Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes combine the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the rich, creamy texture of twice-baked potatoes. The savory filling of shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce is stuffed into a crispy potato shell and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty, all-in-one dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the vegetables or use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist. The golden-baked tops add a satisfying crunch, while the creamy chicken filling makes each bite irresistible. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the potatoes with olive oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, chicken broth, and thyme to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the potatoes are baked, carefully slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell.
- Mash the scooped potato flesh in a bowl with sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the chicken pot pie mixture into the potato shells and top with the mashed potatoes.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind the Recipe
Chicken pot pie has been a comfort food favorite for generations, originating in Europe and later becoming a staple in American cuisine. Known for its creamy filling of chicken and vegetables, enclosed in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s the ultimate cozy dish for cold weather. The twice-baked potato, on the other hand, is a popular side dish in American households, where the potato is baked, hollowed out, and filled with its mashed insides mixed with ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and herbs.
This recipe brings the best of both worlds together. By stuffing the creamy chicken pot pie filling into crispy baked potatoes and topping it with mashed potato goodness, it creates a one-dish meal that offers both nutrition and flavor. The crispy outer shell of the baked potato contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, while the mashed potato topping adds a layer of richness. This combination makes the Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes not only satisfying but also a fun and creative take on a beloved classic.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- A Comfort Food Classic, Reinvented
This dish takes comfort food to the next level by combining two crowd-pleasers: chicken pot pie and baked potatoes. Both of these dishes are already well-loved for their warm, hearty qualities, and combining them offers a unique dining experience that’s both filling and flavorful. For anyone craving a cozy meal, this recipe offers the ultimate comfort. - Versatility
One of the standout benefits of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling by adding or swapping vegetables. Don’t have chicken? Leftover turkey from a holiday meal works just as well, making this recipe a fantastic option for using up leftovers. You can also tweak the seasoning based on your family’s preferences, adding more herbs, cheese, or even a touch of spice. - Perfect for Meal Prep
Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes are an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare the filling and bake the potatoes ahead of time, then assemble and reheat them when needed. They also freeze well, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal without all the prep work. - Balanced Nutrition
This dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. The russet potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while the chicken offers high-quality protein. The addition of mixed vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, ensures that you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. Plus, the combination of chicken and potatoes is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. - Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
The simple, familiar flavors of chicken and vegetables, combined with the creamy mashed potato topping, make this recipe particularly appealing to kids. It’s also an excellent dish to serve at family gatherings or potlucks, where you can be sure it will please a variety of tastes. The individual potato portions make serving easy, and the dish can be dressed up or kept casual depending on the occasion.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes:
Potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They are naturally gluten-free and low in calories when prepared without excessive fats. Potatoes also provide energy-rich carbohydrates, making them a key component of a balanced meal. - Chicken:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s low in fat (especially when skinless) and rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins, which support energy production and overall well-being. - Mixed Vegetables:
The classic combination of peas, carrots, and corn adds color, texture, and nutritional value to this dish. These vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins (like A, C, and K), and antioxidants, which are important for maintaining good health and supporting the immune system. - Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream:
While these ingredients add richness to the dish, they also provide a good amount of calcium, which is important for bone health. You can always adjust the quantity to suit your dietary needs, or use reduced-fat versions to make the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Choose the Right Potatoes
For this recipe, russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content. They bake up with a crispy skin and fluffy interior, making them perfect for twice-baking and stuffing. - Use Leftover Chicken
Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Not only does it save time, but the pre-cooked chicken absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, making the filling extra flavorful. - Don’t Skip the Broth and Cream
The chicken broth and heavy cream in the filling add depth and richness to the dish. While you can substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, the creamier the filling, the more indulgent the dish will feel. A dash of white wine can also be added for an extra layer of flavor. - Garnish for Extra Flavor
Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a touch of brightness to the rich flavors of the dish. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan or a dash of paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes are hearty enough to be served on their own, but if you want to make it a full meal, pair them with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to add more color and balance to the plate. A side of garlic bread or a simple soup can also complement the richness of the potatoes.
Conclusion
If you love comfort food but also appreciate innovative, fun dishes, this recipe is for you. It takes the familiar flavors of a classic chicken pot pie and presents them in a unique, approachable way that anyone can make at home. The individual portions make it easy to serve, whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party. Plus, it’s a versatile, well-balanced dish that you can tweak based on your preferences, which makes it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes is not just a meal—it’s an experience of warmth, flavor, and creativity. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, offering comfort in every bite.
