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When crispy baked potatoes are loaded with smoky flavor, melty cheese, and all the fixings, dinner becomes something everyone looks forward to. These Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes make the most of what you have on hand and come together with everyday ingredients. This is the kind of easy dinner that checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to get a real meal on the table fast. As someone who’s constantly testing recipes and juggling busy weeks, I’ve learned that a little prep goes a long way. One of my go-to tips: I keep russet potatoes scrubbed, oiled, and ready in the fridge so I can bake them without thinking twice. And whenever I make a batch of my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken or BBQ pork, I freeze a few portions specifically for quick meals like this.
This isn’t just a last-minute dinner. It’s a simple, repeatable strategy that works whether I’m using leftovers from the freezer or picking up pre-cooked meats from the deli. It’s the kind of recipe that makes life easier and helps you feel like you’ve got dinner handled, even on the busiest nights.
BBQ Chicken Baked Potato Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: Sturdy and fluffy when baked. Here’s a complete guide to perfect oven-baked potatoes.
- Olive oil + kosher salt: For that perfectly crisp skin.
- Butter: Melts right into the hot, fluffy potato.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded for quick melting, or your favorite blend of cheeses.
- Cooked bacon: Fresh or real bacon bits both work.
- Pulled BBQ chicken – store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s saucy. You can use brisket or pork as well.
- Green onions: Optional, but add a pop of color and flavor.
- Pepper: A quick twist of black pepper over the top finishes it off.
How to Make The Perfect BBQ Baked Potato
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Scrub your potatoes clean, dry them well.
Poke with a fork.
Then, rub them with olive oil.
Sprinkle all over with kosher salt.
Step 2: Bake
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes. They’re ready when a fork slides in easily.
Step 3: Warm the BBQ chicken
While the potatoes bake, heat your pulled BBQ chicken on the stove or in the microwave until hot and saucy.
Step 4: Load them up
Slice each baked potato down the center, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter. Top with cheddar, BBQ chicken, bacon, and any extras you like.
Tips For Making The Perfect BBQ Chicken Baked Potato
See all the tips for the best fluffy baked potatoes!
- Use russets. They’re best for fluffy insides.
- Don’t skip the salt. It gives the skin great flavor and crunch.
- Bake directly on the rack (or parchment) for crispier skin.
- Check doneness by inserting a fork—it should slide in with no resistance.
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Loaded BBQ Baked Potato Variations
These loaded BBQ baked potatoes are easy to make your own, depending on what you’ve got in the fridge or what your crew prefers.
- Protein swap: Don’t have BBQ chicken? Pulled pork, chopped brisket, or even BBQ tofu work great too (if that is your thing).
- Cheese options: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda add a delicious twist.
- No bacon? You can skip it or try turkey bacon or crispy fried onions for crunch.
- Make it meatless: Use BBQ jackfruit or a plant-based meat alternative with your go-to sauce.
- Add veggies: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn for more flavor and texture.
💡Time-Saving Shortcuts 💡
Need dinner on the table fast? These tips can help you pull it together in a flash:
- Microwave shortcut: If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5–6 minutes first, then finish them in the oven for 20–25 minutes to get that crisp skin.
- Use store-bought pulled BBQ chicken: Grab a container from the deli or refrigerated meats aisle, or use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Pre-shredded cheese & bacon bits: No shame here—bagged cheese and real bacon pieces save time and still taste great.
- Bake ahead: Bake the potatoes earlier in the day or even the night before, then just reheat and load them up when it’s time to eat.
What to Serve With BBQ Loaded Baked Potato
Honestly, these baked potatoes can stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal:
- Simple green salad or my Caesar Salad
- Grilled or Instant Pot corn, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad
- Baked beans – Add a little sweetness and round out the meal Southern-style.
- Sweet strawberry tea or lemonade to wash it all down
They’re also great for a baked potato bar night with a tray of toppings and sides so everyone can build their own.
BBQ Loaded Baked Potato Topping Suggestions
This recipe keeps it classic, but here are a few fun ways to mix it up:
- Classic Coleslaw – Add a spoonful on top for crunch and tang. Try my Mexican Slaw or Blue Cheese Slaw for a change-up.
- Sour cream or ranch drizzle – For extra creaminess.
- Jalapeños – Bring the heat. Pickled, fresh, or crispy.
- Pickles or pickle slaw – Adds that BBQ-style zip.
- Extra cheese – Always a good idea.
- BBQ sauce flavor: Go sweet and smoky, spicy, or even mustard-based—use your favorite!
Storing and Reheating a BBQ Baked Potato
Got leftovers? These store well and make a great lunch the next day.
Refrigerator:
Let the baked potatoes cool completely. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil. Keep any toppings (like BBQ chicken or bacon) separate if possible. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Air fryer: Great for crisping them back up—350°F for 5–6 minutes.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and reheat at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Unwrap and heat in 30-second bursts until hot.
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BBQ Loaded Baked Potato
Ingredients
To Bake Potatoes
- 4 russet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons kosher salt, or to taste
Loaded BBQ Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, approximately 1 cup
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, or packaged bacon bits
- ½ to 1 pound pulled bbq chicken, approximately ½ cup per potato (brisket ot pork)
- green onions, optional
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Wash potatoes with a brush. Dry with a paper towel.
- Rub each potato with oil and place on a baking tray. Coat each potato with salt.
- Cook for 45 – 60 minutes (smaller potatoes will cook faster). Check the potatoes with a fork – it should insert easily. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute increments and check again. Here's a guide for cooking times for baked potatoes.
- Top with pulled BBQ chicken, BBQ brisket, or pork and your favorite toppings.
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Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
My new all time favorite!! Thank you for this recipe!
You are so welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed them!