Description
This Chicken Loaded Fries recipe combines crispy baked French fries with spicy seasoned chicken, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a variety of fresh toppings. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a fun main course, these Tex-Mex inspired fries bring bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen French fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Fries: Bake or air-fry the frozen French fries according to the package directions until they are golden and crispy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, ensuring a crunchy base for the loaded fries.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the fries are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and thoroughly cooked.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries: Once the fries are done, spread them evenly on a large oven-safe platter or sheet pan. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the fries, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled fries to the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Drizzle the melted cheese and chicken fries with sour cream and ranch dressing. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately to preserve the fries’ crispiness and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix along with a tablespoon of lime juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Serve these fries immediately to maintain optimal crispiness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
