Buffalo Chicken Crisscut Fries recipe


Buffalo Chicken Crisscut Fries Recipe

Serves: 4 (plus leftovers)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes


Ingredients:

  • 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken (about 12-16 oz, typically around $3.99)
  • 2 bags of frozen crisscut fries (each bag is around 16-22 oz, approx. $3.99 each)
  • 6 slices of bacon (from a 3lb pack that cost $8.97, or about $1.50 worth)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (from a 2lb block at $4.97, using about $1 worth)
  • 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce (canned or store-bought, approx. $1.49 for the amount used)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (use your favorite brand, about $1 worth)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (from your garden)
  • 2-3 jalapeños, finely sliced (from your garden, optional for heat)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling, optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the Fries and Chicken:
  • Spread crisscut fries on one baking sheet in an even layer. Make sure they are not overlapping too much so they cook evenly and get crispy.
  • On the second baking sheet, arrange popcorn chicken in a single layer.
  • Place both baking sheets in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping the fries and chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
    Tip: For extra crispiness, let the fries bake an additional 3-5 minutes if needed.
3. Cook the Bacon:
  • While the fries and chicken are baking, cook 6 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Turn the slices occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
    Tip: If you like your bacon super crispy, you can bake it at 400°F on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and then crumble or chop into small pieces.
4. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
  • Once the popcorn chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl, and cut it into bite-sized pieces for easier layering later.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce over the chicken, and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated in sauce.
    Tip: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you want your dish. You can always add more after assembly if you want more heat.
5. Assemble the Crisscut Fries:
  • Arrange the cooked crisscut fries on a large oven-safe serving platter or keep them on the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle a layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the fries. This will create a gooey cheese base that holds everything together.
  • Spread the buffalo-coated chicken pieces evenly over the fries.
  • Drizzle nacho cheese sauce over the entire dish to add creaminess and flavor.
  • Sprinkle chopped bacon, green onions, and jalapeño slices on top for a kick of heat and freshness.
    Tip: If you want the cheese even more melted, you can pop the dish back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Add the Final Touch:
  • Once the cheese is fully melted and the toppings are heated through, remove from the oven.
  • Drizzle ranch dressing over the top for a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
    Tip: You can serve the ranch dressing on the side if people prefer to dip instead of drizzle.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the Buffalo Chicken Crisscut Fries family-style, so everyone can dig in.
  • For an extra touch of flavor, offer additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for those who want more kick or creaminess.
  • You can pair this dish with celery sticks or a light side salad to balance the richness of the fries and cheese.

Cost Breakdown (approximate):

  • Popcorn chicken: $3.99
  • Nacho cheese: $1.49
  • Bacon: On hand (about $1.50 for the amount used)
  • Monterey Jack cheese: On hand (approx. $1 for the amount used)
  • Crisscut fries: $7.98 for two bags
  • Buffalo sauce: On hand (approx. $1 for the amount used)
  • Green onions and jalapeños: From your garden (free)
  • Ranch dressing: Optional (use what’s on hand)

Total cost: Approximately $16-$20 for a meal that serves 4, with leftovers!


Recipe Variations & Add-ons:

  • Protein Swap: You can use grilled chicken, breaded chicken tenders, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of popcorn chicken.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in some cooked veggies like roasted bell peppers, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Spice it Up: For extra heat, mix hot sauce or sriracha into the buffalo sauce. You could also add crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the fries.
  • Toppings Variety: Consider adding toppings like blue cheese crumbles, crispy fried onions, or avocado slices for a gourmet twist.

This enhanced version of your Buffalo Chicken Crisscut Fries is sure to impress, offering a detailed guide with extra tips to perfect the recipe!

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