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Buffalo Chicken Fries

These loaded buffalo chicken fries with bacon are the perfect easy appetizer for game day or a weekend movie night with the fam. Customize with your favorite toppings and dig in!!! Naturally gluten-free.

Buffalo chicken fries in a cast-iron skillet with a small bowl of bacon bits and cheese.

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What you’ll love about this recipe


  • It can be served as an appetizer or a meal! These loaded chicken fries would be a great choice for a game day appetizer/snack or a movie night dinner. There’s plenty to go around and they’re easy to throw together. Plus who doesn’t like buffalo chicken and French fries?!?
  • They’re gluten-free! These buffalo fries prove that going without gluten doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
  • The toppings! If you have followed me for any length of time, you may have noticed I’m all about the toppings. Some say less is more, but I disagree (at least in the case of these fries).
Loaded fries with a fork sticking up and a small bowl of bacon bits.

Ingredients + notes & substitutions


Ingredients for bacon buffalo chicken fries (see recipe card).
  • Shredded chicken: These fries are a great way to use up leftover chicken, whether it’s grilled chicken breast or thighs or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Bacon: These days I pretty much always recommend thick-cut bacon and this time is no exception. It’s not only meatier but since it has a greater surface area than the thinner varieties it is infused with more smoky flavor. And that, in my book, is a plus!
  • Frank’s RedHot: I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but Frank’s is my go-to choice whenever I’m cooking up something with buffalo sauce. Its spot-on flavor, accessibility, and ease make it an obvious choice.
  • Ground cayenne pepper: This is optional, but if you’re a spicy food lover like me I recommend it. Although Frank’s is wonderful, it’s just not all that spicy.
  • Frozen fries: I recommend waffle fries for this recipe as they hold up well when loaded with the toppings. If you intend for this recipe to remain gluten-free lookout for hidden gluten in the fries – sometimes they are coated in a breading containing flour.
  • Cheddar or Colby jack cheese
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing: You just can’t have buffalo chicken without one of these dressings. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of blue cheese, so I opt for ranch in particular this garlic ranch – it’s super easy and only takes five minutes to throw together. Of course, if you’re not a fan of either, you can skip ’em both.
  • Crumble blue or feta cheese: Because the more cheese the better, right? If you don’t think so, forgo it.
  • Green onions: For a little freshness and texture. Fresh chives would work too.
  • Other optional toppings: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos, banana pepper rings, and/or diced tomato.

How to make buffalo chicken fries (+ tips)


1. Bake the waffle fries according to package instructions.

Cooked waffle fries.

2. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. Transfer using a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined surface. (see notes)

Bacon bits in a white bowl.

3. Reduce heat to medium and add the chicken. Cook for two minutes then add the Franks RedHot, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.

Shredded buffalo chicken in a saucepan.

4. Pile the fries in the center of the sheet pan or transfer to a medium cast-iron skillet.

5. Top with half of the cheese followed by the buffalo chicken. Top with the remaining cheese and transfer to the oven until the cheese is melted, about two minutes.

Fries in a skillet layered with cheese, then buffalo chicken, and finally more cheese.

6. Remove from oven and top with ranch or blue cheese dressing, bacon bits, green onions, and crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese (optional). Serve warm.


Storage


So, I really don’t recommend holding onto any leftovers, as they get soggy real quick. That being said, they will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.



Skillet full of loaded buffalo chicken fries with a fork.
Close up of loaded buffalo chicken fries.

More buffalo chicken inspired recipes


  • Buffalo Fried Pickles: Make way for your new favorite appetizer! If you love fried pickles and buffalo wings you will not be disappointed. These pickles are dredged in a buffalo sauce batter and fried to perfection. Pair them with some garlic ranch and BAM!
  • Buffalo Ranch Dressing: Get your buffalo sauce and ranch dressing fix all in one with this simple, five-minute buffalo ranch. It’s great on salads, chicken, or as a dip for fries, pizza, and more. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
  • Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Similar to a Philly cheesesteak, this hearty buffalo chicken cheesesteak is loaded with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted Provolone cheese. This spicy sandwich is sure to be a new favorite!!

If you make these loaded bacon buffalo chicken fries I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥

Cast-iron skillet bacon buffalo chicken fries surrounded by a small bowl of cheese, green onions, and bacon.

Bacon Buffalo Chicken Fries

Yield: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

These buffalo chicken fries are smothered in a creamy buffalo sauce then topped with juicy tender chicken, cheese, crispy bacon, and your choice of toppings. Naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 pound bacon, preferably thick-cut, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional) 
  • 1 cup Franks RedHot
  • 1-22 ounce bag frozen waffle fries 
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack 
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional) 
  • Crumble blue or feta cheese (optional)
  • Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

    1. Bake the waffle fries according to package instructions.
    2. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until brown and crispy, about 15 minutes. Transfer using a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined surface. (see notes)
    3. Reduce heat to medium and add the chicken. Cook for two minutes then add the Franks RedHot, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.
    4. Pile the fries in the center of the sheet pan or transfer to a medium cast-iron skillet.
    5. Top with half of the cheese followed by the buffalo chicken. Top with the remaining cheese and transfer to the oven until the cheese is melted, about two minutes.
    6. Remove from oven and top with ranch or blue cheese dressing, bacon bits, green onions, and crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese (optional). Serve warm.

Storage: So, I really don't recommend holding onto any leftovers, as they get soggy real quick. That being said, they will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.

Notes

    • You may at some point need to pour out some of the grease so that the bacon can really crisp up. I usually do so around the midpoint. Make sure to leave a tablespoon or so of grease, because you will be cooking the chicken in it. If you're into reducing waste and don't already, I encourage you to store your leftover bacon grease in a jar for future use. It's wonderful for cooking all sorts of things including veggies, various proteins, and beans
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 631Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 2212mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 28g

The nutritional information provided is computer generated. It is only an estimate and intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition details may vary depending on various factors such as origin, freshness of ingredients, etc

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Silvia

Monday 4th of April 2022

My kids loved these buffalo chicken fries. We made them over the weekend and they disappeared from the plate in no time. They were so easy to prepare that my kids got to help me in the kitchen win-win

Loreto Nardelli

Monday 4th of April 2022

We had these buffalo chicken fries for our movie night. They were amazing, so quick to put together and extremely enjoyable.

Jenny

Monday 4th of April 2022

This is the most decadent appetizer! I love how it looks and I agree, it looks perfect for guests. We are planning a big get-together soon and I bet this loaded buffalo chicken fries will be the star of the evening. Thanks for the idea!

Tracy

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

These were so good. My kids raves about them. Great recipe will definitely make again!

Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Sunday 3rd of April 2022

I absolutely agree with you about the toppings! We so loved the loaded fries and I can't wait to make it again using different set of toppings.

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