Short description

Loaded baked sweet potatoes filled with a creamy, savory mixture of tender chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and garlic—topped with sour cream and herbs for a comforting, all-in-one meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food – sweet, creamy, savory, and hearty in every bite.
Balanced and nutritious – protein-packed and veggie-rich, all in a single baked potato.
Customizable and family-friendly – easily adapt ingredients and portion size to suit your preferences.
Minimal cleanup – everything cooks in just a couple of pans and the oven.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Base

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil

Filling

4 strips bacon, chopped
1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings

⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Bake the sweet potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- Scrub potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and bake directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes until tender.
Cook the bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tbsp of bacon grease.
Sauté the chicken
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add to skillet with bacon grease and cook until golden and done. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms
- Melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until softened and golden.
- Add garlic and cook another minute. Return chicken and bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
Fill the potatoes
- When potatoes are done, let them cool slightly, then slice open and fluff the flesh.
- Spoon the chicken–bacon–mushroom filling into each potato.
Top and melt (optional)
- Add sour cream or yogurt and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
Garnish and serve
- Finish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm—perfect on its own or alongside a fresh salad.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Main course, Baked potato

Variations

Vegetarian swap: Replace meat with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable oil instead of bacon fat.
Cheese twist: Stir in Gruyère or pepper jack for a richer flavor.
Extra vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or roasted broccoli to the filling.
Spice upgrade: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or top with sliced jalapeños.
Crispy finish: Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before melting cheese under the broiler briefly.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble and reheat when ready.
Reheat: Microwave or bake open potatoes at 350 °F for about 10–15 minutes until heated.
Prep ahead: Cook sweet potatoes and filling ahead; assemble just before serving to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead?

Yes—bake russets or Yukon gold instead of sweet potatoes; adjust bake time as needed.

2. Do I have to cook the bacon separately?

You can cook bacon in the same pan and leave more fat for sautéing; just remove excess for balance.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Certainly—simply reheat diced or shredded cooked chicken with mushrooms and bacon in the skillet.

4. Is Greek yogurt OK instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt provides a tangy, healthier alternative without compromising creaminess.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use vegan cheese and skip butter or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

6. How can I make it spicier?

Add cayenne, chili powder, or top with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing whole stuffed potatoes isn’t ideal due to texture changes, but you can freeze the filling separately for up to 3 months.

8. What do I serve with it?

Serve with a crisp side salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

9. Can I prep in advance?

Yes—bake potatoes and cook filling ahead. Reheat and assemble just before serving for best results.

10. How do I keep the potatoes crispy?

Serve soon after baking. If reheating, warm in the oven to maintain a slightly crisp exterior.

Conclusion

Chicken, Bacon, and Mushroom Baked Sweet Potatoes offer a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe is perfect for cozy family nights, meal prep, or impressing guests with a delicious loaded potato dish. Enjoy every decadent bite!