Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Skins (Print Format)

Crispy potato skins packed with ranch-seasoned chicken, bacon, cheddar, and chives for a crowd-pleasing bite.

# Ingredients:

→ Potato Skins

01 - 4 large russet potatoes
02 - Olive oil
03 - Coarse salt
04 - Oil for frying

→ Filling

05 - 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
06 - Ranch seasoning (to taste)
07 - 12 slices bacon, cut into strips
08 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ¼ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
10 - 3 chives, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - Poke potatoes with a fork, rub with olive oil and coarse salt. Wrap individually in foil and grill at 400°F for 1-1½ hours until fork-tender.
02 - Season chicken thighs generously with ranch seasoning on both sides. Grill at 375-400°F for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest the chicken, then dice into small cubes.
03 - Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
04 - In a large bowl, mix cubed chicken, crispy bacon, sliced chives, and buttermilk ranch dressing until evenly coated.
05 - Halve potatoes lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch layer attached to the skin. Fry the hollowed skins at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
06 - Sprinkle cheddar inside each potato skin. Fill generously with the chicken bacon ranch mixture and top with more cheddar.
07 - Grill using indirect heat or bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Drizzle ranch dressing and sprinkle chives on top. Serve hot.

# Tips:

01 - For extra crispiness, ensure potato skins are thoroughly fried before filling.
02 - Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting quality.