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If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying dinner that makes the most of leftovers or store-bought shortcuts, these Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes are it. Crispy-skinned potatoes piled high with pulled BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and bacon—this recipe turns simple ingredients into a full-on comfort meal.
Whether you’ve got leftover meat in the freezer or grab-and-go chicken from the deli, this one’s always a win on busy nights.
This recipe is one of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into something that feels brand new. Anytime I make BBQ chicken, I freeze the extras so I’ve got an easy dinner ready to go. And if I haven’t planned ahead—or I’m just building out a quick meal plan for the week—I’ll grab pre-cooked pulled chicken from the deli section. No shame in that shortcut. Pile it on a baked potato with cheese and bacon, and just like that, dinner’s done and everyone’s happy.
Ingredients You Need for Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
- 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.
Topping Ideas for Loaded Baked Potatoes
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!
How to Make Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
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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 Baking the Perfect BBQ Potato with Pulled Chicken
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.
Variations and Substitutions
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 Stuffed BBQ Baked Potatoes
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.
Storage and Reheating Tips for BBQ Baked Potatoes
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 Stuffed Baked Potatoes
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.
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