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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food when you want a meal that is hearty effortless and impossible to resist. Each potato bursts with tangy saucy chicken and a blanket of melty cheese all perched on that signature crispy skin and finished with a cool pop of sour cream and green onions. This recipe quickly turned into my favorite way to reimagine leftover chicken and has wowed everyone at my family table.
I first made these on a whim after a busy day using only what I had on hand. Now my friends specifically request them at our weekend get-togethers and the crispy edges are always the first thing people mention.
Ingredients
- Large russet potatoes: choose ones with tough skins and no soft spots as they bake up super crisp
- Cooked shredded chicken: rotisserie or home cooked both work just make sure it is moist
- BBQ sauce: pick your favorite flavor sweet smoky or spicy for the biggest impact and check labels for quality ingredients and low corn syrup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar gives the most flavor and melts perfectly
- Mozzarella cheese: use for next level stretchiness and buttery texture
- Green onions: look for fresh vibrant stalks as garnish for bite and color
- Sour cream: smooth and tangy serve on the side or dollop on top to tame the richness
Step by Step Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly prick each several times with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack at 400 degrees F Bake until the skins are very crisp and a fork slides in easily this usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the potatoes are baking toss your shredded cooked chicken in the BBQ sauce until it is thoroughly coated Taste and add more sauce if you love it extra tangy Cover and set aside to keep it moist
- Hollow and Fluff:
- Once the potatoes can be handled slice each open lengthwise but do not cut all the way through Gently scoop out most of the fluffy interior with a fork leaving a border for structure Reserve the interiors in a bowl
- Mix and Fill:
- Combine the scooped potato with half of the cheddar and mozzarella mix lightly then fold in half of your BBQ chicken mixture Spoon this cheesy mixture back into the potato shells and press down slightly
- Top and Bake Again:
- Spoon the remaining BBQ chicken on top of each stuffed potato Layer over the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella Arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil for easier clean up Return to the oven at 400 degrees F until the cheese is melted bubbly and golden usually about 10 minutes
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven Cool slightly Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions Serve hot with a big dollop of sour cream
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Cheddar cheese is the real showstopper here its edge sharpness is unbeatable when melted over smoky saucy chicken My kids always sneak extra cheddar slices while we are prepping the toppings and it is become our little family tradition
Storage Tips
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes can be cooled to room temperature then wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for up to three days I like to reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F so the skins crisp right back up Just hold off on the sour cream and onions until you are ready to eat
Ingredient Substitutions
No chicken no problem You can swap in shredded pork brisket or even BBQ jackfruit for a vegetarian twist Pepper jack offers a nice kick of heat while smoked gouda brings a deeper smokiness Use what you have and do not overthink it
Serving Suggestions
They make a fantastic main dish served with a crisp green salad or quick coleslaw For gatherings I sometimes make mini stuffed potatoes with smaller spuds and let guests top with their own favorite sauces hot sauce and even pickled jalapenos
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Cultural History and Context
Loaded baked potatoes have roots in both British and American comfort food but stuffing them with BBQ chicken blends Southern US flavors with the classic potato bar idea This creative mashup was born from potluck tables and backyard barbecues where everyone brings their own twist
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I get crispy potato skins?
Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack after pricking and oiling their skins to achieve extra crispiness.
- → Can I use a different cheese blend?
Absolutely! Try pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for a rich flavor, or blue cheese for added sharpness.
- → Is there a plant-based substitute for chicken?
Yes, BBQ jackfruit makes a great plant-based filling. You can also use pulled mushrooms or tempeh.
- → What’s the best way to shred chicken for filling?
Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast or thighs while still warm for the best texture.
- → Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or broccoli add nutrition and flavor to your stuffed potatoes.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best results.