Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it's hot enough for perfectly baked potatoes.
Rinse the russet potatoes under cold water, scrubbing them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Using a fork, prick each potato several times to allow steam to escape while baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they feel tender when pierced with a fork.
While the potatoes bake, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well integrated and creamy.
Once the potatoes are finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the interior, leaving about a 1/4 inch shell intact. Be cautious with the hot potatoes.
Take the scooped potato flesh and add it to the chicken mixture you prepared earlier. Thoroughly mix it in until the filling is creamy and packed with flavor.
Generously spoon the chicken mixture back into the potato skins, creating heaping mounds of the filling for an indulgent bite.
If you’d like, top the mixture with crispy cooked chicken skin to add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the cheese has melted beautifully.
After baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and vibrant color.
Notes
Serve on a rustic wooden board or colorful plate. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.