You don't need to pay large sums of money to eat Chicken Fries! Here is a creative, quick-to-prepare recipe that will allow you to serve your guests and family the most delicious and fastest Chicken Fries. This delicious meal, which combines crispy chicken and golden potato slices, covered with an irresistible creamy cheese sauce, is now in your hands with a professional recipe that surpasses fast-food restaurants. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary details, starting from how to prepare the red Cheddar cheese sauce, through the steps of frying the chicken and potatoes, to serving tips and healthy alternatives.
The Smart Trick in Utilizing Leftover Chicken
Are you looking for economical chicken recipes? This recipe offers you a smart trick to utilize leftover chicken (such as grilled or boiled chicken) and serve it professionally, and no one will ever know it was a recipe made from leftover chicken! Instead of disposing of the remaining chicken or serving it in the same boring way, you can cut it into long strips (finger shapes), then coat it with a layer of flour, spices, egg, and breadcrumbs or a mixture of oat flour to re-fry or bake it. This method gives the chicken a new, crispy texture and makes it the main component in a delicious and budget-friendly Chicken Fries dish. This trick makes the Chicken Fries with Cheese Sauce recipe more economical.
Savings Tip: If you don't have leftover chicken, you can use chicken breasts and cut them into thin, long strips. For maximum crispiness, soak the chicken strips in buttermilk for an hour before coating and frying.
Chicken Fries with Cheese Sauce (Step-by-Step Method)
To prepare the ultimate Chicken Fries dish, we need three main components prepared in parallel: Seasoned French Fries, crispy chicken pieces, and Cheddar Cheese Sauce.
Component One: Seasoned Fries
1. Frying and Preparing the Fries:
Start by frying the potatoes (preferably using crinkle-cut fries or potato wedges to achieve the restaurant look) in deep, hot oil until they are golden and crispy. While the potatoes are frying, prepare the special Fries Seasoning:
- Curry (1 tsp)
- Onion Powder (1 tsp)
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Dried Coriander (1/2 tsp)
- Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp)
- Sweet or Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
- Chicken Bouillon Powder or 2 crushed cubes (2 chicken bouillon)
- Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Application: When the fries are done, place them in a bowl, and sprinkle the mentioned spices over them while they are very hot. The heat will help the spices stick to the potatoes and enhance the flavor.
Component Two: Rich Yellow Cheddar Cheese Sauce
2. Preparing the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
Now, let's move on to the secret of the dish: the Cheese Sauce. In a pot over medium heat, follow these steps:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter.
- Add two tablespoons of white flour (can be substituted with oat flour to reduce carbs). Stir well for one minute until a roux is formed.
- Gradually add one and a quarter cups of liquid milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add about one cup of grated red or yellow Cheddar cheese (this is essential for the distinctive color and flavor). Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Optional addition: You can add a little Mozzarella cheese to give the sauce a stringier, thicker consistency (this is optional).
The Perfect Consistency: The Cheese Sauce should have a consistency similar to a Béchamel sauce—neither too thick nor too thin—but creamy, easily pouring over the fries and chicken.
Component Three: Ready Crispy Chicken (The Chicken)
3. Assembling and Serving the Chicken Fries:
To prepare the chicken, use recycled leftover chicken, pre-made chicken strips/fingers, or even ready-made crispy chicken. The most important thing is to cut the chicken into long strips resembling potato sticks.
Assembly:
- In the serving dish, first place a generous amount of hot seasoned fries.
- Evenly distribute the crispy chicken pieces on top.
- Finally, pour the hot cheese sauce over the entire dish.
- To add a gourmet restaurant touch, garnish the dish with slices of pickled jalapeño peppers (optional) or a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
In this way, you have completed the famous Chicken Fries recipe in just three main steps!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitutions
- Flour Substitute: White flour in the sauce can be replaced with cornstarch dissolved in a little water (to achieve a thick consistency without using flour).
- Butter Substitute: Use olive oil or any vegetable oil in preparing the sauce as a healthy alternative.
- Red Cheddar Substitute: A mixture of white Cheddar cheese with a little sweet paprika or turmeric can be used to get the distinctive golden yellow color.
- Frying Substitute: For a healthy recipe, the potatoes and chicken strips can be baked in the oven or using an Air Fryer with a light drizzle of oil.
- Milk Substitute: Vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used to prepare the sauce, increasing the amount of cheese.
Tips for Serving and Accompaniments
The Chicken Fries dish is a complete meal in itself, but it is also wonderfully served as a main course alongside:
- White Sauce Pasta: This combination provides a contrast in flavors and textures.
- Red-Sautéed Pasta: A quick and simple option favored by children.
- Yellow Basmati Rice: The color and flavor of yellow rice complement the chicken and fries spices.
- Green Salads: Adding coleslaw salad or a refreshing green salad to lighten the richness of the main dish.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Note: These values depend on the preparation method and ingredients used (frying or baking).
- Calories: 600 - 800 calories (if fried in oil)
- Protein: 35 - 45 grams (thanks to the rich chicken)
- Fat: 35 - 50 grams (concentrated in frying and Cheddar cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 40 - 60 grams (mostly from potatoes)
To reduce calories, use the Air Fryer and substitute full-fat cheese with low-fat Cheddar cheese.
Medical Warning and Health Notes
Although this recipe is homemade and cleaner, it remains high in saturated fats and calories, especially when using oil for frying and full-fat Cheddar cheese.
- Individuals with high blood pressure and heart diseases should reduce the amount of salt and use healthy oils (like light olive oil) in very small amounts.
- For diabetics, it is preferable to use oat flour or other flour alternatives to reduce the glycemic index, and use sweet potatoes as a substitute.
Moderation is Key: Chicken Fries can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, while adopting healthy chicken recipes on other days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Fries
- Q: How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
A: The secret is the double coating (flour - liquid like iced water or buttermilk - then flour again), and ensuring the oil is very hot initially.
- Q: Can the cheese sauce be prepared in advance?
A: Yes, it can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk to adjust the consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Q: What is the best type of cheese for the sauce?
A: Red Cheddar cheese is best for the classic color and flavor. Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese can be used to enhance the flavor.
- Q: Can Chicken Fries be frozen?
A: It is preferable to freeze the marinated and coated chicken strips before frying. However, it is not recommended to freeze the dish after assembling it with the sauce and fries.
Conclusion
We have proven that the professional Chicken Fries recipe does not require much effort or a huge budget. By implementing this economical recipe, you can enjoy the taste of crispy chicken with seasoned fries and the delicious Cheddar cheese sauce at home. Whether you use leftover chicken or start from scratch, the result is guaranteed: a delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal. Feel free to try bread and oil alternatives to make it a healthy recipe that fits your diet. Share this quick Chicken Fries recipe with your friends and start preparing the most delicious fast meal now!
