Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries

This hearty Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries recipe has become my go-to comfort food when I'm craving something indulgent but still want to keep my protein intake high. The combination of crispy fries, spicy buffalo chicken, and creamy sauce creates an irresistible meal that works just as well for game day as it does for a quick weeknight dinner.

I first created this recipe during football season last year, and it's become a regular request in my household. My family loves being able to adjust their own buffalo sauce levels, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder flavor.

Ingredients

• Straight Cut Fries 160g: Use Ore-Ida brand for best results as they crisp up perfectly in the air fryer
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 3.5oz: Tyson Grilled & Ready strips work wonderfully for convenience
• Total 0% Greek Yogurt 75g: Provides the creamy base for the sauce while keeping calories lower than using sour cream
• Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning 1/2 tbsp: The bottled version lasts longer and adds authentic ranch flavor
• Buffalo Sauce 1/4 cup: Frank's RedHot provides the classic buffalo flavor but any brand works well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Fries:

Prepare your fries according to package instructions. For optimal crispiness, use your air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Air fried fries develop a better texture than oven-baked ones, creating the perfect base for our loaded fries.

Heat the Chicken:

Warm your chicken thoroughly until it reaches 165°F internal temperature. If using pre-cooked frozen chicken strips, they typically need about 5-7 minutes in the air fryer. For fresh chicken, follow the juicy chicken recipe mentioned, ensuring it's cooked through but still tender.

Create Buffalo Chicken:

Toss your warm chicken with buffalo sauce, coating each piece thoroughly. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and add more to taste. The warm chicken absorbs the sauce better, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper. Let it sit for a minute after mixing for maximum flavor absorption.

Make Creamy Buffalo Sauce:

Combine greek yogurt with ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon of buffalo sauce and add more until you reach your desired heat level and color. The consistency should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny. Transfer to a squeeze bottle for easy application.

Assemble Your Masterpiece:

Place your crispy fries on a plate, top with the buffalo chicken pieces, and drizzle generously with the creamy buffalo sauce. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately while everything is still warm for the best flavor experience.

You Must Know

The hidden hero of this dish is definitely the Greek yogurt sauce. I discovered this healthier alternative to blue cheese or ranch dressing by accident when I ran out of my usual condiments one day. The tangy yogurt balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly while adding extra protein to the meal.

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Storage and Meal Prep

While these loaded fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare all the components ahead of time for quick assembly later. Store the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce mixture separately from the fries and creamy sauce. When ready to eat, reheat the fries and chicken separately in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes, then assemble with fresh sauce. The creamy buffalo sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Making It a Complete Meal

Since this recipe comes in at only 334 calories, you have plenty of room to transform it into a complete meal. Add a side of fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips to increase the volume and add nutrients. For a more substantial meal, increase the chicken portion to 5oz or add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. This flexibility makes it perfect for fitting into various dietary plans.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe can be adapted in numerous ways to suit your preferences. Try using sweet potato fries for added nutrition and a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with crispy buffalo cauliflower or tofu. For a lower carb version, use zucchini fries or a bed of roasted vegetables instead of potato fries. The buffalo yogurt sauce works well with all these variations and can be adjusted to your heat preference.

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Buffalo Sauce Guide

The amount of buffalo sauce you use will greatly impact the flavor profile of this dish. For mild heat, start with just 1-2 tablespoons in the chicken and 1 teaspoon in the yogurt sauce. Medium heat works well with 3-4 tablespoons for the chicken and 1 tablespoon for the sauce. For spice lovers, feel free to use more generously throughout. Remember that the yogurt helps temper the heat, so you can go a bit bolder than you might otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can make fries from scratch using potatoes. Simply cut them into strips, season with salt, and cook them in an oven or air fryer until crispy.

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Grilled, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can use pre-cooked frozen chicken or prepare your own fresh chicken for more flavor.

→ How spicy is this meal?

The spice level depends on the amount of buffalo sauce used. Adjust it to suit your taste preferences, from mildly tangy to extra hot.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and use a dairy-free ranch seasoning or skip it altogether.

→ What toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?

You can garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or even shredded cheese for extra flavor. Side veggies like carrots or celery complement the dish well.

→ How can I make this dish more filling?

To make it more filling, increase the chicken portion or add more fries. You can also pair it with a side salad or cooked vegetables.