Arby’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries: A Copycat Recipe That’s Even Better!
Arby’s has done it again! They’ve brought back their Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries, and people are going wild. Crispy, seasoned fries topped with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheddar cheese – what’s not to love? But what if you could enjoy this deliciousness anytime, without having to hit the drive-thru? This article provides a detailed, step-by-step recipe to create your own Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries that are even better than the original!
## Why Make Your Own Arby’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries?
While Arby’s version is undeniably tempting, making them at home offers several advantages:
* **Control over Ingredients:** You can choose higher-quality ingredients, like fresh, organic chicken, nitrate-free bacon, and your favorite brand of cheddar cheese. You can also tailor the spice levels and flavors to your exact liking.
* **Customization:** Don’t like ranch? Swap it for a creamy garlic aioli. Want more spice? Add some jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless when you’re in control.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making a large batch at home is often cheaper than buying multiple orders at Arby’s, especially if you’re feeding a family or a group of friends.
* **Fun and Rewarding:** Cooking is a creative outlet! Enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch and sharing it with loved ones.
## The Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries Recipe
This recipe breaks down each component of the loaded fries, offering tips and tricks for achieving maximum flavor and texture.
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Fries:**
* 2 lbs frozen French fries (steak fries or regular fries work well)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Chicken:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **For the Bacon:**
* 8-12 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **For the Ranch Dressing:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1/4 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 1 teaspoon dried dill
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
* **For the Cheese:**
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Chopped green onions
* Diced tomatoes
* Jalapeño slices
* Hot sauce
**Equipment:**
* Large baking sheet
* Large skillet or grill pan
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Fries:**
* **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can also use an air fryer for extra crispy fries; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking frozen fries.
* **Season the fries:** In a large bowl, toss the frozen fries with olive oil (or vegetable oil), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated.
* **Bake or air fry:** Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. If using an air fryer, cook in batches according to your air fryer’s instructions.
**Tips for Perfect Fries:**
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** Overcrowding prevents the fries from getting crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Flip halfway through:** Flipping ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
* **Adjust cooking time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer. Keep an eye on the fries and adjust the time accordingly.
* **For extra crispy fries:** Soak the raw fries in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and baking. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better.
**2. Cook the Chicken:**
* **Prepare the chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to distribute the chicken evenly over the fries.
* **Season the chicken:** In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices.
* **Cook the chicken:** Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
**Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken:**
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the proper temperature.
* **Marinate the chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
**3. Cook the Bacon:**
* **Cook the bacon:** Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
* **Crumble the bacon:** Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
**Tips for Perfect Bacon:**
* **Cook low and slow:** Cooking bacon over medium heat allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier bacon.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Cook the bacon in batches if necessary.
* **Save the bacon grease:** Bacon grease can be used to add flavor to other dishes, such as scrambled eggs or roasted vegetables.
**4. Prepare the Ranch Dressing:**
* **Combine ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), buttermilk, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
* **Chill the dressing:** For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Ranch Dressing:**
* **Use full-fat ingredients:** Full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream will create a richer and creamier dressing.
* **Adjust the thickness:** If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream.
* **Use fresh herbs:** For an even fresher flavor, use fresh parsley and dill instead of dried herbs.
**5. Assemble the Loaded Fries:**
* **Layer the ingredients:** Spread the cooked fries on a large serving platter or individual plates. Top with the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
* **Melt the cheese:** Place the loaded fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Drizzle with ranch dressing:** Drizzle generously with the prepared ranch dressing.
* **Add optional toppings:** Garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce, if desired.
**Tips for Assembling the Perfect Loaded Fries:**
* **Work quickly:** Assemble the fries while they’re still hot to help melt the cheese.
* **Don’t overload the fries:** Too many toppings can make the fries soggy.
* **Serve immediately:** Loaded fries are best served immediately while the fries are still crispy and the cheese is melted.
## Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries.
* **Spicy Loaded Fries:** Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, or top the fries with jalapeño slices and a drizzle of hot sauce.
* **Garlic Parmesan Loaded Fries:** Replace the ranch dressing with a creamy garlic aioli and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries:** Toss the chicken in buffalo wing sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese dressing.
* **BBQ Chicken Loaded Fries:** Use BBQ sauce instead of ranch dressing and top with caramelized onions.
* **Vegetarian Loaded Fries:** Substitute the chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or plant-based chicken alternatives.
* **Change up the cheese:** Try pepper jack for some heat, or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Game Day:** Serve these loaded fries as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next game day gathering.
* **Movie Night:** Enjoy them as a fun and indulgent snack while watching a movie.
* **Casual Dinner:** Pair them with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Party Appetizer:** Arrange the fries on a large platter and let guests help themselves.
## Make-Ahead Tips
While loaded fries are best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time on the day of serving:
* **Cook the bacon:** Cook the bacon up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the ranch dressing:** The ranch dressing can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the chicken:** The chicken can be cooked up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the fries.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 700-900 per serving
* Fat: 40-60g
* Saturated Fat: 15-25g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 1000-1500mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-70g
* Protein: 30-40g
## Conclusion
Arby’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries are a delicious treat, but with this copycat recipe, you can enjoy them anytime you want, with the added benefit of controlling the ingredients and customizing the flavors to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly satisfying and irresistible dish! This homemade version will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy! These fries are perfect to impress your friends or just enjoy on your own. The best part is that you can make it healthier with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt or nitrate free bacon.