Crack Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.8 kg large Russet potatoes (4-6 whole potatoes)
02 -
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast (2-3 breasts)
03 -
1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning mix
04 -
113 g block cream cheese
05 -
3 slices cooked bacon, diced or crumbled
06 -
100 g freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese
→ Optional Toppings
07 -
Additional bacon bits
08 -
Fresh chopped chives
09 -
Ranch dressing, for drizzling
10 -
Blue cheese crumbles
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Place chicken breasts into a slow cooker and sprinkle evenly with Ranch seasoning. Place the cream cheese block over the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
02 -
Remove the lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in approximately three-quarters of the bacon and 100 g shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
03 -
Preheat oven to 220°C. Wash and thoroughly dry potatoes. Rub each with a small amount of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the flesh. Remove from oven and let potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
04 -
Alternatively, place washed and dried potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on full power for 7 minutes, turning once halfway through. Heat in additional 1-minute increments if needed, until fork-tender. Allow potatoes to rest 5 to 10 minutes before using.
05 -
Set oven to broil and line a baking tray with foil. Cut a slit lengthwise along the top of each potato without fully halving. Gently squeeze the ends to open and fluff the interior with a fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper, add a small amount of butter if desired. Spoon the warm chicken mixture generously into the cavities of each potato. Top with an additional tablespoon of Cheddar and a few bacon crumbles.
06 -
Broil stuffed potatoes for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Closely monitor to prevent burning. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with fresh chives and a drizzle of Ranch dressing. Serve immediately.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For extra flavor, prepare potatoes in the oven for a crisper skin.
02 -
Microwave method offers a faster alternative but results in a softer skin.