Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries is a savory, mouthwatering combination of crispy golden fries topped with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for game day, parties, or just as an indulgent dinner.

The recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level by layering flavors and textures, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of ranch or bacon, or simply love loaded fries, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Who can resist the combination of crispy fries, tender chicken, and bacon, all smothered in ranch and cheese?
• Customizable: You can make it your own by adding or substituting different toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, or even barbecue sauce.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this indulgent dish in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: This is a great recipe for game-day gatherings, parties, or family movie nights.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Frying pan or skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Oven mitts
• Serving platter (optional for presentation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the Potatoes: If you’re using fresh potatoes, scrub them clean and cut them into thin, even strips to make fries. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for crispy fries.
3. Season the Fries: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated.
4. Bake the Fries: Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. If using frozen fries, follow the instructions on the package but adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
3. Shred or Dice the Chicken: After the chicken has cooled slightly, use two forks to shred it or dice it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the Bacon: In the same skillet or a separate pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Make sure to turn the bacon occasionally to cook it evenly.
2. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. After the bacon cools, crumble it into small pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries

1. Prepare the Fries for Toppings: Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter or leave them on the baking sheet.
2. Add the Chicken: Evenly distribute the shredded or diced chicken over the top of the fries.
3. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
4. Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred blend) over the chicken and bacon. Make sure to cover the fries evenly with cheese for a gooey, melty topping.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Serve

1. Melt the Cheese: Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
2. Drizzle with Ranch Dressing: Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Use as much or as little as you like depending on your taste preference.
3. Garnish and Serve: For a pop of color and extra flavor, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries

1. Use Crispy Fries: For extra crispy fries, soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier when baked.
2. Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Simply shred the chicken and follow the same steps.
3. Bake Bacon in the Oven: For hands-free cooking, bake the bacon in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, add some vegetables like chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or green onions. These will add flavor, crunch, and nutrition to the dish.
5. Layer the Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy experience, layer some cheese between the fries before adding the chicken and bacon. This ensures that every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.

Variations on the Recipe

1. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the fries. Drizzle with extra ranch and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy and tangy twist.
2. Barbecue Chicken Fries: Swap out the ranch dressing for barbecue sauce and add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a smoky flavor profile.
3. Jalapeño Popper Fries: Add slices of pickled jalapeños along with the bacon and chicken. Drizzle with a spicy ranch dressing for a fiery bite.
4. Southwest Chicken Fries: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the chicken. Top with sour cream and fresh cilantro for a Tex-Mex take on this recipe.
5. Loaded Veggie Fries: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Top with ranch dressing and cheese for a satisfying meatless version.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

1. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow the fries to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place the fries on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fries soggy.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries is a recipe that combines all your favorite comfort foods into one delicious dish. The crispy fries serve as the perfect base for tender chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Yield: 4

Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries Recipe

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries is a savory, mouthwatering combination of crispy golden fries topped with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for game day, parties, or just as an indulgent dinner. The recipe takes classic comfort food to the next level by layering flavors and textures, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a fan of ranch or bacon, or simply love loaded fries, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen French fries (or homemade fries if preferred)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Fries:
   Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the frozen French fries package, typically around 425°F (220°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook according to package directions, about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
   
2. Prepare the Toppings:
   While the fries are baking, cook and crumble the bacon if not already prepared.
   Heat up the cooked chicken in a pan or microwave if necessary. Season it with salt and pepper.
   
3. Assemble the Fries:
   Once the fries are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the fries.
   Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon on top.
   
4. Melt the Cheese:
   Return the fries to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
   
5. Drizzle with Ranch:
   Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and drizzle the ranch dressing over the top.
   
6. Garnish:
   Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley for a pop of freshness and color.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve immediately while the fries are hot and crispy. Add extra ranch on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

Variation: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with diced tomatoes and avocado for extra flavor.

Chicken Substitute: Grilled or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.

Air Fryer Option: If you prefer, you can air fry the French fries for an extra crispy texture.