Loaded Fries with Crispy Chicken and Smash Beef

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Frozen Skin‑On French Fries (Can use fresh potatoes cut into 1/4‑inch sticks and soaked in water)
• 2 large Chicken Breast (Trimmed of excess fat, sliced into 2‑3 pieces for coating)
• 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (For dredging chicken, can double coat)
• 1 cup Cold Water (For double‑coating chicken)
• 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (Divided between seasoning, mayo, and cheese sauce)
• 1 tsp Mushroom Powder (Optional, adds umami to seasoning)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Coriander Seeds (Coarsely ground for aroma)
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 0.25 tsp MSG (Optional, enhances flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Truffle Salt (Or sea salt if unavailable)
• 0.5 Red Onion (Roughly chopped)
• 0.5 Red Bell Pepper (Roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp Preserved Lemon (Finely chopped for tanginess)
• 1 Jalapeño (Roughly chopped, optional)
• 200 g Ground Beef (Formed into a thin smash patty)
• 2 qt Peanut Oil (or high‑smoke‑point oil) (For deep‑frying fries, chicken, and patty)
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (Base for chipotle garlic chili mayo)
• 1 tbsp Chipotle Paste (Adds smoky heat)
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste (Or 1 minced garlic clove)
• 1 tsp Honey (Balances heat in mayo)
• 2 tsp Pickle Juice (Divided between mayo and cheese sauce)
• 0.5 cup Evaporated Milk (Base for cheese sauce)
• 4 American Cheese Slices (Torn into pieces for sauce)
• 0.25 cup Cheddar Cheese (Optional, shredded into cheese sauce)

Instructions

1. Make the All‑Purpose Seasoning

   Combine smoked paprika, mushroom powder, garlic powder, coarsely ground coriander, cayenne pepper, MSG (if using), freshly cracked black pepper, and truffle salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prep the Vegetables

   Roughly chop half a red onion, half a red bell pepper, 1 tbsp preserved lemon, and one jalapeño (optional). Set aside in a bowl.

   Time: PT5M

3. Season and Dredge the Chicken

   Slice the chicken breasts into 2‑3 pieces. Generously season both sides with the seasoning mix. Place flour in a shallow dish, dip the chicken into flour, then into a bowl of cold water, back into flour, and repeat once more for a double coat. Shake off excess.

   Time: PT7M

4. Prepare Chipotle Garlic Chili Mayonnaise

   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle paste, garlic paste, smoked paprika, a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of salt, honey, and pickle juice until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

5. Make the Cheese Sauce

   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, torn American cheese slices, optional shredded cheddar, a pinch of the seasoning mix, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp pickle juice. Stir constantly until melted and smooth; simmer 2‑3 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Medium

6. Cook the Smash Beef Patty

   Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Form the ground beef into a loose ball, place in the pan, and immediately press down with a spatula to smash thin. Cook 2 minutes, flip, then add half of the chopped vegetables, preserved lemon, and jalapeño. Cook another minute, season lightly, then remove and coarsely chop.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

7. Fry the Chicken

   Heat oil in the deep‑fryer or pot to 160 °C (320 °F). Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the oil. Fry 6‑7 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 75 °C. Remove with tongs, drain on a wire rack, and brush with a little hot oil mixed with seasoning for extra flavor.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 160 °C

8. Fry the Fries

   If using frozen fries, fry according to package directions until crispy and golden. If using fresh potatoes, fry in batches at 180 °C (350 °F) until crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl, season with a pinch of salt and a generous shake of the seasoning mix.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 180 °C

9. Assemble the Loaded Fries

   On a large serving platter, spread the seasoned fries. Drizzle a layer of chipotle garlic chili mayo, then scatter the chopped smash beef and its sautéed veggies. Spoon generous amounts of cheese sauce over the top, add the crispy chicken pieces, drizzle more cheese sauce, and finish with another drizzle of chipotle mayo.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

820

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

70 g

Fat

45 g

Fiber

5 g