I remember the first time I walked into Dave’s Hot Chicken, the aroma of spices hit me like a wave, and my taste buds were already doing a happy dance. But it was their loaded fries that truly captured my heart—and appetite. It wasn’t long before I was on a quest to recreate Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries at home.
Table of Contents
How to make Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries
Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries is a popular dish offered by Dave’s Hot Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant known for its spicy fried chicken. The loaded fries consist of crispy French fries topped with flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the fries:
- 1 lb of frozen or homemade fries
- Oil for frying (if you’re not using an oven or air fryer)
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the toppings:
- 1 cup cheese sauce, warmed
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 cup kale slaw (you can use a mixture of shredded kale, red cabbage, and carrots with a light dressing)
- Dave’s sauce (make a similar sauce at home by mixing mayonnaise with a bit of garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce, and a dash of cayenne pepper to taste)
To serve:
- Additional hot sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fries: Cook the fries according to the package instructions if using frozen, or until golden and crispy if homemade. You can fry them in oil, bake them in the oven, or air-fry for a healthier alternative.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor).
- Heat the Oil: Prepare a pot or deep fryer by filling it with enough oil for frying, and heat it to 350°F (180°C).
- Season the Flour: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, dredge them in the seasoned flour until thoroughly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the flour-coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until each piece is golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries: On a large platter, layer the crispy fries as the base. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the fries. Evenly distribute the fried chicken pieces on top. Drop spoonfuls of the kale slaw across the chicken and fries. Scatter the sliced pickles over the dish. Drizzle your homemade Dave’s sauce all over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, finish your dish with an extra sprinkle of hot sauce for that extra kick. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro to add a fresh contrast to the heat. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Consistency is Key: Cut your chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Safety First: Always be cautious when frying and have a kitchen fire extinguisher on hand.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper in the flour and the hot sauce in the marinade to suit your taste for spice.
- Time-Saving Tip: While your chicken is marinating, use that time to prepare your fries and toppings.
- Presentation Matters: Serve the loaded fries on a wide platter, spreading out the toppings for a great visual impact and to ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors.
What to serve with
Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries embody a rich tapestry of flavors and textures: they’re spicy, savory, and sumptuously cheesy with a delightful crunch. Given their bold flavors and hearty nature, you might want to balance your meal with sides and drinks that complement or subtly contrast the richness of the fries.
Refreshing Beverages:
1. Classic Lemonade: A homemade lemonade with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness can cleanse the palate and contrast beautifully with the heat from the chicken.
2. Iced Tea: Opt for a mildly sweetened iced tea or even an unsweetened version. Consider peach or raspberry flavored iced tea for a lovely fruity undertone.
3. Craft Beers: A light lager or a pale ale can pair well with spicy foods, as the carbonation, hops, and chilled nature of beer help wash down the spiciness.
Light and Healthy Sides:
1. Cucumber Salad: A cool, vinegar-based cucumber salad with dill is refreshing and helps cut through the spiciness and richness of the Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, lightly buttered and seasoned with salt and pepper, can add a sweet and smoky flavor to your meal that complements the savory chicken.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can provide a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and acidic flavor that contrasts well with the chicken’s spiciness.
For Heartier Appetites:
1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, can add a smoky and healthy element to your feast.
2. Macaroni and Cheese: For those looking for a truly indulgent experience, a creamy macaroni and cheese side dish can be a hearty companion to the spicy chicken and fries.
Desserts:
1. Fruit Sorbet: A lemon, mango, or raspberry sorbet can offer a sweet, icy relief after a spicy meal. Its coolness and lightness make it an ideal palate cleanser.
2. Watermelon Slices: Fresh and juicy watermelon slices can be a simple, hydrating way to douse the fire after enjoying those loaded fries. They provide natural sweetness and coolness.
Ingredients Substitutes
Whether you’re adapting the recipe to cater to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply to work with what you have in your pantry, there are ample substitutes for the various components of Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries.
For the Fries:
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter, nutrient-rich base. For a low-carb option, try using slices of zucchini or eggplant, though they would have a different texture and taste.
- Oil for Frying: If you are avoiding deep-frying, you can bake the fries with a drizzle of olive oil, or for an even healthier version, use an air fryer with minimal oil.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken (usually tenders or breast): If you’re vegetarian, you might use a plant-based chicken substitute, tofu, tempeh, seitan, or even cauliflower florets for a whole-food alternative.
- Flour (for breading): Almond flour, chickpea flour, or all-purpose gluten-free flour can be alternatives for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Egg (binder for breading): For vegans or those with egg allergies, consider using unsweetened plant-based milk or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as the binding agent.
For the Seasoning and Heat:
- Dave’s hot spice mix: If the proprietary spice mix isn’t available, you can try a mixture of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of brown sugar for balance. Adjust the ratios depending on how hot you like it.
- Buttermilk: To mimic the tanginess of buttermilk, you can use plant-based milk combined with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a marinade substitute.
Toppings and Add-ons:
- Cheese: Use your favorite plant-based cheese shreds or a dairy-free cheese sauce for those avoiding dairy. Nutritional yeast can also offer a cheesy flavor.
- Pickles: If pickles are not your thing or are unavailable, consider using pickled onions or mild pepperoncini for a tangy kick.
- Sauce (mayonnaise or specialty sauces): Vegans can use vegan mayo. For a lighter but still creamy topping, Greek yogurt or a tzatziki sauce are also options. For a spicier sauce, mix in hot sauce or sriracha to taste.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up Dave’s Hot Chicken Loaded Fries at home is a great way to enjoy this trendy dish on your own terms. You can customize the spice levels and toppings to your heart’s content.
More Chicken Recipes:
- Homemade Popeyes Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
- Taco Bell Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
- Chicken Nugget Recipe

Ingredients
For the fries:
- 1 lb of frozen or homemade fries
- Oil for frying
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the toppings:
- 1 cup cheese sauce, warmed
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 cup kale slaw
- Dave's sauce
To serve:
- Additional hot sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Cook the fries according to the package instructions if using frozen, or until golden and crispy if homemade. You can fry them in oil, bake them in the oven, or air-fry for a healthier alternative.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor).
- Heat the Oil: Prepare a pot or deep fryer by filling it with enough oil for frying, and heat it to 350°F (180°C).
- Season the Flour: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, dredge them in the seasoned flour until thoroughly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the flour-coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until each piece is golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries: On a large platter, layer the crispy fries as the base. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the fries. Evenly distribute the fried chicken pieces on top. Drop spoonfuls of the kale slaw across the chicken and fries. Scatter the sliced pickles over the dish. Drizzle your homemade Dave's sauce all over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, finish your dish with an extra sprinkle of hot sauce for that extra kick. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro to add a fresh contrast to the heat. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!