There’s nothing better than a big plate of loaded fries, and these Mexican Pulled Chicken Chippies are a game-changer! Packed with juicy, flavorful pulled chicken, crispy seasoned fries, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a fun dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack. It’s got just the right amount of spice, a little tang, and a lot of deliciousness. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have you licking your fingers clean!
Method
Preparing the Marinade
The foundation of flavorful Chicken Loaded Fries lies in the marinade. Gather all the marinade ingredients: paprika, oregano, ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, chipotle chili flakes (for a touch of smokiness and heat), salt, pepper, freshly squeezed lime juice, tomato purée (for richness and color), a roughly chopped onion, olive oil (for moisture and flavor), water (to thin the marinade slightly), and white wine vinegar (for a touch of tang). Combine all these ingredients in a food processor. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth, creating a vibrant and aromatic marinade.
Marinating the Chicken
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they remain juicy and tender after cooking. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl that is large enough to hold them comfortably. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken to help it penetrate the meat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
Preparing the Fries
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the fries. Use potatoes suitable for frying, such as russet potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them if desired. Cut the potatoes into fries that are approximately 1cm thick. This thickness ensures that the fries will be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Place the cut fries in a bowl and season them generously with salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat). Toss the fries to ensure that they are evenly coated with the seasonings. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Cook the fries for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even cooking. If using an oven, preheat it to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the fries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Lightly spray the pan with cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the hot pan. Sear the chicken on one side for about 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a nice golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken over and cook the other side until it is fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, add any leftover marinade to the pan. This will create a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and allow it to cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix it with the remaining marinade/sauce for extra flavor.
Assembling the Loaded Fries
Now for the fun part – assembling the loaded fries! Once the fries are cooked and crispy, arrange them in a single layer on an oven-safe plate or dish. Top the fries with a generous layer of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the plate or dish under a grill or broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnishing and Serving
Remove the loaded fries from under the grill or broiler. Garnish the loaded fries with jalapeños (for added heat) and fresh coriander (for a touch of freshness). Serve the Chicken Loaded Fries immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. They can be served with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping.
Chicken Loaded Fries
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Air fryer or oven
- Large non-stick frying pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Grill or broiler
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300 g chicken thigh fillets
- For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- For the Fries:
- 400 g Maris Piper potatoes or any starchy potato
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Toppings:
- 60 g grated mozzarella
- Jalapeños optional
- Fresh coriander optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade.Add all the marinade ingredients (paprika, oregano, ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, chipotle chili flakes, salt, pepper, lime juice, tomato purée, onion, olive oil, water, and white wine vinegar) into a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken.Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and coat them with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Fries.Cut the potatoes into 1cm-thick chips. Season them with salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Place the fries in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) and cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. If using an oven, bake at the same temperature until golden and crispy.
- Cook the Chicken.Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat with a spray of oil. Add the marinated chicken and sear on one side for about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is fully cooked. Add any leftover marinade to the pan while cooking.Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix it with the remaining marinade for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries.Once the fries are cooked, layer them on an oven-safe plate or dish. Add a layer of the pulled chicken, followed by the grated mozzarella. Place under a grill or broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve.Top with jalapeños and fresh coriander if desired. Serve immediately with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Cut Even-Sized Chips: This ensures the fries cook evenly in the air fryer or oven.
- Watch the Grill: Keep an eye on the cheese while it’s under the grill to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Add some homemade guacamole or sour cream as a dipping sauce.
- Serve with a fizzy lime soda or a refreshing margarita for a fun Mexican-inspired dinner.
Fun Fact
Did you know Maris Piper potatoes are a favorite for making fries because of their fluffy texture and high starch content? They help create that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fry we all love!
Conclusion
These Chicken Loaded Fries are the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, smoky twist. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with friends and family. With tender pulled chicken, crispy fries, and melty cheese, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home. Try it out and let me know how you enjoy yours—extra jalapeños, anyone? 🌟🍟🐔