If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is everything you need. Combining tender baked potatoes with flavorful, seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a creamy dollop of sour cream, it’s a dish that elevates simple ingredients to pure deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to for cozy dinners packed with taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in constructing the perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures in this Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe.
- 4 medium potatoes: The sturdy base that roasts up crisp on the outside and tender inside, perfect for stuffing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to toast spices and add a lovely richness to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken mixture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance every flavor and balance the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick and complexity to the seasoning.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein star of the recipe.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, savory goodness atop the potatoes.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds irresistible crispiness and smoky flavor.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Provides a fresh, mild bite and pops of color.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers creamy tanginess that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the potatoes a good wash under cold water to remove any dirt, then dry them thoroughly. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork so steam can escape while they bake. This simple prep ensures your potatoes turn out perfectly tender inside while maintaining that classic crispy skin on the outside.
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork pierces them easily with no resistance. These baked potatoes form the delicious vessel for your loaded toppings.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This toasting step really unlocks the flavors of the spices. Toss in the shredded chicken, stirring well to coat, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Set the skillet aside to keep your chicken warm and flavorful for topping the potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the Potato Halves
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the insides, creating a pocket that’s perfect for holding that savory chicken and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture evenly onto each potato half, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the loaded potatoes back into the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly—this is where it all starts coming together in a savory symphony.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
While the cheese melts, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Crumble it over the baked potatoes, then sprinkle on chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream for that final burst of flavor and texture contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy all the layered flavors at their best.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes for this recipe truly elevate it from good to unforgettable. Crispy bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor, green onions provide fresh zest and vibrant color, while sour cream lends a cooling creaminess that balances the spices and cheese perfectly. Each element contributes to creating a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Side Dishes
While the loaded potatoes stand strong on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies can add a refreshing contrast to this rich and hearty dish. A simple cucumber salad or roasted broccoli would complement it well, adding lightness without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the loaded chicken and potatoes on a large platter where everyone can build their own potato boats to their liking. Another playful idea is to scoop the potato filling into individual ramekins topped with the chicken and cheese mixture, then bake. This makes for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover loaded chicken and potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the toppings separate from the potato halves until reheating helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the potato halves and chicken mixture separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and preserve the quality of your Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is melty, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating this way can make the potatoes soggy and reduce that irresistible crispy edge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
Is it necessary to bake the potatoes whole before stuffing?
Baking the potatoes whole gives them the ideal texture—crispy skin and fluffy flesh—which is perfect for holding the toppings. Boiling or microwaving can change the texture and make them a bit soggy for stuffing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, then load your potatoes with veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and use vegetarian sausage or beans for protein. The cheese and sour cream still add richness and flavor.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Cooked, shredded chicken works best here. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them. The key is that the chicken is cooked and seasoned well beforehand.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, this Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and any added toppings (like bacon) are gluten-free. Just double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest and so easy to make with simple ingredients. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do, because few dishes bring warmth and satisfaction like this one. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite on your dinner rotation!
Print
Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Chicken & Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender baked potatoes stuffed with a flavorful mixture of seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and creamy sour cream. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe combines classic flavors with simple preparation for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Clean Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry Potatoes: Dry the potatoes completely with a clean towel or paper towels to ensure even baking.
- Poke Potatoes: Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Heat Oil and Spices: While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add Spices to Oil: Add garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Toast Spices: Stir the spices in the oil for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance and slightly toast them.
- Cook Chicken: Add shredded chicken to the seasoned oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove skillet from heat and keep the seasoned chicken warm.
- Remove Baked Potatoes: Carefully take the potatoes from the oven using oven mitts.
- Cool and Slice Potatoes: Let potatoes cool for a few minutes, then slice them in half lengthwise.
- Fluff Potato Insides: Use a fork to fluff the insides of each potato half, creating a pocket for toppings.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Divide the seasoned chicken evenly and spoon over the fluffed potato halves.
- Add Cheese: Top the chicken with shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each potato.
- Bake Again: Return the loaded potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Cook Bacon: While cheese melts, cook bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy.
- Prepare Bacon: Remove bacon from pan and crumble into small pieces.
- Chop Green Onions: Slice the green onions into small pieces for garnish.
- Remove Potatoes: Take the cheesy potatoes from the oven carefully.
- Top Potatoes: Garnish each potato with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your loaded chicken and potatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 2 days.
- Make sure potatoes are soft before stuffing for best texture.
