Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries are what game day dreams are made of! Crispy golden fries topped with tender buffalo-coated chicken and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s got just the right kick. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an absolutely irresistible dish that combines everyone’s favorite flavors in one gloriously messy, deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen French Fries: The foundation of our dish – regular cut fries work best as they support all those delicious toppings. The thicker the better!
• Seasoned Salt & Pepper: To give those fries an extra flavor boost beyond plain salt.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving hero that provides perfectly tender, pre-cooked chicken. The dark and white meat mix adds great flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient that brings that signature tangy heat. Used both for coating the chicken and flavoring the cheese sauce for consistent flavor throughout.
• Butter: Forms the base of our roux for a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works with butter to create the thickening agent for our cheese sauce.
• Whole Milk: Creates the creamy base for our cheese sauce – whole milk gives the richest results.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that classic bold, tangy cheese flavor that stands up to the buffalo sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds the perfect meltability and mild flavor to balance the sharp cheddar.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of color.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: The classic cooling counterpoint to buffalo heat.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: For those who want that extra funky, tangy cheese punch.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists:

• BBQ Chicken: Swap buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smokier version.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, jalapeños, and substitute the buffalo sauce with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce.
• Extra Spicy: Mix some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into both the chicken mixture and cheese sauce for heat lovers.
• Garlic Parmesan: Add roasted garlic to the cheese sauce and finish with grated parmesan for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet – don’t overcrowd them or they won’t get crispy! Bake for about 50 minutes until they’re perfectly golden and crispy. This longer baking time ensures they’ll hold up under all those toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

While the fries are baking, shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until every piece is coated. The warm chicken will absorb the sauce beautifully. Set this aside and let all those flavors mingle.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s bubbling, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden and smells nutty. This step cooks out the raw flour taste. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking for another 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and add the buffalo sauce, salt, and both cheeses, stirring until everything is melted into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Once your fries are golden and crispy, switch your oven to broil. Sprinkle the hot fries with seasoned salt and pepper, and toss them gently to coat. Spread them back into an even layer and top with the buffalo chicken mixture. Broil for just 1-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the edges of the fries get extra crispy. Watch carefully – the broiler works quickly!

Step 5: Top and Serve

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and immediately drizzle with the warm cheese sauce. Add your favorite toppings – sliced green onions, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, an extra splash of buffalo sauce, or blue cheese crumbles. Serve right away while everything is hot and the fries are still crispy.

How to Serve

Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As an Appetizer:

Serve on a large platter with small plates and forks for guests to help themselves. Perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual get-togethers.

As a Main Dish:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. The cool, crisp greens provide the perfect contrast to the hot, spicy fries.

Drink Pairings:

Cold beer (especially a crisp lager or IPA) is the classic choice, but a cold cola or even a glass of unsweetened iced tea works wonderfully to cool down the spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead:

You can prepare the buffalo chicken and cheese sauce up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the microwave and the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to thin it if needed.

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fries won’t stay crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating:

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the fries will be softer. You might need to add a little extra cheese sauce as it tends to get absorbed into the fries.

Note: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the fries will inevitably lose their crispiness once stored with the toppings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries bring together three beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd during the big game or treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of crispy, spicy, and cheesy elements creates such a satisfying experience that I guarantee you’ll find yourself making these again and again. Don’t be surprised when friends and family start requesting them by name!

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