Chicken + Broccoli + Bacon Stuffed Potatoes
PART 2 OF MY BUSY MOM DINNER ROTISSERIES CHICKEN SERIES- WE ARE MAKING DINNER SIMPLE AND HEALTHY(ISH) WITH THESE CHEESY CHICKEN + BROCCOLI + BACON STUFFED POTATOES, DRIZZLED WITH RANCH DRESSING. THESE PACK SO MUCH FLAVOR, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THEM!
Creator: Leslie Stokes
As a busy mom, sometimes I think the hardest part of the day is just getting dinner on the table.
that’s why I am starting this rotisserie chicken series where I will be sharing easy + healthy(ish) dinners that the whole family will love using store bought rotisserie chicken.
One of my biggest mom hacks is picking up a rotisserie chicken while I’m at the store, bringing it home and immediately chopping it to store in the refrigerator for a busy weeknight. Having it already chopped and ready to use makes it so much more appealing. It might seem silly, but I am staring at a whole, cooked chicken in the fridge, my first instinct is to throw it away.
There are so many things you can make with chopped chicken from salads to tacos, soups, stuffed potatoes or sandwiches. even if I don’t end up making it for dinner, it will get eaten by someone and some point! I’ve shared a list of some recipe ideas below, but for now, let’s get to these delicious tacos!
Ingredients:
- russet potatoes
- rotisserie chicken
- broccoli– i like to buy a small microwavable bag to steam, making this meal even easier to prep
- chopped bacon
- cream cheese
- cheddar cheese
- ranch seasoning– i like the kinders brand
- ranch dressing
see full recipe below
Chopping + Storing Rotisserie Chicken
Chopping and storing rotisserie chicken can be a convenient way to have ready-to-use protein for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or casseroles throughout the week. Here are some tips to help you chop and store rotisserie chicken effectively:
Chopping Rotisserie Chicken:
Let it Cool- Allow the rotisserie chicken to cool for a few minutes before handling it. This will make it easier to handle and prevent burns.
Remove the Skin- If desired, remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken before chopping. This can help reduce the fat content and make the chicken healthier.
Separate the Meat- Use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the meat from the bones. You can remove larger pieces of meat first and then shred or chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Be Efficient- Work systematically, starting with the breast meat and then moving on to the thighs, wings, and other parts. This ensures you get the most meat off the chicken.
Shred or Chop-
Depending on your preference and the recipes you plan to use the chicken in, you can shred it into thin strips or cube it into bite-sized pieces.
Storing Rotisserie Chicken:
Refrigeration- Store chopped rotisserie chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Use it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing- If you don’t plan to use the chicken within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Place the chopped chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date for easy reference. Frozen rotisserie chicken can last for up to 2-3 months.
Portioning- Consider dividing the chopped chicken into smaller portions before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need for a particular recipe, reducing waste and ensuring the rest remains frozen.
Use Proper Containers- Opt for containers or bags specifically designed for freezer storage to maintain the quality of the chicken for an extended period.
Thawing- When ready to use frozen rotisserie chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the risk of bacterial growth.
By following these tips, you can efficiently chop and store rotisserie chicken, making meal prep and weeknight dinners a breeze. With pre-chopped chicken on hand, you’ll always have a versatile protein option ready to elevate your favorite recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Chicken + Broccoli + Bacon Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 3 cups steamed broccoli
- 2-3 tbsp ranch seasoning to taste
- 1/2 block cream cheese
- 6 pieces chopped bacon
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- ranch dressing for topping the potatoes
- additional add ins: 4 tbsp butter + 1/2 cup sour cream I didn't add these in to save on calories, but it definitely would add so much flavor and make these even better!
Let's Make It
- Begin by washing and scrubbing four large potatoes. Wrap each potato in saran wrap and microwave them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and cooked all the way through. Some microwaves have a potato function, which is what I use!
- While the potatoes are cooking, chop the chicken, cook the bacon and steam the broccoli.
- Once the potatoes are done,m slice them in half and use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the potatoes.
- Add the potato to a mixing bowl with cream cheese, ranch seasoning and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is blended. Then fold in the broccoli, chicken and bacon until well combined.
- Spray each half of the potatoes with olive oil spray and then stuff each potato with about 1 cup of the mixture.
- Bake in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer or in the oven at 425℉ for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, continue cooking until the cheese is browned + bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before topping with ranch dressing for serving! ENJOY!
