BBQ Hunters Chicken Loaded Baked Potato

The pub classic with a potato thrown in 

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Hunters Chicken. Firstly, my godson is called Hunter, so naturally I love that. Secondly, it’s just one of those pub classics that everyone enjoys. Chicken, bacon, BBQ sauce and loads of melted cheese. These flavours aren’t anything wildly new or unheard of, but they’re a classic for a reason. And a potato addition makes every dish better, right?

Tell me more…

Let me set the scene. A beautifully fluffy jacket potato cooked in the embers until the skin is crisp, piled high with smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, plenty of mozzarella and extra BBQ sauce. Are you sold? If this doesn’t become your new summer BBQ obsession, I’ll have to break the news to Hunter.

Why cook the jacket potato on the BBQ?

Because if you’re already using the BBQ, why not? If you’ve got burgers, sausages or chicken sizzling away, chuck a few potatoes into the embers at the same time. They’re low cost, need barely any effort and you’ll end up with beautifully fluffy jackets that you can save for lunch tomorrow. 

What makes it Hunters Chicken?

It’s all about those smoky, cheesy flavours. The chicken is sliced horizontally so it cooks quicker and stays lovely and juicy before being seasoned with salt, pepper, onion granules, garlic granules and smoked paprika. Once it’s cooked on the BBQ, it’s brushed with plenty of BBQ sauce alongside crispy bacon before being chopped up and mixed with even more BBQ sauce and grated mozzarella.

Pile that into a fluffy buttered jacket potato and you’ve got everything you love about Hunters Chicken, but with the additional bonus of a potato. 

Can I make it in the oven?

Yessss.  If the British weather has other ideas, simply bake your jacket potato in a 200°C fan oven for around 1 hour until crisp outside and fluffy inside. Cook the chicken and bacon in a frying pan before mixing with the BBQ sauce and mozzarella as normal. Still super simple!

Is there a video I can watch?

Oh bab, I’ve got you covered. If you’d rather watch me make it than read about it, head over to my YouTube channel where I cook not one, not two, but THREE delicious BBQ jacket potatoes. You can see exactly how I get those fluffy middles and ridiculously generous fillings.

What should I serve it with?

It’s definitely a meal in itself but you could add a big spoonful of coleslaw and a little salad. If you’re feeding more people, serve alongside corn on the cob or a few BBQ sides and let everyone build their own loaded jacket.

FAQs

What potatoes work best?

Maris Piper are my ultimate favourite potato because they’re starchy so will go lovely and soft. King Edward are another good option, while Russets are ideal if you’re in the US.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yep. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay all lovely and juicy on the BBQ.

Can I make these ahead?

You can cook the potatoes, chicken and bacon in advance and keep them chilled. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything and assemble with the mozzarella until melted.

Can I freeze the filling?

Yepppp. The BBQ chicken and bacon mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and stuffing into freshly baked potatoes.

Can I swap the mozzarella?

Mature cheddar, Red Leicester or a mix of cheeses all melt beautifully and add plenty of flavour.

Can I cook extra potatoes?

If the BBQ’s already lit, make the most of it. Cook a few extra jackets and keep them in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. They reheat well and are ready to be loaded with whatever you’ve got to hand.