{"id":"b6e94ca9-f90d-4da1-bc00-1e89b7861ef3","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/b6e94ca9-f90d-4da1-bc00-1e89b7861ef3","source_url":"https://www.provecho.co/platform/recipe/hwZB3RGlaDYtNwEN5Bk0","title":"Popeyes-Style Loaded Cajun Fries 🍟","servings":2,"servings_text":"2 servings","cook_time":"4 hr","total_time":"4 hr","image_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dd27yihoo/image/upload/v1778270841/owaypfowclmbcgc0esw7.webp","ingredients":[{"text":"For the Chicken + Marinade:","item":"For the Chicken + Marinade:"},{"text":"1 –2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs","item":"–2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs","quantity":1},{"text":"1 cup buttermilk","item":"buttermilk","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 whole egg","item":"egg","quantity":1,"unit":"whole"},{"text":"2 tbsp pickle juice","item":"pickle juice","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 tbsp Louisiana style hot sauce","item":"Louisiana style hot sauce","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1.5 tsp kosher salt","item":"kosher salt","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1.5 tsp smoked paprika","item":"smoked paprika","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1.5 tsp garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.75 tsp onion powder","item":"onion powder","quantity":0.75,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.75 tsp cayenne","item":"cayenne","quantity":0.75,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp white pepper","item":"white pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp black pepper","item":"black pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tsp dried oregano","item":"dried oregano","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tsp dried thyme","item":"dried thyme","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"pinch MSG (optional)","item":"MSG (optional)","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"For the Upgraded Blackened Ranch (my version):","item":"For the Upgraded Blackened Ranch (my version):"},{"text":"0.75 cup mayo","item":"mayo","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"0.3333333333333333 cup sour cream","item":"sour cream","quantity":0.3333333333333333,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"0.3333333333333333 cup buttermilk","item":"buttermilk","quantity":0.3333333333333333,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 –3 cloves garlic (grated)","item":"–3 cloves garlic (grated)","quantity":2},{"text":"1 tsp lemon zest","item":"lemon zest","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"2 tsp lemon juice","item":"lemon juice","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tbsp honey","item":"honey","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"2 tbsp finely chopped herbs (dill, chives, etc.)","item":"finely chopped herbs (dill, chives, etc.)","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp onion powder","item":"onion powder","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"2 tsp smoked paprika","item":"smoked paprika","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.25 tsp white pepper","item":"white pepper","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp dried oregano","item":"dried oregano","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp dried thyme","item":"dried thyme","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"0.5 tsp garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"Salt (to taste)","item":"Salt (to taste)"},{"text":"Black pepper (to taste)","item":"Black pepper (to taste)"},{"text":"Cayenne (to taste)","item":"Cayenne (to taste)"},{"text":"Louisiana  style hot sauce (to taste)","item":"Louisiana  style hot sauce (to taste)"},{"text":"pinch MSG (optional)","item":"MSG (optional)","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"pinch chili powder (optional)","item":"chili powder (optional)","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"For the Fries:","item":"For the Fries:"},{"text":"3 –4 russet potatoes (skin on, cut into fries)","item":"–4 russet potatoes (skin on, cut into fries)","quantity":3},{"text":"Oil for frying","item":"Oil for frying"},{"text":"For the Seasoned Flour + Fry Batter:","item":"For the Seasoned Flour + Fry Batter:"},{"text":"1 cup all purpose flour","item":"all purpose flour","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"0.5 cup cornstarch","item":"cornstarch","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 tbsp baking powder","item":"baking powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"Same dry seasonings as marinade","item":"Same dry seasonings as marinade"},{"text":"Cold sparkling water","item":"Cold sparkling water"},{"text":"2 tbsp marinade","item":"marinade","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"For the Easy Cheese Sauce:","item":"For the Easy Cheese Sauce:"},{"text":"0.75 cup whole milk","item":"whole milk","quantity":0.75,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"0.5 cup shredded white cheddar (or mozzarella)","item":"shredded white cheddar (or mozzarella)","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 –3 slices white American cheese","item":"–3 slices white American cheese","quantity":2},{"text":"1 tsp garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tsp onion powder","item":"onion powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"Salt (to taste)","item":"Salt (to taste)"},{"text":"Pepper (to taste)","item":"Pepper (to taste)"},{"text":"For the Toppings:","item":"For the Toppings:"},{"text":"Green onions (sliced)","item":"Green onions (sliced)"},{"text":"Red pepper flakes","item":"Red pepper flakes"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"For the Chicken + Marinade:"},{"number":2,"text":"Marinate the ChickenIn a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken, fully submerge, cover, and refrigerate overnight (minimum 2 hours)."},{"number":3,"text":"For the Blackened Ranch"},{"number":4,"text":"Make the Blackened RanchWhisk everything together until smooth. Adjust with buttermilk if needed. Season to taste, cover, and refrigerate."},{"number":5,"text":"For the Fries:"},{"number":6,"text":"Soak the FriesAdd cut fries to cold water and soak for 45-60 minutes. Drain and dry completely."},{"number":7,"text":"Make the Seasoned Flour + BatterCombine all seasoned flour ingredients in a bowl.\nMove about 1/3 to a second bowl and whisk in cold sparkling water until a thin batter forms (for fries). In the original bowl, mix in 2 tbsp chicken marinade to create craggly bits."},{"number":8,"text":"Preheat the OilHeat oil or beef tallow to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer about 1/3–1/2 full."},{"number":9,"text":"For the Easy Cheese Sauce:"},{"number":10,"text":"Make the Cheese SauceWhile the oil preheats, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk. Add cheese and American cheese slices, whisking until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper. Keep warm on low (or reheat gently before building)."},{"number":11,"text":"Bread the Chicken (Double Dredge)Remove chicken from marinade (don’t pat dry). Dredge in dry seasoned flour, pressing to coat. Dip back into marinade. Dredge again in flour, pressing firmly to fully coat."},{"number":12,"text":"Fry the ChickenCarefully lower into oil and fry 6–8 minutes until golden and 165°F internal. Drain on a clean wire rack, rest briefly, then cut into bite-sized pieces."},{"number":13,"text":"Fry the FriesDip dried fries lightly into the wet batter, letting excess drip off. Fry at 350°F in the same fry oil until crispy and golden. Drain and season with salt & pepper immediately."},{"number":14,"text":"Build the Loaded FriesFries → cheese sauce → crispy chicken → blackened ranch → more cheese sauce → green onions → red pepper flakes. Enjoy, friends :)"}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T20:06:49.556408+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T20:06:49.556408+00:00"}