This Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and indulgent comfort food. Crispy golden fries topped with tender buffalo chicken and smothered in a homemade cheese sauce—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something satisfyingly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: These loaded fries rival anything you’d get at a sports bar, but you can enjoy them in your pajamas!
  • Customizable Heat Level: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just because—this dish brings people together around one irresistible platter.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely already have, with rotisserie chicken saving precious prep time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Frozen French Fries: The foundation of our dish—regular cut works best as they hold up well under toppings. They provide the perfect crispy base.
  • Seasoned Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings elevate the fries from basic to crave-worthy.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving powerhouse that provides tender, pre-cooked protein. Shredding it allows the buffalo sauce to coat every piece.
  • Buffalo Sauce: The star flavor-maker, bringing that distinctive tangy heat that makes this dish special. You’ll use it in both the chicken mixture and cheese sauce for layered flavor.
  • Butter and Flour: Creates the roux that forms the base of our velvety cheese sauce.
  • Whole Milk: Gives the cheese sauce its creamy texture without being too heavy.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a robust, tangy flavor that stands up to the buffalo sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that wonderful stretch factor and balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
  • Toppings: Green onions bring freshness, ranch or blue cheese dressing cools things down, extra buffalo sauce cranks up the heat, and blue cheese crumbles add a sophisticated tang.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Heat Levels

Adjust the buffalo sauce amount or mix in some milder hot sauce for a gentler kick. Alternatively, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to take the heat up a notch.

Protein Swap

Try using grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even shredded tofu tossed in buffalo sauce for a vegetarian version.

Cheese Options

Experiment with pepper jack for extra spice, Monterey jack for creaminess, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Loaded Version

Add crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sliced avocado for an extra-loaded experience.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 50 minutes, until they’re golden brown and properly crispy. Don’t rush this step—crispy fries are essential for supporting all those toppings!

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

While the fries are baking, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl, tossing until every piece is coated. The warm chicken will absorb the sauce beautifully, creating flavor-packed bites.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly brown and smells nutty. Lower the heat, then gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens noticeably. Remove from heat and stir in buffalo sauce, salt, and both cheeses until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Switch your oven to broil. Season the baked fries with seasoned salt and pepper, tossing to distribute evenly. Spread them back into an even layer, then top with the buffalo chicken mixture. Broil for just 1-3 minutes until the fries crisp up again and the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Add Cheese Sauce and Serve

Remove the fries from the oven and immediately drizzle with the cheese sauce. Top with your choice of garnishes and serve while everything is hot and gooey.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Pat the chicken dry before tossing with buffalo sauce to ensure the sauce sticks better.
  • Shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded packages. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce slightly grainy.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for the cheese sauce to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
  • Don’t overbroil the topped fries—just 1-3 minutes is enough. Any longer and you risk burning the chicken or making the fries too dry.
  • Serve immediately after adding the cheese sauce for the best texture and temperature contrast.

How to Serve

These Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, ideally served on a large platter where everyone can dig in. Consider these serving ideas:

Family Style

Set the loaded fries in the center of the table with small plates, extra napkins, and additional dipping sauces on the side.

Individual Portions

Divide the fries among heat-resistant bowls or plates and let each person add their preferred toppings.

Pairing Suggestions

These fries pair wonderfully with:

  • Crisp celery and carrot sticks (traditional buffalo wing accompaniments)
  • A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
  • Cold beer or a citrusy soda for adults, or lemonade for a family-friendly option

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover components separately when possible. Place the fries and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce can be refrigerated in a separate container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the buffalo chicken portion for up to 3 months. The cheese sauce doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to make that fresh when reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the fries in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy again (about 5-10 minutes). Warm the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the cheese sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own fries, cut potatoes into even strips, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The homemade version adds even more flavor but does require extra prep time.

  2. How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

    For a family-friendly version, reduce the buffalo sauce in both the chicken mixture and cheese sauce by half, replacing it with barbecue sauce for a milder flavor that still has some zing. You can always serve extra buffalo sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.

  3. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! The cheese sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

  4. What’s the best type of fries to use for this recipe?

    Regular-cut fries work best because they’re substantial enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy too quickly. Crinkle-cut or steak fries are also good options. Avoid shoestring fries as they tend to collapse under the weight of the toppings.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries bring together everyone’s favorite flavors in one irresistible dish. The combination of crispy fries, spicy buffalo chicken, and creamy cheese sauce creates a perfect balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or treating yourself to a special indulgence, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 52 minutes
  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Fries combine crispy oven-baked French fries, shredded buffalo chicken, and a rich homemade cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food snack. Perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you’re craving bold flavors, they’re topped with your favorite garnishes for an irresistible shareable dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fries

  • 1 bag (32 ounces) French fries, frozen, regular cut
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Chicken

  • 2 cups (280 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 cup (68 g) buffalo sauce

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (245 g) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (68 g) buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (56.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup (56.5 g) mozzarella cheese, finely shredded

Toppings

  • Green onion, chopped
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Bleu cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. While the fries are baking, use the time to prepare the chicken mixture and the cheese sauce.
  2. Mix the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with ¼ cup of buffalo sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture turns slightly brown. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the whole milk. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce, kosher salt, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese completely melts and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Assemble and Broil: Once the fries are baked, sprinkle them with the seasoned salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Spread the fries evenly on the baking sheet. Top with the buffalo chicken mixture. Switch the oven to the broil setting and broil the fries for 1-3 minutes, just until the fries are extra crispy and the chicken is hot. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle generously with the homemade cheese sauce. Add your choice of toppings such as chopped green onion, extra buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and bleu cheese crumbles. Serve the fries hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, flip the fries halfway through baking.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be substituted with any cooked, shredded chicken.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your heat preference.
  • The dish is best served immediately after assembling.
  • Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend or additional toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1250mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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