Description
This Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries recipe combines crispy steak fries baked to perfection and topped with tender, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, melted Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, and a creamy, tangy hot sauce drizzle. Garnished with fresh chives, these loaded fries make a satisfying and flavorful appetizer or casual meal that’s perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries and Chicken
- 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen steak fries
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Cheese
- 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Creamy Hot Sauce
- ¼ cup (55 g) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- Chives, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the temperature indicated on your frozen steak fries package. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare and bake the fries: In a large bowl, toss the frozen steak fries with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake according to package directions, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes if you prefer them extra crispy.
- Cook the chicken: While the fries bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Make the creamy hot sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the loaded fries: Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Evenly distribute the cooked Cajun chicken over the fries, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses on top.
- Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and bubbly.
- Add finishing touches: Drizzle the creamy hot sauce over the cheesy fries, garnish with chopped chives, and add a few extra dashes of hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy these loaded fries hot and melty for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, feel free to increase baking time by 5 to 10 minutes as noted above.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the creamy drizzle according to your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color — optional but recommended.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the Cajun seasoning and frozen fries are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
