Homemade Zaxby’s loaded fries 🍟

Why spend money on fast food when you can recreate your favorite Zaxby's Loaded Fries right in your own kitchen? I recently tried making these at home, and honestly, they turned out even better than the restaurant version! It's super fun to assemble and you can customize everything to your liking. Here’s how I did it, with all the tips and tricks I picked up. First, let's talk about the fries themselves. To get that perfect Zaxby's texture, I found that using a good quality frozen crinkle-cut fry works wonders. You can air fry them for ultimate crispiness or bake them in the oven according to package directions until they're golden brown and crunchy. The key is to not overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly. If you're feeling ambitious, you could even make your own fries from scratch, but for a quick weeknight treat, frozen is totally fine! Next up, the star toppings! The OCR mentioned fried chicken pieces, and that's essential. I used some leftover crispy chicken tenders, but you could easily use a store-bought rotisserie chicken shredded, or even quickly fry up some chicken breast pieces seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and paprika. Just make sure they're diced into bite-sized pieces so they distribute well over the fries. Now, for the sauces – this is where the magic truly happens. That creamy, dreamy cheese sauce is non-negotiable. I made a simple stovetop cheese sauce using a roux (butter and flour) and then whisked in milk and a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This blend gives you both great flavor and a super smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of cayenne for a little kick, if you like! As for the famous Zaxby's white sauce, I whipped up a quick copycat version with mayonnaise, buttermilk, a hint of garlic powder, black pepper, and a tiny bit of Worcestershire sauce. Adjust the consistency with a little more buttermilk until it's perfectly drizzly. Finally, for that essential zesty touch, don't forget the sliced jalapeños! They add a fantastic burst of flavor and a gentle heat that really cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken. If you're not a fan of spice, you can omit them or use pickled banana peppers for a milder tang. I also like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish. Assembling your loaded fries is the best part! Pile your hot, crispy fries onto a plate or into a container (just like the picture!), top generously with the diced fried chicken, then drizzle liberally with both the warm cheese sauce and your homemade Zaxby's white sauce. Scatter those sliced jalapeños over the top, and voilà! You’ve got a plate of homemade Zaxby's Loaded Fries that will make you forget all about the drive-thru. It's a fantastic recipe for a cozy night in, and making it yourself means you control the ingredients and can even think about the 'zaxbys loaded fries calories' a little more consciously than when ordering out!