Serve everything up fresh with your chilled coleslaw and Pickles on top for maximum flavor and texture in every bowl.

FAQs

How do I make this bowl dairy-free?

It’s incredibly easy! Just be sure your mayonnaise is made without dairy, opt for coconut yogurt if you like an extra-creamy coleslaw, and check your BBQ sauce to confirm it’s dairy-free (most are). The rest of the ingredients naturally fit a dairy-free diet, including the tangy and Pickles.

Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely, and it’s a fabulous time saver! Shred up a rotisserie chicken and toss it with canned or jarred BBQ sauce before serving. Your bowls and Pickles will still be bursting with flavor, and prep just got even easier.

What are some good vegetarian swaps?

For a plant-based version, substitute barbecue jackfruit, pulled mushrooms, or cubes of smoked tofu in place of the chicken. Their texture and ability to soak in smoky sauce make them ideal with sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and Pickles.

Can I make the pickles ahead of time?

Absolutely! Homemade quick pickles are wonderful when made a day or two ahead. Keep them chilled in a jar for up to a week—the longer they rest, the punchier and brighter their flavor will become, making your BBQ bowls and Pickles extra memorable.

How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting soggy?

Make sure to spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet with enough space between cubes so that hot air can circulate. Crowded pans trap moisture, which can cause steaming instead of roasting, and you want those caramelized edges to stand up to your chicken, coleslaw, and Pickles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowlful of bold barbecue flavor, creamy slaw, and zesty homemade pickles all in one, you truly can’t go wrong with these BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Coleslaw, and Pickles. They’re simple, fresh, and bound to impress, so grab your ingredients and discover just how delicious and Pickles can make the everyday lunch or dinner!

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