Description
Loaded fries topped with flavorful chicken al pastor, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a delicious Mexican-inspired appetizer or main course that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 pound frozen French fries (waffle, crinkle, or shoestring)
Chicken Al Pastor
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Bake the fries: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen fries according to package directions until they are crispy and golden brown, ensuring a perfect base for the toppings.
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the adobo sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade to coat thoroughly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice caramelized exterior.
- Assemble the loaded fries: Transfer the baked fries to a large oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the fries, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled fries to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts fully and becomes bubbly.
- Add fresh toppings and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle diced pineapple, red onion, and fresh cilantro over the top. Drizzle with sour cream and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- For more heat, add chopped jalapeños or extra adobo sauce to the marinade or as a topping.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut—toss with the marinade and heat before adding to fries.
- Try different types of fries such as crinkle cut or waffle for varied texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fries crispiness and melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
