Name: Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 28 ounces frozen steak fries; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sour cream; 1 tablespoon whole milk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more for drizzling; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Chives, chopped

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The aroma of Cajun spices wafts through the air, meeting the golden crispness of freshly baked fries. Just imagine biting into a pile of warm steak fries, perfectly seasoned and topped with tender chicken, bubbling cheese, and a drizzle of spicy sauce. This isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that beckons you to dig in. Whether it’s a weekend gathering with friends or a cozy night at home, these Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries are the perfect comfort dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries

Thinking back to summer BBQs with family, we always had a plate of something that brought everyone together, and these loaded fries take me right back to those joyful moments. The combination of spicy, savory, and creamy on a crunchy base is hard to resist. As we roll into months filled with gatherings and celebrations, there’s no better way to impress your guests than this simple yet delicious dish. I’m excited for you to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Preparing these crunchy delights takes just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is packed with a mouthwatering blend of Cajun spices, savory chicken, and melted cheese that creates a taste explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and layers of cheese are sure to impress your guests and make your dinner table pop.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or even a fun dinner option, these loaded fries are versatile for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to make them gluten-free? Swapping the fries for gluten-free varieties will keep everyone happy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen steak fries (28 ounces): These provide a crispy base with a fluffy interior, perfect for holding all the toppings.
Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): Essential for that signature spiciness; you can use store-bought or make your own blend.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2): Cut into bite-sized pieces, they absorb the Cajun flavors beautifully. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): This helps the chicken sauté nicely, adding extra flavor. Can be substituted with avocado oil or canola oil.
Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully; you may use pepper jack for extra kick.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers a rich, tangy flavor; feel free to mix in other cheeses too!
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds creaminess; if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt works well here.
Sour cream (1 tablespoon): For added creaminess; try plain yogurt as a substitute.
Whole milk (1 tablespoon): Helps thin out the sauce slightly; use any milk you have on hand for this.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, plus more for drizzling): A must for that spicy kick; choose your favorite brand.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Chives, chopped: For garnish, bringing a fresh touch to the dish.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven based on the fry package instructions, usually around 425°F. Spread the frozen steak fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them bake evenly, becoming that crispy goodness we crave. Bake according to the package directions, typically around 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Season the Chicken: While those fries are baking, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated, adding a kick of flavor before they hit the pan.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add your seasoned chicken. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. Remember, if you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step!

Mix the Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir together until smooth and creamy; this will be the perfect sauce to drizzle over your fries.

Assemble the Fries: Once the fries are hot and crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the sautéed chicken evenly across the top. Then, generously sprinkle both types of shredded cheese over the chicken. The combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar creates that ooey-gooey effect we all dream about!

Bake Once More: Return the loaded fries to the oven, baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to capture that perfect moment when the edges are just starting to brown.

Garnish and Serve: After pulling the fries out of the oven, drizzle them with an extra bit of hot sauce for that vibrant kick. Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to elevate the dish visually and add a pop of freshness. Serve it up immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! You can store any remaining Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer them to the fridge where they’ll be good for 3-4 days. You could also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, around 10-15 minutes. Note that the texture might change, but a quick drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before heating can refresh that loaded goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding your fries on the baking sheet; give them space to crisp up nicely.
Don’t skip the olive oil on the chicken; it helps with crispness and keeps the seasoning adhered.
Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain texture.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a dash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Consider using different meats like shrimp for a delightful seafood twist!

Enjoying Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating a memory with friends and family. This dish fits perfectly with any gathering, and I encourage you to have fun with it, adding your twist to the recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Cajun Chicken Loaded Fries without chicken?

Absolutely! You can skip the chicken entirely or replace it with hearty vegetables like bell peppers or black beans for a vegetarian option.

What can I use instead of frozen fries?

If you prefer homemade, you can cut up russet potatoes into fry shapes and bake them with a touch of olive oil and salt. They’ll give you that fresh touch!