The cheese melts soft and gooey. The chicken is warm and tender. The potatoes get crispy on the edges, and the smell makes the kitchen feel like home.
I made these on a Friday night when friends came over. We sat around the table, grabbing one after another, laughing and not leaving a single one behind. They felt like the kind of snack everyone waits for.
Now I want to share them with you. Let’s bake these cheesy chicken potato skins together and make your kitchen smell just as cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: As one reader shared, “These disappeared in minutes at our party!”
- Crispy and Loaded: Golden potato shells packed with juicy chicken and gooey melted cheese create the perfect bite every time.
- Easy to Make: Ready in about an hour with simple steps anyone can follow.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for game day, parties, or family movie nights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients to create something special.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: This recipe makes 8 potato skin halves—enough for 4 people as a main dish or 6-8 people as an appetizer. Need more? Double the recipe and use a second baking sheet.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but satisfying for experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon for scooping
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients for Best Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins
These loaded potato skins combine crispy shells with savory chicken and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Russet Potatoes: Large baking potatoes that crisp up beautifully and hold their shape.
- Chicken Breast: Tender protein that adds heartiness to each bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that brings everything together.
- Sour Cream: Creamy topping that adds cool contrast to the warm potatoes.
- Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp the potato skins to golden perfection.
- Garlic Powder: Savory seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Variations for Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins
- Add Bacon: Mix in crispy bacon bits with the chicken for extra smoky flavor.
- Try Different Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Make It Loaded: Top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado.
- Use Leftovers: Perfect way to use up leftover roasted or grilled chicken.
How to Make Best Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub russet potatoes. Poke holes all over with a fork. Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes until tender when squeezed gently.
2. Cool and Scoop
Let potatoes cool until safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato in the skin.
3. Season the Shells
Brush potato shells inside and out with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Prepare the Chicken
While potatoes bake, season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet with a little olive oil until fully cooked through. Let cool, then dice into small pieces.
5. First Bake
Place seasoned potato shells cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes until edges start to crisp and turn golden.
6. Add Toppings
Remove from oven and fill each potato shell with diced chicken. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Final Bake
Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts completely and bubbles around the edges.
8. Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins
These versatile potato skins work perfectly for many occasions:
- As Appetizers: Cut into smaller pieces for party finger food.
- Game Day Snacks: Serve with ranch dressing and hot sauce on the side.
- Light Dinner: Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Movie Night: Perfect for sharing during family movie time.
- Party Food: Arrange on a large platter with extra toppings nearby.
Storing Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins
- Leftover Potato Flesh: Save scooped potato for mashed potatoes or soup. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Cooked Potato Skins: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
- Make Ahead: Prepare shells and chicken separately. Store in fridge and assemble when ready to bake.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they get crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Brushing with olive oil helps create that perfect golden, crispy texture.
- Season Each Step: Season the chicken, potato shells, and final dish for the best flavor.
- Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the final bake so cheese melts without burning.
- Let Them Rest: Allow a few minutes to cool before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
Nutrition
Per Serving (2 halves)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Calcium | 165mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintBest Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 potato halves (4 servings) 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bake Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes and poke holes with a fork. Bake for 45 minutes until tender.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder. Cook in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil until done. Cool and dice.
- Prepare Shells: Cut cooled potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4 inch. Brush with remaining olive oil and season with remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- First Bake: Increase oven to 450°F. Bake potato shells cut-side up for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Add Toppings: Fill shells with diced chicken and top with cheese.
- Final Bake: Bake 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Chicken Potato Skins FAQs
Yes! Prepare the potato shells and cook the chicken up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Russet potatoes work best, but you can use other large baking potatoes. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the prepared shells without toppings for up to 1 month. Thaw and add toppings before the final bake.
The potatoes should give slightly when gently squeezed and a fork should easily pierce through the skin.
