If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying twist on a Canadian classic, this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine crispy golden fries loaded with tender, juicy chicken, smothered in a luscious blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar, and then drenched in rich, savory gravy. Topped off with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions, every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a perfect comfort food for any day. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite indulgence to share with friends or enjoy on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe are delightfully straightforward but essential to bringing out the best flavors and satisfying textures. Each item plays a role in building layers of taste, from crispy fries and tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and savory gravy that tie it all together.
- Frozen French fries: Start with crispy fries for that classic poutine base with perfect crunch and softness.
- Large chicken breast, diced: Provides lean protein that soaks up the spices and keeps every bite hearty.
- Bacon slices, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky, savory crunch that compliments every other ingredient.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers creamy, stretchy texture that pulls everything together.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy depth to the cheesy layer.
- Green onions, chopped: Sprinkles freshness and a mild bite as a vibrant topping.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken tenderly and adding subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight natural flavors.
- Garlic powder: Imparts warm, aromatic undertones to the chicken.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky color and flavor boost.
- Chicken or brown gravy: The crown jewel that brings moisture, warmth, and savory goodness in every spoonful.
How to Make Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fries
Begin by spreading your frozen French fries evenly on a baking sheet and baking or air frying them according to the package instructions. The goal here is to get them golden and crispy—this crispy texture is what makes poutine irresistible, providing the perfect sturdy foundation for everything else to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the fries crisp up, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken, seasoning immediately with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook patiently for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken turns beautifully browned and is cooked through. This step builds a flavorful, juicy protein layer that complements the fries.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
Heat your choice of store-bought or homemade gravy in a saucepan until steaming and thickened. If you’re whipping up homemade gravy, a simple combination of broth, butter, and flour simmered until luscious will do the trick. This gravy is the heart of the dish, adding richness and moisture that meld all components together.
Step 4: Assemble the Poutine
Transfer the hot, crispy fries onto a generous serving plate as your base. Layer the cooked chicken evenly over the fries, then shower the top with a mix of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses. Right away, pour your hot gravy over the entire mound, letting it soak into every nook while melting the cheese perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Finish this masterpiece by scattering crumbled bacon and chopped green onions across the top. These final garnishes add crunchy bursts and a fresh, zesty contrast that brighten the indulgence beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy warm, melty magic in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Garnishes
While bacon and green onions are the classic finishing touches for this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe, you can feel free to get creative. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika can add a fresh and colorful element. These garnishes not only make the dish visually stunning but also elevate the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This hearty poutine shines as a standalone indulgence but pairs well with light sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables. These sides offer a refreshing balance by cutting through the richness and helping keep the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying without heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering your Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe in individual mason jars or mini cast iron skillets, perfect for sharing at casual gatherings. You can also add a drizzle of spicy sriracha or a dollop of sour cream to add personality and complexity. Presentation can turn this comforting classic into an eye-catching, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the gravy separate if possible to prevent the fries from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, reheat thoughtfully to retain crispness and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal due to the texture changes in fries and cheese, but you can freeze cooked chicken and gravy separately for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the fries on a baking sheet in the oven or air fryer to restore their crunch. Warm the chicken and gravy on the stovetop or microwave separately. Then reassemble the dish with cheese and toppings to enjoy nearly fresh-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly cut potatoes tossed in oil and baked or fried will add an even more homemade touch to the Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe. Just ensure they’re crispy to hold up under the gravy and toppings.
What type of gravy works best?
A rich brown or classic chicken gravy pairs beautifully with this recipe. You can use homemade or store-bought, but a well-seasoned gravy will really bring all the flavors together.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and bacon and use vegetarian gravy, then add mushrooms or crispy tofu to maintain protein and texture. There are plenty of delicious ways to adapt the Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe for veggie lovers.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It can work for meal prep if you prepare components separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything tasty and texturally sound. Fries tend to get soggy if stored assembled for too long.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe has mild warmth from the paprika but is generally not spicy. Feel free to add hot sauce or chili flakes to the gravy or toppings if you like a kick!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s loaded with flavor, comforting textures, and simple enough to make any night special. Whether you’re cooking for a friend, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees smiles and full bellies. Give it a try—you just might find a new favorite comfort food!
Print
Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
A delicious twist on classic poutine, combining crispy French fries topped with seasoned sautéed chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, savory gravy, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal that blends the rich flavors of Quebecois poutine with added protein and texture.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 lb frozen French fries
Chicken
- 1 large chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Toppings
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
Gravy
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or brown gravy
Instructions
- Cook the Fries: Spread the frozen French fries evenly on a baking sheet and cook them according to the package instructions, or alternatively air fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This ensures a perfect crispy base for the poutine.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked thoroughly on the inside.
- Prepare the Gravy: Warm store-bought gravy in a saucepan over low heat until simmering. Alternatively, you can make homemade gravy by combining chicken broth, butter, and flour in a saucepan and simmering until the mixture thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Poutine: Place the hot, crispy fries on a large serving plate. Layer the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the fries. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese generously on top of the chicken and fries.
- Add Gravy and Garnishes: Pour the hot gravy generously over the cheese-topped fries and chicken, allowing it to melt the cheeses slightly. Finally, garnish with crumbled crispy bacon and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can swap frozen French fries for homemade fries if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
- For a spicier variation, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon, and substitute with mushroom gravy and vegetarian bacon bits.
- To make the dish healthier, opt for baking the fries instead of frying.
- Leftover poutine can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness, but is best enjoyed fresh.
