The smoky BBQ chicken paired with the creamy potato and melted cheese creates an irresistible combination of flavors in this hearty dish. Each bite is filled with savory goodness, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Not only are these BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes easy to make, but they’re also a fun and customizable meal. You can top them with your favorite BBQ sauce, add more cheese, or even load them up with extra toppings like crispy bacon or jalapeños for a kick. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these potatoes will quickly become a crowd favorite.
Full Recipe:
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4 large russet potatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup green onions, sliced
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
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While the potatoes bake, cook and shred the chicken. In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
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Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and cut a slit down the middle of each potato. Gently fluff the inside with a fork.
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Stuff each potato with the BBQ chicken mixture, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Return the potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove the potatoes from the oven and top with green onions, sour cream, and cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes combine the heartiness of baked potatoes with the smoky, savory flavor of BBQ chicken. This recipe is a perfect example of comfort food at its finest, balancing a crispy, tender potato with deliciously seasoned chicken and all the gooey, melty cheese you could dream of. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a family dinner, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this dish offers a satisfying solution.
A Hearty Meal with Endless Possibilities
One of the most wonderful aspects of BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes is their versatility. The base of the dish—baked russet potatoes—is simple and familiar. However, when topped with BBQ chicken and melted cheese, they transform into a filling, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
The dish is also incredibly customizable. The BBQ chicken itself can be tailored to suit a variety of flavor profiles. You can use your favorite barbecue sauce—whether tangy, spicy, or smoky—to adjust the level of sweetness or heat. Additionally, the toppings for your baked potatoes are limitless. Sour cream, green onions, and even a sprinkle of fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits can all elevate this dish further, making it as decadent or as healthy as you like.
The Best Potatoes for the Job
While any potato can technically work for this recipe, russet potatoes are the best choice. Their thick skin and fluffy, starchy interior create the perfect base for stuffing with BBQ chicken and other toppings. Their size makes them a filling option for a main course, while their skin holds up well during the baking process, providing a satisfying bite once they’re cooked.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, you could also experiment with sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory BBQ chicken, and they offer an additional nutritional benefit, being higher in fiber and vitamin A.
BBQ Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
The star of the dish is the BBQ chicken, which brings a smoky richness that complements the simple baked potato. To ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful, it’s important to cook it properly before mixing it with the barbecue sauce. Grilled or roasted chicken breast works wonderfully, but you can also opt for rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for a quicker solution.
Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb the BBQ sauce more evenly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. You can mix in a variety of seasonings to enhance the chicken’s flavor profile. Common additions include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes to create a balanced sauce that’s smoky, spicy, and just a little bit tangy.
Cheese: The Creamy Finishing Touch
No BBQ Chicken Baked Potato would be complete without a generous topping of melted cheese. Cheddar is the classic choice, its sharpness perfectly balancing the richness of the BBQ chicken. However, you can also experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack for a creamier texture or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Sprinkling the cheese over the top and allowing it to melt into the BBQ chicken and potato creates a deliciously gooey layer that brings everything together. The result is a dish that’s indulgent and comforting, with the perfect combination of textures.
Toppings: Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
While BBQ chicken and cheese are the primary toppings, there’s a wide range of additional garnishes that can take this dish to the next level. Fresh green onions are a common choice, adding a slight crunch and mild onion flavor that contrasts with the richness of the potato and chicken. Sour cream is another classic topping, bringing a cool, creamy texture that complements the warm, smoky flavors of the dish.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try adding crispy bacon bits or even avocado slices. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley can also add a pop of color and fresh flavor, brightening up the dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can bake the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a few days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the potatoes, stuff them with the BBQ chicken mixture, top with cheese, and pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal even on busy days. Plus, it’s a dish that can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger group.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
There are many reasons why BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes have become such a popular dish. Firstly, they offer an amazing balance of flavors—smoky, savory, creamy, and cheesy all in one bite. They’re filling enough to be a complete meal, and they’re easy to make. Simply bake the potatoes, top with your BBQ chicken mixture, and enjoy.
Secondly, BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are highly versatile. You can switch up the toppings, use different types of cheese, or even incorporate other veggies or proteins to create your ideal version of the dish.
Lastly, this recipe is a great option for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or a family gathering, BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are sure to please everyone at the table. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize each potato makes it a perfect dish for a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Crowd-Pleasing Dish
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, offering an unbeatable combination of smoky BBQ chicken, tender baked potatoes, and melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Its simplicity, versatility, and heartiness make it a go-to favorite in many homes. Best of all, it’s a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences—whether you prefer extra cheese, spicier BBQ sauce, or a variety of toppings. The next time you’re craving a filling and flavorful meal, BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are the way to go. You won’t regret it!
This dish is a perfect example of how humble ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. So grab your russet potatoes, cook up some chicken, and get ready for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Enjoy!