Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes

Name: Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shredded chicken (cooked); 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream; Shredded cheese; Sliced avocado; Chopped green onions

Highlighted under: Fast Flavor | Quick Tastes

I love making Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes because they are the perfect blend of comfort and bold flavors. It's one of those dishes that never fails to please a crowd, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a game day gathering. The crispy potatoes are topped with creamy chicken chili, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour. This recipe allows me to get creative with toppings, making each serving a delightful surprise for everyone. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make these again and again!

Created by

Mia

Last updated on 2026-02-23T13:34:19.751Z

In my quest to create a hearty dish that would not only fill bellies but also warm hearts, I decided to layer baked potatoes with a flavorful chicken chili. Cooking the chicken with spices and letting it simmer really elevates the dish to new heights. One particular detail that made a difference was adding a splash of lime juice at the end, which brightened the flavors beautifully.

I've tried various toppings for my potatoes, but the combination of avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese really takes the dish over the top. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can turn an ordinary meal into a vibrant feast. You'll love how customizable and delicious this dish is!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken topped with rich chili flavor
Crispy potatoes providing the perfect base
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you select can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior when baked. Make sure to choose large, firm potatoes that are free from blemishes. If russets aren’t available, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes, which will provide a slightly creamier texture. However, avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes, as they won’t yield the same fluffy result.

Before baking, make sure to scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt. Pricking them with a fork is crucial as it allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting in the oven. I recommend tossing them in olive oil and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. This step not only enhances the flavor of the skin but also helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.

Enhancing the Chicken Chili

The chicken chili serves as the heart of this dish, bringing depth and richness. Using pre-cooked shredded chicken is a great time-saver, but if you have time, consider poaching fresh chicken breasts with garlic and onion for added flavor. Rotisserie chicken is also an excellent choice, bringing its own blend of spices and juiciness. Just make sure to remove any large, tough pieces before shredding, as they can be unappetizing in your chili.

When it comes to seasoning, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust as you go. The chili powder and cumin will add warmth and depth, but depending on your taste, you may want to add additional spices like smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or cayenne pepper for extra heat. This dish is very forgiving, so feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.

Topping Variations

While sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and green onions are classic toppings, the sky's the limit when it comes to customizing your Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes. For a southwestern twist, consider adding jalapeños or pico de gallo. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use a plant-based sour cream. These modifications can cater to different dietary needs while still maintaining that comfort food vibe.

I love the idea of serving these potatoes with a side of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, if you want to make this dish even heartier, you could add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn to your chicken chili. Mixing in these ingredients not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a medley of textures and tastes that keep each bite exciting.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to get started on this delicious meal!

For the Chicken Chili

1 lb shredded chicken (cooked)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Sliced avocado
Chopped green onions

Now that you have your ingredients, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes.

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, then prick them with a fork and rub them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Make the Chicken Chili

In a large skillet, combine the cooked shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Dish

Once the potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the chicken chili generously over each potato. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and chopped green onions as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Chili Loaded Potatoes!

Pro Tips

If you have leftover chili, it can be frozen and used for future loaded potatoes or served over rice or pasta.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the chicken chili separately from the baked potatoes to maintain their crispiness. Place the chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The potatoes can be stored in a separate container, but it's best consumed fresh for the best texture. Reheating the chili on the stovetop works well; just be sure to stir it occasionally to heat evenly without scorching.

Should you want to freeze the chicken chili for longer storage, make sure it has fully cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. For optimal quality, it's wise to consume frozen chili within 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat until bubbling on the stovetop or microwave.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, so whether you’re feeding a family of four or preparing for a larger gathering, adjusting the quantities is straightforward. To scale up, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. Ensure you have ample baking sheets and pots to manage larger batches without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredient amounts. Consider making the whole batch and freezing portions; that way, you’ll have a quick meal ready to go for busy nights. Just ensure to adjust the baking time to accommodate smaller potato sizes if you're using smaller potatoes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground beef can be a flavorful substitute for the shredded chicken.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with more beans and add some sautéed vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make the chicken chili and prep the potatoes ahead of time. Just bake the potatoes before serving.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and corn are all great options.