Crack Chicken Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Steps

Crack Chicken

1. 1

   Place the chicken breasts in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker and sprinkle evenly with the ranch seasoning mix.

2. 2

   Place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½–3 hours or on LOW for about 4–5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

   Start 3-hour timer
3. 3

   Remove the slow-cooker lid. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.

4. 4

   Add three-quarters of the chopped bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the slow cooker. Stir until the cheese is melted and the filling is creamy and evenly combined.

Baked Potatoes

5. 5

   Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes using either the oven or microwave method below.

6. 6

   For the oven method, preheat the oven to 425°F (220 °C) (220°C (425 °F)). Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, rub them lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, until a fork slides easily into the centers. Alternatively, omit the oil and seasoning and place the potatoes directly on the center oven rack.

   Start 1-hour timer
8. 8

   For the microwave method, wash and dry the potatoes and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on full power for 7 minutes, turning them over once halfway through. Continue microwaving in 1-minute increments as needed until fork-tender.

   Start 7-minute timer
9. 9

   Let the baked potatoes rest for 5–10 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.

   Start 10-minute timer

Assembly

10. 10

    Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat the oven broiler.

11. 11

    Arrange the potatoes on the baking sheet. Using a small, sharp knife, cut a lengthwise slit across the top of each potato, taking care not to cut completely through.

12. 12

    Gently squeeze the ends of each potato to open it without causing the potato to split completely apart.

13. 13

    Fluff the potato flesh gently with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Add a small pat of butter to each potato.

14. 14

    Stuff each potato with the crack chicken mixture. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar and a few pieces of crumbled bacon.

15. 15

    Broil for about 5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Do not let the toppings scorch.

    Start 5-minute timer
16. 16

    Remove the potatoes from the broiler and let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with minced chives and a drizzle of ranch dressing; add optional blue cheese crumbles, then serve warm.

    Start 5-minute timer