Chicken and Cheese Poutine

Chicken and Cheese Poutine is a delicious twist on the classic Canadian dish, combining crispy Yukon gold fries with tender shredded chicken, peas, and a rich, flavorful gravy. The gooey mozzarella adds a comforting touch, making this dish perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing family meal. It’s an easy way to elevate fries to a satisfying main course!

This dish offers the perfect balance of textures, from the crispy fries to the creamy cheese and savory chicken. Whether you’re familiar with traditional poutine or trying it for the first time, this variation will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!

Full Recipe:

Nonstick cooking spray
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 pounds large Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick fries
1 bunch scallions, chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
3/4 cup frozen peas
4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, diced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss the cut potatoes in the mixture to coat. Let the excess drip off, then spread the fries on the baking sheets. Mist with cooking spray and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
While the fries are baking, coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and add half of the scallions. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until softened.
Add 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the shredded chicken and peas and cook for about 3 minutes until warmed through. If the gravy becomes too thick, add up to 1 cup of water.
Scatter the mozzarella evenly over the chicken mixture.
To serve, layer the fries and chicken mixture in bowls, then top with the remaining scallions.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chicken and Cheese Poutine: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Canadian Dish

Poutine, the beloved Canadian dish, is known for its hearty combination of fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy. While it originated in Quebec, poutine has grown in popularity across the globe, becoming a symbol of comfort food with endless variations. In this particular version, Chicken and Cheese Poutine, we’ve added a flavorful twist by incorporating shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a savory chicken-based gravy. This variation brings together the indulgence of traditional poutine with the satisfying textures and flavors of roasted chicken and creamy cheese, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

The Origins of Poutine

The story of poutine dates back to rural Quebec in the 1950s, where the combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy became a popular snack. Traditionally, poutine was served with fresh cheese curds and a beef or chicken gravy, poured over crispy French fries. It quickly evolved from a local snack into a national sensation and is now a staple in many Canadian homes and restaurants. Over the years, poutine has seen numerous variations, with toppings ranging from smoked meats to vegetables, and even seafood.

Chicken and Cheese Poutine: A Hearty and Flavorful Alternative

While the original poutine is undeniably delicious, the Chicken and Cheese Poutine brings a more robust, protein-packed spin to the dish. By substituting traditional cheese curds with mozzarella and adding tender shredded chicken, this version creates a balanced meal that’s not only indulgent but also nutritious. The combination of crispy Yukon fries with juicy chicken and a rich chicken gravy adds layers of texture and flavor to the dish.

Key Characteristics of Chicken and Cheese Poutine:

Balanced Meal: This variation adds rotisserie chicken to create a more balanced dish with a significant protein component, making it suitable as a standalone meal.
Healthy Twist: The use of low-sodium chicken broth and part-skim mozzarella helps reduce calories and fat content, making it a healthier choice compared to traditional poutine.
Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet flavors, this dish can be prepared in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick comfort food fix.
Comfort Food Vibes: The warmth of the crispy fries combined with the smooth, rich gravy and melted cheese gives off that ultimate comfort food vibe, ideal for cooler weather or cozy dinners.

How Chicken and Cheese Poutine Enhances Traditional Poutine

This recipe doesn’t stray too far from the beloved essence of poutine but makes subtle, meaningful changes to the traditional ingredients. While traditional poutine relies on cheese curds and a simple brown gravy, Chicken and Cheese Poutine introduces:

Chicken as a Protein Boost: Adding shredded chicken transforms the dish into a more substantial meal. The chicken provides a lean, flavorful protein source that pairs well with the richness of the gravy and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Instead of the traditional cheese curds, mozzarella adds a smoother, creamier texture to the dish. When melted over the fries and chicken, it creates a comforting blanket of cheesy goodness that contrasts beautifully with the crispy fries.
Savory Chicken Gravy: A chicken-based gravy replaces the standard beef or vegetable gravy, bringing a new depth of flavor. The gravy is thickened with flour and enriched with Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, savory component that ties the dish together.

Variations You Can Try

While this Chicken and Cheese Poutine is already an upgraded version of the classic, there are numerous ways to experiment with this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few exciting variations you can try:

Cheese Curds Instead of Mozzarella: If you want to stay true to the traditional poutine, you can swap out the mozzarella for classic cheese curds. They’ll give the dish a squeaky texture and melt beautifully under the gravy.
Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrients: For a veggie-packed poutine, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can toss these in with the chicken and peas for a healthier twist.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce over the top. A little spice will contrast well with the creamy mozzarella and gravy.
Swap Fries for Sweet Potatoes: For a lower-carb alternative, use baked sweet potato fries instead of regular potatoes. The sweetness of the fries adds an interesting contrast to the savory chicken and gravy.
Pulled Pork Poutine: If you’re a fan of pulled pork, try swapping the chicken for some tender, slow-cooked pulled pork. This variation adds a smoky depth of flavor and pairs wonderfully with the savory gravy.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Cheese Poutine

While poutine is typically thought of as indulgent, there are several aspects of this Chicken and Cheese version that make it a more nutritious choice than you might expect. Here’s a breakdown of some health benefits:

Protein-Packed: The inclusion of shredded rotisserie chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. This makes it a more balanced meal compared to the traditional version that’s mainly carbs and fat.
Lower Fat Content: Using part-skim mozzarella and nonstick cooking spray helps reduce the fat content, making this dish less calorific. Additionally, baking the fries in the oven instead of frying them further cuts down on unnecessary fats.
Rich in Vitamins: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when baked. The peas and scallions in the recipe add extra vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin K, and manganese, contributing to overall health.
Customization for Dietary Needs: This recipe is adaptable to various dietary preferences. It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour in the gravy, and it’s easy to modify for low-sodium diets by using unsalted chicken broth and reducing the amount of salt.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Cheese Poutine

Achieving the perfect Chicken and Cheese Poutine comes down to attention to detail. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish comes out restaurant-quality every time:

Crispy Fries: The key to crispy fries without deep frying is to coat the potatoes well in egg whites and paprika, and bake them at a high temperature. Flipping them halfway through the cooking process ensures even crisping.
Smooth Gravy: For a lump-free gravy, whisk the flour into the broth gradually and stir consistently to achieve a smooth texture. Simmering the gravy for enough time allows it to thicken and develop flavor.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh scallions and good-quality chicken broth for the best results. If possible, opt for rotisserie chicken that’s freshly cooked, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken and Cheese Poutine is more than just an upgrade of the classic Canadian dish – it’s a full meal that’s packed with flavor, textures, and nutrients. Whether you’re a fan of traditional poutine or looking for a heartier, more nutritious version, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of crispy baked fries, tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and savory chicken gravy creates a satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Its adaptability also means you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to make it spicier, add more vegetables, or stick to the classic poutine roots by using cheese curds. Chicken and Cheese Poutine is the kind of dish that brings people together, offering comfort, warmth, and satisfaction in every bite. Serve it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or as a crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering – it’s sure to impress!