Chicken-In-A-Shell
A comforting baked potato dish filled with creamy chicken and cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering hearty flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes until done.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving a thin shell.
- Mash the potato insides with butter.
- Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped parsley, and remaining cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- Spoon the mixture into the potato shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Arrange the stuffed potatoes in a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mashed potato mixture. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, mozzarella or cheddar can work as substitutes. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Fresh parsley can be replaced with dried herbs if needed, though fresh is recommended for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken-In-A-Shell potatoes make a hearty main dish, perfect for a family dinner. Serve alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Tasty Hot Chicken Salad for a comforting spread at gatherings. Consider drizzling with a bit of ranch dressing for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed potatoes in an oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-In-A-Shell contains roughly 689 calories, with 9g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 917mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potatoes a day in advance. After filling the potato shells, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with homemade cream sauce or a mixture of sour cream and broth. This will provide a similar creamy texture while allowing you to control the flavors and ingredients.
Can I freeze the stuffed potatoes?
Yes, these stuffed potatoes freeze well. Prepare them as directed, then wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).