If you are looking for a comforting, satisfying dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in one glorious bite, then this Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly baked potatoes fluffed just right to create a cozy little boat for savory, seasoned shredded chicken, melted sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and bright green onions, all finished off with a cool dollop of sour cream. It’s a meal that’s equally perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends because it’s easy to make but never fails to delight with its rich, layered textures and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color. Nothing fancy, but everything essential to make your loaded chicken and potatoes truly sing.
- 4 medium potatoes: The hearty base, perfect for baking and stuffing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps toast the spices for deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic kick to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings warmth and color for a comforting taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that balances the dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The protein star, tender and ready to soak up the spices.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for that classic loaded potato experience.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky richness.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Provides fresh, bright bursts of flavor and color.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: A cool, tangy finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures a crispy skin and fluffy inside. Give the potatoes a good wash to remove all dirt, then dry them thoroughly to help achieve that crispy skin. Poking a few holes with a fork lets steam escape while baking, so the potatoes cook evenly without bursting. Bake directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for about 45 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Chicken
While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper; stir them around for about 30 seconds to awaken their flavors. Add the shredded chicken and toss it in the fragrant oil mixture, warming it through for 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with delicious herbs and spices, creating a flavorful topping.
Step 3: Fluff and Fill the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and fluff the flesh gently with a fork. This creates little pockets that are perfect for holding the savory chicken. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over each half, giving you that hearty base ready for the cheesy layer.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake Again
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each stuffed potato and pop them back into the oven for 5-7 minutes. This short bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden topping that will make your taste buds dance. It’s this melty goodness that really makes this dish feel indulgent.
Step 5: Crispy Bacon and Final Toppings
While the cheese melts, cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions so they’re ready to add a fresh crunch and bright color to the dish. Once the potatoes come out of the oven, top them with bacon, green onions, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Serve these loaded beauties immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the bacon, green onions, and sour cream, feel free to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top to add vibrant color and a fresh note that balances the savory richness beautifully. If you like a hint of spice, a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, steamed veggies, or even some roasted Brussels sprouts. A light, citrusy green salad helps cut through the richness, giving the meal a satisfying balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, try halving mini potatoes and making bite-sized loaded potato appetizers. You can also prepare the dish as a family-style platter, letting everyone build their loaded potatoes with their favorite toppings. It’s interactive and super fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover loaded chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings like sour cream and green onions separate until reheating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially before adding the fresh garnishes. Wrap each portion tightly or place them in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwave reheating when possible, as it can make the potatoes a bit soggy, and the texture won’t be as delightful.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and bacon. Just bake them a bit longer until tender, as they can take more time than regular potatoes.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
You can quickly poach or roast chicken breasts before starting the recipe, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. The goal is tender, shredded chicken that absorbs the spices well.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices and bacon are free of any gluten-containing additives. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Sure thing! Swap cooked chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a combination of beans and corn for protein. Use vegetarian bacon or skip the bacon altogether and boost flavor with extra cheese and herbs.
How spicy is this Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, with warm flavors from paprika and black pepper. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe is such a faithful crowd-pleaser that it’s hard not to fall in love with its cozy, layered flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or an informal gathering, it brings people together with its hearty goodness and simple ingredients. Give it a try, and watch your loved ones savor every bite with big smiles!
Print
Loaded Chicken and Potatoes with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Chicken & Potatoes recipe combines perfectly baked potatoes topped with a flavorful mixture of seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty and comforting meal.
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 & Toppings
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 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.
- Wash Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry completely using a clean towel or paper towels to ensure even baking.
- Pierce Potatoes: Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato, allowing 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 they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Heat Oil and Spices: While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the spices in the oil for about 30 seconds to toast them and release their aroma.
- Add Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the seasoned oil mixture, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Keep Chicken Warm: Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to keep the chicken warm.
- Remove Potatoes from Oven: Once the potatoes are baked, carefully take them out using oven mitts.
- Cool Potatoes: Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes until they can be handled safely.
- Slice Potatoes: Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Fluff Potato Insides: Use a fork to fluff the insides of each potato half, creating a pocket for the toppings.
- Add Chicken Filling: Divide the seasoned chicken mixture evenly and spoon it over the fluffed potato halves.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken-topped potatoes.
- Bake with Cheese: Return the loaded potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy.
- Prepare Bacon and Onions: Remove bacon from heat and crumble it into small pieces. Chop the green onions into small slices.
- Remove Potatoes Again: Once the cheese is melted, carefully take the potatoes out of the oven.
- Add Final Toppings: Top each loaded potato with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve: Serve the loaded chicken and potatoes immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you like some heat.
- Use russet potatoes for the best baking and fluffy texture.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to speed up preparation time.
- To save time, bacon can be cooked in the oven alongside the potatoes if pan space is limited, but monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
