Craving comfort food but want something a little more exciting than your usual takeout? Then get ready to dive into the delicious world of Chicken Cheese Fries! This recipe takes the classic comfort of cheese fries and elevates it with crispy, flavorful chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have you licking your fingers. It's a perfect weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or even a fun weekend treat. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even novice cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fries:
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into french fry shapes
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Dip each chicken piece in the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Fries
While the chicken is frying, prepare the fries. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps achieve crispier fries. Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels before frying. Fry the potatoes in batches in hot vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Season with salt immediately after frying.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the crispy fries on a large platter or baking sheet. Top with the fried chicken and generously pour the cheese sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cheese Fries!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy fries, consider double-frying them. Fry once until partially cooked, then let them cool slightly before frying again until golden brown and crispy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites would all be delicious.
- Add some spice to your chicken by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken and fries instead of frying. Simply toss the chicken and fries with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, jalapenos, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary based on portion size and ingredients used. It's best to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients for accurate information. However, expect this dish to be higher in calories and fat due to frying.
This Chicken Cheese Fries recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!