If you’re craving a comforting, indulgent treat that combines crispy fries, savory chicken, melty cheese, and rich gravy, this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This dish perfectly marries crispy textures with gooey cheese and hearty chicken, all topped with luscious brown gravy that ties every bite together. It’s a twist on the classic poutine that feels both familiar and exciting, making it an ideal meal for sharing or anytime you want a deliciously satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and texture. From the crispy fries forming the dish’s base to the brown gravy that delivers warmth and depth, every component comes together with harmony.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Provides tender, flavorful protein that enriches the dish.
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or homemade): Crispy and golden, these are essential for that crunchy foundation.
- 1 cup cheese curds (or chopped mozzarella): Melts perfectly to give that classic, gooey cheese pull.
- 2 cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought): Adds savory moisture and deep flavor that brings everything together.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Introduces a smoky crunch that layers the dish with extra taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions: Brightens the plate with fresh color and a mild onion kick.
How to Make Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F or heat oil if frying. Prepare your fries according to the package or your favorite homemade method, aiming for that perfect crispiness and golden color. The crispy fries act as the all-important crunch base for your poutine.
Step 2: Warm the Chicken
While the fries cook, warm your shredded chicken either in a skillet on medium heat or briefly in the microwave. Warming the chicken ensures every layer of the dish stays hot and inviting.
Step 3: Heat the Gravy
Next, gently heat your brown gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s bubbling softly and ready to create that rich, luscious coating for your poutine’s toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Base
Arrange the crispy fries on a large serving platter or individual plates. This crispy, golden layer is the canvas for the rest of the dish’s flavors and textures.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Top your fries with the warm shredded chicken, then generously scatter the cheese curds evenly over the surface. The chicken adds heartiness while the cheese is key for that classic poutine melt.
Step 6: Pour Over the Hot Gravy
Pour the hot brown gravy evenly over the chicken, cheese, and fries. The heat from the gravy softens the cheese curds so they become irresistibly gooey and stringy, creating pure comfort food magic.
Step 7: Finish with Optional Toppings
If you’re using bacon, sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon across the top, along with the chopped chives or green onions. These extras add wonderful texture, color, and a pop of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Chicken and cheese poutine tastes best fresh and hot, so dig in right away to enjoy every melty, savory bite at its most delicious.
How to Serve Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your poutine with garnishes that bring contrast or brightness. Fresh chopped chives or green onions add a subtle onion note and fresh green color, while crispy bacon bits bring an extra crunch and smoky savoriness. For a little kick, consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
This hearty poutine can stand proudly as a main dish, but pairing it with a crisp, light side salad or steamed veggies can balance the richness. A tangy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad with vinaigrette brings refreshing brightness alongside the indulgent flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or just make your meal feel special? Serve your Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or on rustic wooden boards. Layer the ingredients beautifully so the cheese peeks out, and garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s not always guaranteed), store your poutine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the fries separate from gravy and toppings if possible to maintain some crispiness, then combine before reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing fries and cheese curds can alter their texture significantly. However, you can freeze leftover shredded chicken and gravy separately for convenient future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and gravy on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to help them regain crispiness. Then assemble and add the cheese, allowing it to melt from the residual heat or a quick bake.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides cheese curds?
Absolutely! While traditional poutine uses cheese curds, chopped mozzarella or even a mild cheddar makes a great substitute that melts beautifully and gives you the gooey texture you want.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe is best enjoyed freshly made. Fries tend to get soggy over time, so prepping the components separately can work if you plan to assemble and enjoy right before eating.
Can I make the gravy from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade brown gravy made from pan drippings, broth, and seasonings adds extra depth and freshness. But quality store-bought gravy works well too if you’re short on time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with hearty sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use a vegetarian gravy option to create a satisfying meat-free version.
What’s the best way to get crispy fries for poutine?
Baking fries at a high temperature or frying them in hot oil until golden and crisp gives you the best base. If using frozen fries, follow package instructions closely and consider giving them a quick crisp-up in a hot oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of crispy fries, savory chicken, gooey cheese, and warm gravy that makes this Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or to share with friends, it’s a dish that invites smiles and seconds. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this delicious classic your own!
Print
Chicken and Cheese Poutine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
Chicken and Cheese Poutine is a hearty and comforting Canadian-inspired dish featuring crispy French fries topped with warm shredded chicken, gooey cheese curds, savory brown gravy, and optional crispy bacon and fresh chives. Perfect as a filling meal or indulgent snack, this dish combines textures and flavors that satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or homemade)
- 1 cup cheese curds (or chopped mozzarella)
- 2 cups brown gravy (homemade or store-bought)
Optional Toppings
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the French Fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (or prepare oil if frying). Cook the French fries according to the package instructions or your preferred recipe until they are crispy and golden. Once done, set them aside on a serving plate.
- Heat the Chicken: Warm the cooked shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until it is heated through, ensuring the chicken is hot for topping.
- Warm the Gravy: In a small saucepan, pour the brown gravy and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the gravy reaches a simmer and is hot enough to melt the cheese curds.
- Assemble the Poutine: Arrange the hot crispy fries on your serving dish. Evenly distribute the warm shredded chicken on top of the fries, then scatter the cheese curds or chopped mozzarella evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the Gravy: Immediately ladle the hot brown gravy over the entire dish, making sure it covers the cheese curds so they begin to melt creating that signature gooey poutine texture.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the gravy-topped poutine followed by the chopped chives or green onions for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and cheese poutine immediately while it’s hot, melty, and delicious for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use freshly made French fries or air-fried fries for extra crispiness.
- Cheese curds are traditional, but fresh mozzarella works well as a substitute.
- Brown gravy can be homemade or store-bought; a rich beef or chicken gravy complements the dish best.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and bacon and use vegetable gravy.
- Serve immediately to prevent the fries from becoming soggy.
