Loaded Dinner Fun: 4 Amazing BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Gather ’round, everyone! I know how hectic weeknights can be. Finding a meal that’s both delicious and fun for the whole family feels like a special kind of magic. That’s where my BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes come in. They’re a complete meal all wrapped up in a tender potato shell. My own kids light up when they see these on the table; it always feels like a little celebration. This recipe is a true taste of home for me, bringing back memories of shared laughter and happy meals. I truly hope you’ll give this delightful dish a try and create your own cherished food memories!

Get ready for a winner! This recipe is pure joy on a plate.

• Lightning-fast prep time means less time in the kitchen.
• It’s a super satisfying, hearty meal everyone will devour.
• Kids absolutely adore these loaded potato boats!
• The flavor combo is out-of-this-world delicious.
• So versatile – easily adaptable to your family’s tastes.

Let’s get our kitchen ready! Having everything prepped makes cooking a breeze. For these amazing BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes, you’ll need some simple, wholesome items. I always grab big, fluffy baking potatoes – the Russets are perfect for this. Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded; I often use leftovers, which is a lifesaver! We’ll mix that with a good, smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing. For that cheesy, bacon-y goodness, grab some sharp cheddar and your favorite bacon, cooked until it’s nice and crisp. Finally, some fresh green onions add a pop of color and freshness. It’s a straightforward list that leads to a truly spectacular meal.

Get ready to build the ultimate loaded potato! Here’s what you’ll need to create this fun family meal.

• 4 large baking potatoes (like Russets)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Let’s get this delicious dinner party started! Making these BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes is super simple. I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time.

First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready for their starring role. Preheat your oven to a nice hot 400°F (200°C). Grab your four large baking potatoes. Give them a good scrub under cool water and pat them dry. This is important for a nice, crisp skin. Now, take a fork and pierce each potato a few times all over. This lets steam escape while they bake, preventing any potato explosions! Pop them directly onto the oven rack. They’ll need about 50 to 60 minutes to get perfectly tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them.

While those potatoes are doing their thing in the oven, we’ll whip up the star of the show: the filling! In a medium bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Give it a good stir until all the chicken is coated. Now, for the potato part. Carefully slice each baked potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out most of the fluffy potato flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges to create a sturdy shell. Don’t throw away that scooped-out potato! Mash it up in a separate small bowl with a tiny bit of butter and milk if you like. This makes it extra creamy. Stir this mashed potato goodness right into your chicken mixture. This step makes the filling incredibly rich and satisfying.

The moment of truth is here! Grab those hollowed-out potato shells. Spoon that glorious BBQ ranch chicken mixture generously back into each shell. Pile it high; we’re going for loaded here! Now, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the filling. Make sure it covers everything nicely. Then, sprinkle that crumbled, crispy bacon over the cheese. It adds such a wonderful crunch. Place the stuffed potato shells back onto a baking sheet. Pop them back into the hot oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, maybe even a little golden brown around the edges. The aroma will be incredible!

Want to make your BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes absolutely perfect every time? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. For the best results, choose large, oblong baking potatoes like Russets. They’re starchy and hold their shape well. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, make sure it’s tender and easy to shred. Don’t be afraid to taste your filling before stuffing; you can always add a little more BBQ sauce for smokiness or ranch for creaminess. When scooping out the potato flesh, be gentle! A large spoon works wonders. This helps keep those potato shells intact so they can hold all that delicious filling. A little care goes a long way for a truly fantastic meal.

Sometimes you need a little tweak, and that’s perfectly okay! For the chicken, if you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it right off the bone. Not a fan of cheddar? Try Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for a little kick! You can also swap the crumbled bacon for crispy fried onions if you prefer. If you want to make this a bit lighter, you can use a light ranch dressing. And for a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and bacon, and maybe add some black beans and corn to the filling. It’s all about making it your own!

These loaded potatoes are practically a meal in themselves! But to make it a complete feast, I love to pair them with something fresh. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness beautifully. Steamed broccoli or green beans also make a lovely, healthy addition. For an extra touch of creamy coolness, a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on top is always a hit. Your family will love these extra touches!

Got delicious leftovers? Lucky you! Let your BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps them from getting soggy. Microwaving works too, but the skin might lose some crispness.

Got questions about these tasty loaded baked potatoes? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix up the BBQ ranch chicken filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Mix it into the potato shells and bake when you’re ready for dinner. It’s a great time-saver!

What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of BBQ sauce, you can use a good quality tomato-based sauce mixed with a little smoked paprika and a pinch of brown sugar. Or, try a different sauce like a sweet chili sauce for a unique flavor twist. It’ll still be delicious!

Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they are! Once baked, you can let them cool and store them in the fridge. Reheat them gently in the oven for the best texture. They make a fantastic, hearty packed lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Just remember to store them without the fresh green onion garnish.

Can I use different kinds of potatoes?
While Russets are my favorite for their fluffy texture, you can use other baking potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also a delicious option and offer a wonderful sweet and savory contrast to the BBQ ranch filling. Just adjust baking time as needed.

Let’s talk numbers! While every kitchen is a little different, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from these yummy BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Each serving is roughly:

• Calories: About 450-550
• Fat: Around 25-35g
• Protein: Approximately 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 40-50g

Remember, these are just estimates. The exact amounts will change based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. It’s all part of the delicious adventure!

Loaded Dinner Fun: 4 Amazing BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

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• Author: Alexander Knight
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a fun and satisfying dinner with these BBQ Ranch Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for family night.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry the potatoes. Pierce them several times with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes, or until tender.
4. While the potatoes are baking, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a bowl.
5. Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a border to create a shell.
6. Mash the scooped-out potato flesh with a little butter and milk if desired.
7. Mix the mashed potato flesh back into the chicken mixture.
8. Spoon the filling back into the potato shells.
9. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
10. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• You can use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to your preference.
• Feel free to add other toppings like sour cream or jalapeños.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half
• Calories: Approx. 450-550 (will vary based on ingredients)
• Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
• Sodium: Approx. 800-1200mg
• Fat: Approx. 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-15g
• Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Trans Fat: Less than 1g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
• Fiber: Approx. 5-7g
• Protein: Approx. 25-35g
• Cholesterol: Approx. 80-100mg