Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes bring together the zesty flavor of spicy chicken wings and the comforting goodness of baked potatoes. This dish is perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a hearty and flavorful side or main course. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delightful dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning gives these potatoes an irresistible kick.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as a side or make them the star of your meal; they fit perfectly into any dining setting.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for gatherings, these potatoes will satisfy everyone’s cravings for something hearty and delicious.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spices or toppings based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the potatoes, ensuring even cooking.
• Sharp knife: Allows for precise cutting when preparing the potatoes for stuffing.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Potato masher: Helps achieve a creamy texture when mixing the potato filling.

Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes require simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Potatoes

• 6 large potatoes, (scrubbed and pricked with holes)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Filling

• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded)
• 3 tablespoons homemade dry ranch seasoning, (or 1 ½ packages (1-ounce each) store-bought ranch seasoning)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce, (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, (room temperature)
• 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
• 3 tablespoons butter, (melted)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup (56.5 g) white cheddar cheese, (shredded)

For Serving

• Ranch dressing, (for drizzling)
• Extra buffalo sauce, (for drizzling)
• Parsley, (for garnish)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place pricked potatoes on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle canola oil over them and sprinkle kosher salt for flavor.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. While the potatoes are baking, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, ranch seasoning, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, melted butter, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix well until everything is combined smoothly.

Step 4: Stuff the Potatoes

1. Once baked, remove potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into the bowl with the filling mixture.
3. Mix until creamy then refill each potato skin with this mixture.

Step 5: Top and Bake Again

1. Sprinkle white cheddar cheese over each stuffed potato.
2. Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through and melty on top.

Step 6: Serve

Drizzle with ranch dressing and extra buffalo sauce before garnishing with parsley. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these stuffed potatoes offer a delightful flavor that everyone will love.

Individual Plates

• Serve each potato on a plate with extra buffalo sauce drizzled over the top for added flavor.

Family Style

• Place all the stuffed potatoes in a large serving dish with ranch dressing on the side for guests to drizzle as they like.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Pair the potatoes with a side of fresh celery and carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.

As Appetizers

• Cut the twice-baked potatoes into smaller pieces for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.

With Salad

• Serve alongside a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the potatoes with fresh greens and vegetables.

How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Creating perfect Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an unbeatable dish.

• Choose the right potatoes – Select large russet potatoes for their fluffy texture and ability to hold up when baked twice.
• Shred chicken evenly – Ensure your rotisserie chicken is shredded into small, even pieces for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly – Combine your buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning well to achieve a smooth filling.
• Don’t skip the toppings – Add extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
• Garnish creatively – Use freshly chopped parsley or chives as a garnish to add color and freshness to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes pair beautifully with several side dishes that complement their bold flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and rich dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess, balancing the savory flavors of the potatoes.
3. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping into any leftover ranch or buffalo sauce.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green steamed broccoli offers a healthy touch and enhances your meal’s color palette.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob adds sweetness that pairs nicely with the spicy buffalo flavor.
6. Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans bring warmth and depth, making them an excellent choice alongside potato dishes.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables serve as an eye-catching side.
8. Potato Wedges – For potato lovers, crispy baked wedges seasoned with herbs can be an indulgent addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• A lack of seasoning can make your Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes bland. Always season the potato skins and filling generously for enhanced flavor.
• An overcooked potato can lead to a mushy texture. Bake until just tender, as they will continue to cook when mixed with the filling.
• Forgetting to mash thoroughly can result in lumpy filling. Ensure you mix the cream cheese and other ingredients well for a smooth consistency.
• Using cold ingredients can affect the blending process. Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
• Skipping the garnish may reduce visual appeal. Always top with parsley or extra buffalo sauce for a colorful presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes so special?
Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes combine the savory flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy potatoes, creating a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

Can I use different meats in Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes?
Yes, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken with turkey or even shredded beef for varied flavors.

How can I customize my Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes?
You can add extra toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or even switch up the cheese types according to your preference.

Is there a vegetarian option for Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes?
Certainly! You can replace chicken with sturdy vegetables or plant-based protein combined with buffalo sauce for a tasty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes are an incredible blend of flavors that elevate your dinner experience. They are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize your filling by adding different cheeses or spices based on your taste preferences!