If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible snack or a crowd-pleasing meal, you absolutely have to try this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe. I mean, crispy golden fries loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melty cheese—is there any better combination? When I first made these, my family went crazy over them, and I bet you’ll love how easy and fun they are to whip up, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Crispy Fries: Oven-baked to perfection, these fries are golden and crisp without the mess of deep frying.
- Perfect Buffalo Flavor: The chicken gets coated in tangy Frank’s RedHot sauce, delivering just the right spicy kick.
- Creamy Ranch Twist: The homemade ranch dressing adds a cool, herby balance that pulls everything together beautifully.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Easy to make, easy to love, and so adaptable to your taste buds or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe really lies in the simple, fresh ingredients working together. Using floury potatoes for the fries gives you that soft inside and crispy outside combo I crave, and the blend of cheeses you choose can totally elevate the final dish.
- Russet Potatoes: These are my go-to for fries because their fluffy texture crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle helps the fries get that perfect crunch without being greasy.
- Salt: Enhances everything—don’t skip it!
- Colby Cheese: I love its mild, creamy flavor, but mixing in mozzarella or red Leicester works wonders too.
- Spring Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast after baking.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast: Using cooked chicken saves time and soaks up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce: The classic that brings that distinguished buffalo heat.
- Reduced Fat Mayonnaise & Fat Free Greek Yogurt: These combine for a tangy, creamy ranch base without overdoing the calories.
- Semi Skimmed Milk: Just enough to thin out the ranch to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a delightful freshness and brightness to the ranch.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: Essential aromatics in the ranch that give it that homemade charm.
- Dried Dill & Parsley: Herbs that brighten up your homemade ranch to keep it tasting fresh and vibrant.
- Pinch of Salt: To season the ranch and balance flavors.
Variations
I love making this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe my own by switching up the toppings or tweaking ingredients depending on what I have in the fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that these tweaks make it even more special.
- Variation: Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian-friendly—I tested this, and the flavors still pop!
- Variation: Use blue cheese crumbles instead of Colby cheese for a tangier, bolder bite. My cheese-loving friends can’t get enough of this version.
- Variation: Amp up the heat by adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder to the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Variation: For a dairy-free option, try substituting vegan mayo and yogurt—though I tweak the spices a bit to keep that ranch vibe.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fries for Ultimate Crispiness
Start by cutting your russet potatoes into fries—don’t be afraid to leave the skins on; that adds a nice rustic texture and flavor. Soak the cut fries in ice-cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This little trick makes a world of difference for achieving that crispy finish. After soaking, give them a good rinse and pat them completely dry with kitchen towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness here.
Step 2: Oil, Salt, and Bake
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper (I sometimes use two smaller trays if I need more space). Toss the fries with olive oil and salt so every piece is coated. Spread them out in an even layer—crowding the fries will steam them instead of crisping them up. Pop them into a preheated oven at 180°C fan / 200°C / 400°F for roughly 45 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes until they’re golden and irresistibly crispy. Patience pays off here!
Step 3: Whip Up That Tangy Ranch Dressing
While the fries bake, mix together the reduced-fat mayonnaise, fat-free Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt. This homemade ranch dressing is what turns these loaded fries from great to unforgettable. Pro tip: Adjust the milk a bit to get a thickness you like—somewhere between creamy and drizzle-able works best.
Step 4: Mix Buffalo Chicken Magic
Take your cooked shredded chicken and toss it in a bowl with 6 tablespoons of the ranch dressing and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce. Make sure every chicken piece is well coated—that’s where the flavor hugs happen! Thin out the leftover ranch dressing with a teaspoon or two of water so you can drizzle it nicely over the finished fries.
Step 5: Bake It All Together
Once your fries are golden and crisp, pile them onto your tray, spoon over the buffalo chicken, and sprinkle with the grated Colby cheese. Slide it back into the oven for 8-10 minutes, just long enough to get the cheese melted and gooey. That aroma is going to pull you in—I promise!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering the thinly sliced spring onions over the top and drizzling the remaining ranch dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect comforting bite—a crispy fry, spicy chicken, melty cheese, and tangy ranch all in one. You’re going to see why this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe is a game changer.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe
- Dry Your Fries Thoroughly: Don’t rush the drying step after soaking; moisture is the biggest culprit behind soggy fries.
- Flip the Fries Midway: Turning them every 15 minutes will help them cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to get the spiciness just right for your crowd.
- Avoid Overcrowding on the Tray: Give your fries space to breathe so they bake crisp rather than steam.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish with fresh spring onions for a bit of bite and color. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a little extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if I want it hotter. Blue cheese crumbles can be a fun sprinkle on top, too, if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, I usually serve these loaded fries with a crisp green salad or some crunchy celery sticks. If you want a real crowd-pleaser, pair them with some baked sweet potato wedges or roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or casual parties, I like to lay these out on a big wooden board or in individual mini skillets for each guest. Another fun twist? Make a “fries bar” where everyone can add their own toppings like jalapeños, different cheeses, or extra dips. It turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored separately if you can—keep the cooked fries in one container and the buffalo chicken in another to preserve the textures. I find storing them this way helps avoid soggy fries. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While the fries’ crispiness doesn’t freeze well, the buffalo chicken portion freezes beautifully. Just pop the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat separately.
Reheating
For leftovers, reheat the fries in a hot oven (about 200°C/400°F) for 10 minutes or until crisp again. Warm the buffalo chicken gently in the microwave or a pan before layering and serving. This way, you keep textures as close to freshly made as possible.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen fries for this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen fries is a great shortcut. Just bake them according to the package instructions until crispy, then proceed with topping them with buffalo chicken and cheese before the final bake.
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How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe?
The heat mostly comes from Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, which has a mild to medium kick. If you prefer it spicier, add extra buffalo sauce or sprinkle with jalapeños. For less heat, reduce the sauce or omit the buffalo sauce altogether.
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Can I make the ranch dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The homemade ranch dressing actually benefits from resting a few hours in the fridge to let flavors meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container—just give it a good stir before using.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, yes, it’s naturally gluten-free since it uses simple potatoes, chicken, and spices. Just be sure to double-check that the buffalo sauce and any other store-bought items you use don’t contain hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe has become my go-to when I want something both comforting and exciting, especially for casual get-togethers or when the fam demands something different. The way the flavors marry—the crunch, the heat, the creamy ranch—never fails to make me smile. I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll find yourself making this again and again, too. So don’t hesitate—grab those potatoes and get cooking because these fries are about to become a serious favorite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy oven-baked Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries, featuring golden Russet potato fries tossed in olive oil and salt, topped with shredded chicken coated in a tangy Franks RedHot Buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, finished with melted Colby cheese and fresh spring onions. This dish is perfect for a flavorful snack or meal that combines classic comfort food with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1kg (35.2oz) Russet Potatoes (or similar floury potato)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings & Sauce
- 120g (4.2oz) Colby cheese, grated (or mix of Red Leicester and mozzarella)
- 4 spring onions (green onions), sliced thinly
- 300g (10.5oz) cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Franks RedHot Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons fat free Greek yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons semi skimmed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Cut the potatoes into fries, leaving the skin on or peeling if preferred. Soak them in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then rinse and pat completely dry to ensure crispiness.
- Set Up the Tray: Line an extra-large baking tray or two smaller trays with parchment paper. Place the fries on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to evenly coat before spreading them out in a single layer.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan / 200°C / 400°F / Gas Mark 6 for even baking and a crispy finish.
- Bake the Fries: Bake the fries in the oven for about 45 minutes, flipping them a couple of times during cooking to ensure all sides become golden and crisp.
- Make the Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, combine the reduced fat mayonnaise, fat free Greek yoghurt, semi skimmed milk, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In another bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of the ranch dressing with the cooked shredded chicken and Franks RedHot Buffalo sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the buffalo-ranch sauce mixture. Thin out the remaining ranch dressing with a little water until it’s drizzable.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the fries are cooked and crispy, top them evenly with the buffalo chicken mixture and sprinkle the grated Colby cheese over the top. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the thinly sliced spring onions over the top, and drizzle with the remaining thinned ranch dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, cheesy loaded fries.
Notes
- This recipe yields crispy, flavorful oven-baked Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries perfect for sharing or as a hearty snack.
- Soaking the fries in cold water is key for maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute Colby cheese with a mix of Red Leicester and mozzarella for a more complex cheese flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute ranch dressing ingredients with appropriate alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 516
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1010 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg