If you have ever craved comfort food that combines crispy, savory, and cheesy elements all in one extraordinary dish, this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. This recipe takes the classic Canadian poutine and elevates it with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a duo of melted cheeses, all smothered in rich chicken gravy. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the key to this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe’s success. Each component adds a unique texture and flavor dimension, from crispy fries to cheesy melt to juicy chicken and savory gravy that ties it all together beautifully.
- 1 lb frozen French fries: Choose crispy fries to provide a crunchy base that holds up under the toppings.
- 1 large chicken breast, diced: Tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up seasoning and add protein.
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and irresistible flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy cheese pull.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy contrast to the mozzarella.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of color.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly sautéed, flavorful chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: A gentle smoky and slightly sweet note that complements the chicken.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or brown gravy: The luscious sauce that turns this dish into pure comfort.
How to Make Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fries
Begin by spreading the frozen French fries evenly on a baking sheet. Cook them according to the package instructions or pop them in an air fryer for that extra crispiness until they’re golden and perfectly crunchy. This step creates the vital crispy foundation for your poutine.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is beautifully browned and completely cooked through. The seasoning infuses the chicken with exciting flavors that complement the creamy cheeses.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
While the chicken cooks, warm up store-bought chicken or brown gravy in a saucepan over low heat. If you prefer a homemade touch, simply combine broth, butter, and flour in a pan, then simmer until thickened to your liking. The gravy is the rich and silky element that brings all parts of the Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe together harmoniously.
Step 4: Assemble the Poutine
Plate the hot fries first on a large serving dish, creating a sturdy bed. Scatter the cooked chicken evenly over the fries, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses on top. Immediately pour the steaming gravy generously over the entire dish to melt the cheese and soak into the crispy fries.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Scatter the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the top for that perfect crunch and fresh pop of flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot, gooey, and bursting with incredible textures and tastes.
How to Serve Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Garnishes
This Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe is perfect at its core, but adding a sprinkle of fresh green onions or even a pinch of freshly chopped parsley can enhance the color and provide a delightful freshness to cut through the richness. For those who like a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can add extra excitement.
Side Dishes
Given how hearty and full of flavor this dish is, lighter side dishes like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables make the perfect balance. You might also enjoy crusty bread alongside to mop up any leftover gravy, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or deep bowls to keep everything hot longer. You can also layer the ingredients in a baking dish and finish under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese crust before serving. It makes for an eye-catching presentation for dinner parties or casual gatherings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the gravy separate if possible to prevent the fries from becoming soggy overnight.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and gravy components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the fries and cheese as their texture changes too much upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the chicken and gravy gently on the stovetop, then reheat fries in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness. Assemble again with cheese and bacon, then pop under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and refresh the dish.
FAQs
Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! Homemade fries will work wonderfully and add an extra fresh touch. Just be sure they are cooked until crispy to hold the toppings well.
What types of cheese work best for Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe?
The classic combo of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives you great melting properties and flavor contrast, but feel free to experiment with cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or even a bit of blue cheese for a fun twist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can add grilled mushrooms or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture, and use vegetable gravy instead of chicken gravy.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free frozen fries and ensure the gravy is made with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Double-check all seasoning blends for any hidden gluten.
How can I make the gravy from scratch for this poutine?
Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you love. It’s simple and tastes fantastic!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm plate of Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe that hits all the right notes of flavor, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding family or indulging in a cozy night treat, this dish is a guaranteed winner. I encourage you to try it soon and experience for yourself how this delicious poutine elevates a beloved classic into something spectacular and memorable.
Print
Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
A comforting and indulgent twist on classic poutine featuring crispy French fries topped with seasoned chicken, melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, savory gravy, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that combines hearty flavors and textures.
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 bake them according to the package instructions or air fry until they are golden and crispy. This creates the perfect base for the poutine.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the gravy: Warm store-bought gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, or make homemade gravy by combining broth, butter, and flour, then simmering the mixture until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the poutine: Place the hot cooked fries on a large serving plate. Add the cooked chicken evenly over the fries. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top while the fries and chicken are hot so the cheese begins to melt.
- Add gravy and toppings: Generously pour the warm gravy over the fries, chicken, and cheese. Top with the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish hot and melty.
Notes
- You can air fry or bake the fries depending on your preference for crispiness.
- For added flavor, you can use homemade gravy or a good quality store-bought gravy.
- Adjust the seasoning on the chicken to your taste, adding more paprika or garlic powder if desired.
- To make it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but the fries may lose their crispiness.
