Get ready to experience the ultimate shareable snack and game-day champion: Buffalo Chicken Fries. This recipe layers crispy, golden french fries with tender, spicy buffalo chicken, a generous blanket of melted cheese, and a cooling drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dish that disappears in minutes. Forget delivery; this homemade version is infinitely better and surprisingly simple to make.
We’re not just throwing ingredients together. We are building layers of flavor and texture, from the perfectly seasoned fries to the tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your buffalo chicken fries are absolutely perfect.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Fries?
Buffalo Chicken Fries are a glorious appetizer or main course featuring a base of french fries, typically loaded with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and various toppings. Think of it as a delicious mashup of classic loaded fries and spicy buffalo wings. It’s a favorite in sports bars and casual restaurants, and now it’s destined to become a star in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Fries Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, savory chicken, rich cheese, and crispy potatoes is a taste explosion.
- Perfectly Textured: We have tips to ensure your fries stay crispy under the mountain of delicious toppings. No more soggy fries!
- Completely Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap the cheeses, or pile on your favorite toppings. Make it exactly how you like it.
- The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a party, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. It’s a fun alternative to Korean Chicken Skewers (coming soon) when you need a winning appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Fries and Chicken:
- Frozen French Fries: A 28-ounce bag of shoestring or crinkle-cut fries works best for maximum crispiness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about one pound, cooked and shredded. A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!
- Olive Oil: Just a touch for cooking the chicken if you’re not using a pre-cooked one.
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce: This is the classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps tame the heat of the hot sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient for a boost of savory, umami depth.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of flavor.
For Assembly and Toppings:
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar provides the perfect melt and flavor.
- Green Onions: For a fresh, mild oniony bite.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For drizzling on top to cool things down.
- Optional Toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, sliced jalapeños, or chopped celery.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing platter of loaded fries you’ve ever had.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to the package directions, or until golden brown and extra crispy. This is the foundation of your Buffalo Chicken Fries, so you want them perfect.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the fries are baking, prepare your chicken. If using raw chicken, dice and cook it in a skillet with olive oil until cooked through, then shred with two forks. If using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat.
- Sauce the Chicken: Pour about two-thirds of the buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken and toss until it’s evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling later.
- Assemble the Fries: Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven. Keep the oven on. Arrange the fries in an even layer in a large cast-iron skillet or on an oven-safe platter.
- Layer and Bake: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the fries. Top with the saucy buffalo chicken, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, the reserved buffalo sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Fries
Want to elevate your loaded fries from good to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Get The Fries Crispy: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the fries plenty of space to ensure they bake, not steam. For even crispier results, cook them a few minutes longer than the package suggests.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of cheese yourself makes a world of difference.
- Don’t Drown the Fries: While it’s tempting to add a lot of sauce, too much liquid can make the fries soggy. Add just enough to coat the chicken and reserve extra for drizzling at the end.
Variations and Topping Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. For a different but equally delicious party food, try making some French Dip Sliders to serve alongside.
- Chicken: You can use canned chicken (drained well), leftover grilled chicken, or even crispy breaded chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheese: Swap the cheddar blend for pepper jack for extra spice, or use provolone for a super creamy melt. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top is a classic pairing.
- Fries: Waffle fries, sweet potato fries, or even tater tots make a great base for this dish.
Storage and Reheating
Let’s be honest, you probably won’t have leftovers! But if you do, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the fries have crisped up again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will result in soggy fries. This makes it a great option for a quick meal, just like our easy pasta salad recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Chicken Fries
You can prepare the components ahead of time. The chicken can be cooked, shredded, and mixed with the sauce and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake the fries fresh and then assemble and melt the cheese right before eating for the best, non-soggy results.
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for frozen fries to make it quick and easy. For the best results, choose a shoestring or crinkle-cut variety and bake them until they are extra crispy.
The key to crispy fries is to not overcrowd the pan. Spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet to ensure hot air can circulate around them. It also helps to bake them for a few minutes longer than the package instructions recommend.
A combination of low-moisture Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese provides the best results. Monterey Jack is known for its incredible melting ability, while cheddar adds a delicious sharp flavor. For the best melt, grate your own cheese from a block.
For that classic, authentic buffalo wing flavor, Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce is the go-to choice. Its vinegar base and moderate heat level are perfect for making buffalo sauce when mixed with melted butter.
Share Your Creations!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Buffalo Chicken Fries recipe! It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Buffalo Chicken Fries Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Fries: The Ultimate Crispy & Spicy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to the package directions, or until golden brown and extra crispy.
- While the fries bake, ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. A rotisserie chicken works well here.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until simmering.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with about two-thirds of the warm buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Once fries are crispy, arrange them in a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe platter. Top with half the shredded cheese, followed by the buffalo chicken, and then the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes at the same temperature, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, the reserved buffalo sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Grating your own cheese from a block will result in a much smoother, creamier melt.
