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Savory Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potato

loaded chicken bacon ranch baked potato - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make loaded baked potato featuring juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Large russet potatoes (1 per serving)
  • Olive oil (for rubbing the skins)
  • Coarse salt (to crisp the skin)
  • Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 cup per potato)
  • Bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (3-4 strips per potato)
  • Ranch seasoning mix (1 tablespoon)
  • Sour cream (1/4 cup)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup)
  • Chopped green onions or chives (2 tablespoons)
  • Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, additional crumbled bacon, fresh parsley or cilantro, hot sauce or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes until soft inside but still holding shape. Alternatively, microwave for 8-10 minutes (skins won’t be as crisp).
  4. While potatoes bake, fry bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and crumble once cool.
  5. Warm chicken in the skillet if cold. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, ranch seasoning, sour cream, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), shredded cheddar, and green onions. Stir gently.
  6. Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut a lengthwise slit on top of each potato, careful not to cut all the way through.
  7. Using a fork, gently mash the potato flesh inside the skin to create a cavity for the filling.
  8. Spoon the chicken bacon ranch filling generously into each potato. Top with extra shredded cheese and reserved bacon if desired.
  9. Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for 10 minutes to melt cheese and meld flavors.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve with hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Rub potatoes with olive oil and coarse salt for crispy skins. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. If filling is dry, add a splash of milk or extra sour cream. Avoid overfilling potatoes to prevent messiness. Medium heat crisps bacon without burning. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato, chicken bacon ranch, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, baked potato recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/savory-loaded-chicken-bacon-ranch-baked-potato-recipe-easy-and-delicious/