Chicken and Cheese Poutine

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Golden, crispy fries layered with tender chunks of seasoned chicken, blanketed in melted cheese and drizzled with rich, savory gravy—Chicken and Cheese Poutine is comfort food at its finest. This indulgent dish brings together crispy, creamy, and cheesy textures in every satisfying bite. The smoky bacon and fresh green onion topping add a bold contrast to the gooey cheese and velvety gravy, making this a show-stopper for weeknight dinners, game-day feasts, or whenever you crave a hearty treat.

Inspired by the classic Canadian poutine but with a meaty twist, this recipe is an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. It’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, allowing you to use your favorite cheese blends or throw in extras like sautéed mushrooms or spicy jalapeños. Whether served as a main or shared as a side, this dish is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Cheese Poutine

• It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly.
• Perfect for satisfying cheese and gravy cravings in one dish.
• Easily customizable to suit your favorite add-ins or dietary needs.
• Great for casual gatherings, parties, or a decadent dinner.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Chicken and Cheese Poutine at home, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Baking sheet or air fryer: For getting the fries perfectly crisp.
• Large skillet: To cook the chicken until golden and juicy.
• Small saucepan: For making or warming the gravy.
• Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded): Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly.
• Tongs and spatula: For turning the fries and mixing ingredients.
• Serving plate or bowl: A wide, shallow dish works best for layering all components.

Each tool plays a key role: crispy fries need high heat and space to cook evenly, the skillet ensures flavorful chicken browning, and the saucepan gives you control over your gravy’s texture and temperature.

Preparation Tips

To save time, you can use store-bought frozen fries or even rotisserie chicken. However, for the ultimate flavor payoff, season your chicken generously and opt for oven-baked fries for that ideal crunch. Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for the best melt and flavor combination. Make sure your gravy is hot when pouring it over the fries—this helps everything meld together. Layer quickly once all elements are ready so the heat from the fries and chicken melts the cheese without needing extra oven time.

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Ingredients for this Chicken and Cheese Poutine

• 1 lb frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
• 1 large chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or brown gravy (store-bought or homemade)

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Step 1: Prepare the Fries

Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet and cook them according to package instructions, or air fry them for extra crispiness. Make sure they are golden and crispy before assembling the poutine. If using homemade fries, soak cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes, dry thoroughly, and bake or fry until crisp.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook for about 7–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

If using store-bought gravy, warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If making homemade, combine chicken broth, butter, flour, and seasoning to your preference. Stir until smooth and simmer until thickened.

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Step 4: Assemble the Poutine

Place the hot fries on a serving plate. Top them evenly with cooked chicken, followed by shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Pour hot gravy generously over the top. The heat will melt the cheese—no oven needed!

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Step 5: Add Bacon and Garnishes

Sprinkle crispy bacon and chopped green onions on top for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

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Notes

This dish is highly flexible—you can switch out the chicken for shredded beef, pulled pork, or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Use a combination of cheeses for better melt and flavor. If your gravy is too thick, thin it with a bit of broth or water; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Soggy Fries: Always dry your fries thoroughly if you’re making them from scratch, and avoid overcrowding the pan when baking or frying.
• Cold Gravy: Make sure the gravy is hot when pouring it over the fries to melt the cheese properly.
• Overcooking Chicken: Dice the chicken evenly and don’t overcook it, or it’ll become dry.
• Layering Late: Assemble the poutine quickly while everything is still hot to ensure proper melting and blending.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the fries will lose their crispiness. To reheat, spread the poutine in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve any remaining crisp texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 650–750 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves cooking time.

What’s the best cheese for poutine?

A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives both melt and flavor, but cheese curds are traditional in classic poutine.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free fries and gravy.

How do I make the fries extra crispy?

Soak potato slices in water, dry them well, and bake or fry at high heat without overcrowding.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and bacon, and use vegetarian gravy.

Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat just before assembling.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in fries and cheese.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Cheese Poutine is a soul-warming dish perfect for cozy nights in or a fun, indulgent meal with friends. Combining crispy fries, juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and savory gravy with crunchy bacon and fresh green onions creates an irresistible medley. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own spin, this dish never disappoints.

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