Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

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Crispy, golden baked potatoes, grilled chicken, smoky bacon, and the velvety goodness of ranch sour cream come together for a delightful meal.

chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes on a black plate.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Picture this: golden, crispy potatoes, juicy bites of chicken, rich bacon, and the creaminess of everyone's favorite sauce, ranch sour cream.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes brings a boatload of flavors that come together for a favorite in our farm kitchen.

It all starts with a well-cooked baked potato. One that has crispy, well-seasoned potato skins that are worth eating and a soft, fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth.

Top it off with tender chicken hot off the grill, crispy bacon, rich shredded cheese, fresh green onions, and ranch sour cream... trust me, you're going to be happy about this one.

finished chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

Make one potato per person, plus an extra couple because you're going to want leftovers. Exact measurements aren't really a thing in a recipe like this, but I've included some guiding measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Baking Potatoes - Russet potatoes are perfect for baking because they have a low moisture content and high starch content which means the insides are fluffy and the outsides are crunchy
Olive Oil - helps to get the potato skins nice and crispy
Garlic Salt - flavors the potato skin so it's tasty to eat and the salt draws moisture out of the potato making it fluffier on the inside
Cooked Bacon, diced - brings texture and rich, smoky flavors
Cheddar Cheese, shredded - melty goodness is important on these perfect potatoes
Cooked Chicken such as Boneless Skinless Thighs, grilled - the higher fat content in the thighs makes them perfect for grilling
Sour Cream - traditional tangy, richness
Ranch Seasoning Mix - elevates the flavor of the sour cream
Green Onion - adds a freshness to each bite
Butter, Salt and Black Pepper, optional

ingredients for chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

Making each ingredient great is important in every dish, but especially when the ingredients are simple and few. Follow these steps to create an exceptional baked potato that's fluffy inside with crispy flavorful skin.

How to Make Great Baked Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Scrub baking potatoes to remove any dirt. Wipe dry. Prick with a knife or a fork.
Coat the skins of the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with garlic salt.
Cook potatoes in an iron skillet or heavy baking sheet. Turn the potatoes after 25-30 minutes.
Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the insides are fork tender. Skins should be crispy and golden brown. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
While potatoes are baking, mix ranch mix into sour cream and allow flavors to mingle.
Cook chicken.
When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut the potato lengthwise and squeeze the sides to fluff the potato.
Top with butter, salt and pepper, cheese, chicken, ranch sour cream, bacon, and green onions.

toping potatoes with garlic salt for chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes.

mixing ranch powder with sour cream for chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes.

Favorite ranch-flavored dishes!

Are you a ranch food fan? Try some of our fav ranchy foods!

Top Tips

Russet potatoes are ideal for baking because they have a low moisture content and high starch content which means the insides are fluffy and the outsides are crunchy.

Salting the skin of the potato when baking draws moisture out of the potato and results in a fluffier inside.

Select potatoes that are approximately the same size so they cook at the same rate.

Cut chicken into small pieces to make sure it is easier to eat and ensure that each bite has room for all the goodies.

Serving Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

Add a fresh side salad or other fresh side dish and these loaded baked potatoes are a fantastic all-in-one weeknight meal. Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut to dinner.

FAQ

Do you pierce potatoes when baking in the oven?

Yes, using a knife or a fork poke a few holes in the potato. This allows steam to escape and prevent potatoes from exploding.

Is it better to wrap baked potatoes in foil or not?

Wrapping potatoes in foil when baking them steams the skins and you miss out on the crispy finished skins. Plus, not wrapping in foil saves you money.

Can you overcook a baked potato?

Yes, you sure can. If your potato is wrinkly then you cooked it a bit too long.

Why use salt on the outside of a baked potato?

Even if you don't plan to eat the potato skin, using salt on the outside results in a fluffier baked potato.

What size potato is the best for baking?

I like to bake russet potatoes that are about the size of my hand. But any size can work. Try selecting potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking times. Cooking times may have to be adjusted to fit the size of the potato.

Can you eat potatoes with a green tinge?

The green tinge that occurs under the skin on an improperly stored potato or an old potato is a toxin solanine and should be avoided. But don't throw the potato away, just cut that part of the potato off. Now, it's safe to eat.

Substitutions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken
Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast for thighs
Use any kind of cheese you like
Substitute bottled ranch dressing for sour cream and ranch mix
Red onions in place of green onions
Use garlic powder and flake sea salt for a great textured potato skin

Variations Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potato Casserole

A delicious way to simplify serving baked potatoes. Creamy baked potatoes, topped with savory chicken, chopped bacon, and all the cheesy goodness.

After the potatoes are baked, cut each potato in half and smash a bit into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
Top the potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, cheese, bacon, and chicken. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
Top each serving with ranch sour cream and green onions.

Buffalo Ranch Baked Potatoes

For a buffalo wing kind of flavor top baked potatoes with -

chicken mixed with buffalo wing sauce such as Frank's
ranch dressing mixed into sour cream
blue cheese crumbles
green onions

Storage

Store baked potatoes and toppings separately in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for 3-5 days.

Reheating Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes

For best results, reheat baked potatoes in an Air Fryer or a 400-degree oven, until warmed through.

Looking for other recipes to try?

Pairing

So many desserts to try and so few days! Give one of these a try and let us know what you think.

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?

Lastly, if you made the Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and Facebook.

chicken bacon ranch baked potatoes with green onions.

Food safety

Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat or eggs
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.