Introduction
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes blend the savory flavors of barbecued chicken with the comforting warmth of baked potatoes, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This recipe is an ideal way to elevate simple baked potatoes into a complete meal, packed with delicious BBQ goodness and customizable toppings.
Table of Contents
What Are BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes?
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are a dish where fluffy baked potatoes serve as the base for a flavorful topping of shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and assorted toppings. This recipe combines the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ sauce with tender chicken, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, and you can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Customizable: Top with your favorite garnishes, like green onions, sour cream, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors and cheesy topping. Quick and Satisfying: Great as a main course, especially when you’re in the mood for comfort food
- Preparation Time
15 minutes - Cooking Time
60 minutes - Serves
4 adults - Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for topping)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste) Olive oil (for rubbing the potatoes)
Instructions for Making BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub and dry the potatoes, then poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub the potatoes with a bit of olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
- Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, and bake for 50-60 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
- While the potatoes bake, shred your cooked chicken if it’s not pre-shredded.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated. If you prefer extra saucy chicken, add more BBQ sauce to taste.
- Set aside the BBQ chicken mixture until the potatoes are ready.
Step 3: Assemble the BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Carefully cut each potato lengthwise down the middle, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
- Fluff the potato insides with a fork, then add a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture into each potato.
- Top each potato with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Place the assembled potatoes back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Garnishes and Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the potatoes from the oven and add your desired toppings.
- Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with chopped green onions, or add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
Achieving a Crispy Potato Skin
- Rubbing the potatoes with oil and salt before baking ensures a crispy skin. You can also finish them off under the broiler for an extra crunch.
Balancing BBQ Flavors
- If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to create a balanced flavor
Variations of BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
Loaded BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
- Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheese to make a loaded BBQ chicken baked potato, perfect for a filling meal.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños to give your BBQ chicken baked potatoes a kick.
Vegetarian BBQ Baked Potatoes Option
- Swap the chicken with BBQ-flavored chickpeas or jackfruit for a delicious vegetarian version of this recipe.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Calories and Macronutrients
- Each serving of BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Lean protein source, essential for muscle maintenance.
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.
- BBQ Sauce: If using homemade sauce, you can control sugar and sodium content.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Baked Potato
- Serve BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. A cool, crisp side balances the warmth and smokiness of the main dish.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes!
BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing dish with endless possibilities for customization. This recipe lets you enjoy the comfort of a baked potato with the exciting, smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a natural sweetness that complements the BBQ flavor.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe? Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but mozzarella and pepper jack add a unique twist.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes in the oven? Bake the potatoes, prepare the chicken, and then assemble them as described above. You can finish them under the broiler for a melted cheese topping.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance? Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, then reheat and assemble the potatoes when ready to serve.
Are there low-carb versions of this recipe? To make a low-carb version, substitute the potato with a roasted vegetable, like cauliflower or bell peppers.
What toppings can I add to make it a full meal? Consider adding black beans, avocado, or even roasted corn for a more substantial meal.
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BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for topping)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for rubbing the potatoes)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub and dry the potatoes, then poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub the potatoes with a bit of olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper.
- Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, and bake for 50-60 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
- While the potatoes bake, shred your cooked chicken if it’s not pre-shredded.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated. If you prefer extra saucy chicken, add more BBQ sauce to taste.
- Set aside the BBQ chicken mixture until the potatoes are ready.
Assemble the BBQ Chicken Baked Potatoes
- When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Carefully cut each potato lengthwise down the middle, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
- Fluff the potato insides with a fork, then add a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture into each potato.
- Top each potato with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Melt the Cheese
- Place the assembled potatoes back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Garnishes and Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the potatoes from the oven and add your desired toppings.
- Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with chopped green onions, or add extra BBQ sauce if desired.
