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By Jalyn Zinn

Potatoes are one of the best, most versatile dishes a person can serve. The vegetable is used for making everything from crispy french fries to delicious potato chips. I could definitely eat potatoes every day. 

One of my favorite dishes to make with potatoes would have to be loaded baked potatoes. No matter what the toppings are, the savory dish is always one that I look forward to. An easy-to-make entree, it is perfect as a side or as a standalone meal. 

Many of the ingredients in this dish can be switched out if you don’t have the taste for them, which makes it even better. 

This recipe is super easy and will make the best potato you have ever tasted. 

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes 
• ½ cup melted butter
• Chicken breasts 
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning 
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• Olive oil
• Crispy bacon

Preparation 

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash the potatoes thoroughly before rubbing them with olive oil. Poke a couple holes with a fork before wrapping them in foil. Then, place on a baking sheet and bake for 1-2 hours depending on the size of the potato. While the potatoes are baking, cook the chicken. Preheat a pan with a bit of olive oil before coating the chicken in the ranch seasoning. Cook the seasoned chicken on medium heat until golden before shredding it and setting aside. 

When the potatoes finish baking, cut them in half and use a spoon to scoop out the insides. Be careful not to scoop too much because you don’t want to break the skin. In a bowl, pour the melted butter over the potato before combining the shredded chicken into the mixture. Fill the potato with the mixture before sprinkling both cheeses on top. Drizzle ranch dressing on top of the cheese and top with crispy bacon before putting the potatoes back onto the baking tray. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Now you have delicious chicken bacon ranch loaded potatoes. Enjoy the meal.