Hearty Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Savory Chicken Filling & Tangy Special Sauce

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Imagine tender, fluffy russet potatoes, loaded with a savory, perfectly seasoned ground chicken and vegetable filling, mashed with creamy cheese and sour cream, then baked until golden and bubbly. To crown this masterpiece, we’re adding a homemade, tangy special sauce that cuts through the richness and adds a burst of fresh flavor. This recipe transforms a simple side into a robust, complete meal that’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, casual entertaining, or a satisfying weeknight treat.

Cooking Time

Prep time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Bake time (Potatoes): 45-60 minutes
Cook time (Filling): 10-15 minutes
Bake time (Assembled): 10-15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
Olive oil (for rubbing potatoes)
Salt (for seasoning potatoes)

For the Savory Chicken Filling:

1 lb (approx. 450g) ground chicken
2 celery ribs, diced
½ yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for mixing into potato mash)
½ cup sour cream
Olive oil (for cooking filling)
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley

For Assembling & Baking:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

For the Tangy Special Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
⅓ cup minced dill pickles (or relish)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly wash and dry the 4 large russet potatoes. Using a knife or fork, poke several holes all over each potato. Rub each potato generously with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet to catch any drips). Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is slightly crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
Cook the Savory Chicken Filling: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced celery ribs and continue to cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Brown the Chicken: Push the cooked onions and celery to the sides of the skillet, creating space in the center. Add the 1 lb ground chicken to the center. Break the chicken into small crumbles with a spoon. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
Combine Filling Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, mix it thoroughly with the sautéed onions and celery. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to incorporate the flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Prepare the Potato Shells & Mash: Carefully cut each baked potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the soft potato insides into a large mixing bowl, being careful to leave a thin shell (about 1/4 inch thick) intact so the potato halves maintain their structure.
Mash and Mix: To the scooped-out potato insides, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup sour cream, a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried parsley (to taste). Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
Combine Potato & Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture to the mashed potato mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble & Final Bake: Generously fill each potato shell with the prepared chicken and potato mixture. You can mound the filling high, creating a visually appealing and hearty portion. Sprinkle the tops of the filled potatoes with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
Make the Tangy Special Sauce: While the stuffed potatoes are in their final bake, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup minced dill pickles (or relish), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon mustard. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Serve: Carefully remove the hot stuffed potatoes from the oven. Serve immediately with a generous drizzle or dollop of the tangy special sauce on top.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes.

Calories: 700-850 kcal
Protein: 40-50g
Fat: 45-60g (includes healthy fats from olive oil, cheese, and sour cream, plus mayo)
Carbohydrates: 45-60g
Fiber: 6-8g
Sodium: 800-1200mg (adjustable with salt usage)
Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin C (potatoes, celery), Vitamin K (celery), Vitamin A (paprika), Potassium (potatoes), Calcium (cheese, sour cream), and B vitamins (chicken, potatoes).

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Stuffed baked potatoes, often called “twice-baked potatoes” when the filling is mashed and returned to the shell, are a beloved comfort food with deep roots in American cuisine. The concept of baking a potato and filling it with savory ingredients is a versatile one, allowing for endless variations.

Baked Potato Foundation: The baked potato itself has been a staple for centuries, valued for its simplicity, affordability, and satisfying nature.
Twice-Baked Evolution: The “twice-baked” method likely evolved as a way to enhance flavor and texture, turning a simple potato into a more gourmet or complete dish. This also makes them ideal for make-ahead meal prep or entertaining.
Comfort Food Appeal: The combination of soft, creamy potato with rich fillings is universally comforting, especially in colder climates.
Versatility: The beauty of stuffed potatoes lies in their adaptability. Fillings can range from classic cheese and bacon to more elaborate meat and vegetable mixtures, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.
Family Favorite: They are often a hit with families due to their familiar flavors and hearty nature.

This particular recipe uses ground chicken for a lighter protein option and features a unique tangy sauce that adds a refreshing twist, moving it beyond a standard recipe.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish delivers warmth, richness, and satisfaction in every bite.
Hearty & Filling: With generous portions of potato, chicken, and cheese, it’s a complete meal that truly fills you up.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of seasoned chicken, tender vegetables, creamy mashed potato, and bubbly cheese creates a symphony of savory flavors.
Customizable: Easily adapt the seasonings, cheese type, or even add other vegetables (like corn or peas) to the filling.
Impressive Presentation: Mound high with filling and melted cheese, these potatoes look fantastic on a plate, making them great for guests.
Tangy Sauce: The special sauce is a game-changer, adding a bright, zesty counterpoint that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the potato.
Economical: Uses common, affordable ingredients to create a gourmet-feeling meal.

Health Benefits

While this is a hearty dish, it still offers significant nutritional benefits:

Complex Carbohydrates: Potatoes provide sustained energy, along with fiber, Vitamin C, and Potassium.
Lean Protein: Ground chicken offers a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety, with less saturated fat than some red meats.
Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Celery and onion contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Potatoes: Excellent source of Vitamin C and B6, and Potassium.
- Chicken: Rich in B vitamins (Niacin, B6, B12), Phosphorus, and Selenium.
- Cheese & Sour Cream: Provide Calcium for bone health and protein.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed potatoes are a meal on their own, but if you’d like to round out the plate:

Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add extra greens and nutrients.
Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw can provide a nice crunch and tangy flavor.
Extra Sauce: Always serve with extra tangy special sauce on the side for dipping!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Undercooking the Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are truly fork-tender in the first bake. If they’re too firm, they’ll be difficult to scoop and mash smoothly.
Overcooking the Filling: Be careful not to overcook the chicken filling, as it can dry out. Cook until just browned and no longer pink.
Leaving Too Much Potato in Shell: Don’t scoop out too much potato, or the shell will be flimsy. Aim for about a 1/4-inch thickness.
Not Mashing Potatoes Smoothly: Lumpy mashed potato filling can affect the texture. Mash thoroughly before mixing in other ingredients.
Not Seasoning Enough: Remember to season the potatoes, the chicken, and the final combined filling. Taste and adjust. Potatoes are mild and need ample seasoning.
Overfilling the Shells: While you want a generous mound, don’t overfill to the point where the filling spills out or the potato shells can’t hold it.

Pairing Recommendations

Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon would pair well with the savory chicken and rich potato. A full-bodied Chardonnay could also work.
Beer: A crisp lager, an amber ale, or a brown ale would complement the hearty flavors.
Non-Alcoholic: Freshly brewed iced tea, a sparkling cider, or even a classic root beer would be enjoyable.

Cooking Tips

Perfect Baked Potatoes: For the crispiest skin, rub with oil and salt, and bake directly on the oven rack.
Chicken Crumbles: When cooking ground chicken, break it up thoroughly with a spoon or potato masher as it cooks to ensure fine crumbles.
Flavor Boost (Filling): A pinch of smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning can add a wonderful depth of flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can also enhance the umami.
Cool Slightly: Allowing the potatoes to cool slightly after baking makes them easier to handle and scoop without burning your hands.
Make Ahead: The chicken filling can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bake the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Assemble and bake when ready.
Freezing: Assembled and unbaked stuffed potatoes can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these stuffed baked potatoes, you might also like:

Shepherd’s Pie / Cottage Pie: A savory ground meat (lamb or beef) and vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes, then baked.
Twice-Baked Potatoes (Classic): Often filled with cheese, bacon bits, chives, and sour cream.
Meatloaf: A classic ground meat dish, often served with mashed potatoes, which can be adapted into a “meatloaf stuffed potato.”
Potato Casseroles: Many casseroles combine potatoes with ground meat and cheese, offering similar comforting flavors.

Variations to Try

Different Ground Meat: Substitute ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of ground meats for the chicken.
Add Vegetables: Stir in other finely diced vegetables to the chicken filling, such as corn, peas, finely grated carrots, or diced bell peppers.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to the potato mash or chicken filling.
Spicier: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken filling.
Creamier Potato: Add a tablespoon of butter to the mashed potato mix for extra richness.
Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of liquid smoke in the chicken filling (use sparingly) can add a deep smoky flavor.
Top with Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese before the final bake for extra savory crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Russet Potatoes: These are the ideal choice for baking and stuffing due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy, dry, and easily mashable interior, perfect for absorbing the creamy filling. Their thick skin also holds up well as a vessel.
Ground Chicken: A lighter protein option than ground beef, ground chicken is versatile and takes on flavors beautifully. It cooks quickly and provides a lean source of protein.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated ingredient is a flavor powerhouse. Even a small amount adds a deep, umami-rich base to the chicken filling, enhancing its savory notes and helping to bind the flavors together.
Dill Pickles (or Relish): The secret weapon in the special sauce! The minced dill pickles provide a crucial tangy, briny, and slightly acidic bite that cuts through the richness of the main dish, adding a refreshing counterpoint and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Hearty Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Savory Chicken Filling & Tangy Special Sauce are a testament to how classic comfort food can be elevated with thoughtful preparation and vibrant flavors. This dish delivers on every promise: a satisfyingly fluffy potato, a richly seasoned chicken and vegetable filling, and a bright, zesty sauce that ties it all together. Easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for company, it’s a versatile and delicious meal that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.