Mexican Chicken Fries​ : Easy Recipe

PUBLISHED BY: Elle

Mexican Chicken Fries Recipe

Mexican Chicken Fries are your new go-to indulgent dish—a fusion of crispy French fries, spicy shredded chicken, and creamy cheese sauce topped with bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re planning a game day spread or simply need a flavorful twist for dinner, this dish has you covered.

If you’re a fan of fusion recipes, you’ll love this blend of Tinga-style chicken over a base of golden fries. Check out this flavorful and authentic Chicken Tinga recipe from Isabel Eats to understand how this smoky, chipotle-based dish is traditionally made. The smoky kick comes from chipotle peppers—here’s how to use chipotle in adobo sauce to get that rich, bold taste.

Loaded Mexican Chicken Fries topped with Tinga chicken, avocado, jalapeños, crema, and cheese served in a cast iron skillet
This is the ultimate skillet of Mexican Chicken Fries—crispy golden fries loaded with juicy Tinga chicken and classic Mexican toppings.

What Are Mexican Chicken Fries?

Mexican Chicken Fries are not your average loaded fries. They combine:

  • Tinga chicken (a smoky, shredded chicken stew)
  • Crispy fries
  • Creamy chili cheese sauce
  • Classic toppings like crema, avocado, and salsa

This dish delivers a satisfying crunch with rich, savory depth—perfect for those who enjoy the boldness of Tex-Mex cuisine or comfort food classics like chicken and dumpling casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Diced onions, garlic, tomatoes
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • Chicken broth, bay leaf, and spices

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • Butter, flour, milk
  • Mexican cheese blend
  • Chili powder, salt, and pepper

For Assembly:

  • Frozen or homemade fries
  • Toppings: green onions, crema, avocado, jalapeños, salsa

If you’re into smoking meats, you might also try adapting this recipe using leftovers from your smoked beef cheeks for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Simmer the Tinga chicken: Cook onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chipotle in a pan. Add chicken and broth; simmer and shred.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: Create a roux, add milk and cheese, and season with chili powder.
  3. Bake or air-fry the fries: Get them ultra-crispy.
  4. Assemble: Layer fries, chicken, sauce, and toppings.

For more guidance on stovetop methods, check out how to cook boneless short ribs in a pan—a great technique that also applies to reducing sauces like Tinga.

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Use air-fried sweet potato fries for a healthier version
  • Top with black beans or corn salsa
  • Swap in vegan cheese and plant-based meat
  • Make a nacho-style platter with tortilla chips
Mexican toppings for chicken fries including black beans, corn, avocado, pickled onions, and queso fresco
Customize your Mexican Chicken Fries with toppings like black beans, sweet corn, pickled onions, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

Need more smoky inspiration? Browse ideas like these pellet smoker ribs for delicious backyard cooking vibes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Mexican Chicken Fries with:

  • A chilled Mexican lager or margarita
  • Fresh sides like bulgur wheat pilaf or lime-dressed cabbage slaw
Mexican Chicken Fries served outdoors with fries, crema drizzle, queso dip, and a cold drink on a festive patio table
Enjoy Mexican Chicken Fries with fries, creamy sauce, and queso, served al fresco with a refreshing cold drink—perfect for patio season.

This dish also works as a Super Bowl snack, main course, or even a midnight craving buster.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Store components separately for best texture
  • Reheat fries in an air fryer or oven
  • Repurpose leftovers in tacos or burritos

Looking for more hearty options? These flat short ribs would complement a next-day fusion taco night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Tinga chicken?

A traditional Mexican dish of shredded chicken stewed in chipotle and tomato sauce. Learn how to make it with this step-by-step guide.

Can I make this dish healthy?

Yes! Use grilled chicken, low-fat cheese, and baked fries.

Best toppings?

Avocado, crema, salsa, jalapeños, pickled onions, or even chorizo.

Can I prep ahead?

Absolutely—Tinga and cheese sauce store well. Just bake fries fresh before serving.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Chicken Fries are the ultimate comfort-meets-culture experience. With every bite, you get smoky heat, creamy cheese, crispy fries, and the chance to add your own twist. Whether you’re hosting, sharing, or indulging solo, this dish belongs in your rotation.

For more creative recipes and inspiration, be sure to explore Dwell Delightfully’s delicious mix of global comfort foods and home-cooked crowd-pleasers.

Print
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Mexican Chicken Fries in cast iron skillet with Tinga chicken, avocado, jalapeños, sour cream, cheddar, and lime wedges

Mexican Chicken Fries​


  • Author: Elle
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Mexican Chicken Fries are the ultimate fusion comfort food—crispy golden fries topped with juicy Tinga chicken, creamy cheddar cheese, jalapeños, avocado, and Mexican crema. This crave-worthy dish is perfect for parties, game days, or a bold Tex-Mex dinner idea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds frozen French fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven according to your French fries package and cook them until crispy and golden.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, chipotle peppers, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
  4. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet and pour in the chicken broth; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the chicken, shred it using forks, then blend the sauce until smooth and return the
  6. shredded chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  7. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk while whisking.
  8. Stir in chili powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese until melted into a creamy cheese sauce.
  9. Once the fries are done, place them on a serving plate or cast iron skillet.
  10. Top fries with shredded Tinga chicken, drizzle with cheese sauce, and finish with sliced avocado, jalapeños, crema, green onions, and fresh salsa.
  11. Serve your loaded Mexican Chicken Fries hot and enjoy the bold Tex-Mex flavors.

Notes

  • Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Use an air fryer for crispier, lower-oil French fries.
  • Add shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes for a fresher topping option.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with chipotle-seasoned jackfruit.
  • Reheat leftovers in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 loaded plate
  • Calories: 635 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 37g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Mexican Chicken Fries, Tinga Chicken Fries, Loaded Mexican Fries, Spicy Chicken Fries, Chicken Cheese Fries, Tex-Mex Fries, Game Day Appetizer

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