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Pesto Chicken Fries are a delicious and unique dish that can be an appetizer or a meal. Crispy baked Grown In Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries, tossed in fresh pesto, and topped with chopped grilled chicken, a balsamic reduction, and grated parmesan cheese.
Grown In Idaho frozen potatoes are delicious additions to a meal, or flexible to create a main dish. There are many varieties such as: Grown In Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries, Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispy Tots, and Super Crispy Shoestring Fries.
I love using Grown In Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries for my Pesto Chicken Fries. Grown In Idaho frozen fries are fantastic because they are made with 100% Idaho® potatoes. The fries always bake nice and crispy but are soft and fluffy on the inside. They even leave a little of the skin on for maximum flavor and texture. The best potatoes make the best fries, and I am never disappointed in the quality or taste!
Grown In Idaho fries can be prepared in the oven or air fryer. I love the flexibility when it comes to prepping my meals!
Pesto Chicken Fries are one of my favorite things to make for my family. They are quick, easy, and can be an appetizer or a main meal. It is also a great recipe to adapt for vegetarians by leaving out the grilled chicken- I promise it is just as delicious!
Ingredients
- Grown In Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries- I love using their Hand Cut Style Fries, but the Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring Fries are also a delicious option.
- Basil Pesto- the pesto can be homemade, or you can use store-bought. I prefer to use a basil based pesto for my Chicken Pesto Fries.
- Cooked Chicken- I love the flavor of grilled chicken in this recipe, but any cooked chicken will work.
- Balsamic Vinegar- the vinegar will be cooked down to a reduction and become very sweet.
- Parmesan Cheese- I like to freshly grate my cheese for this recipe. Parmesan can be purchased grated, but I find the flavor is best when done by hand.
- Cheese Grater
- Heavy Bottomed Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
Instructions
- Bake fries according to package instructions for the entire bag.
- While fries cook, prepare the balsamic reduction. Add vinegar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Gently, bring to a simmer and allow the vinegar to reduce by half. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Remove fries from the oven and lightly sprinkle with salt.
- Pour fries in a large bowl. Add pesto and gently toss to coat.
- Place fries on a serving dish. Top with chopped cooked chicken.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Grate fresh Parmesan on top of the fries.
- Serve the Pesto Chicken Fries immediately.
Tips on Making Balsamic Reduction
A balsamic reduction is a concentrated and thickened version of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar is cooked down until it has reduced. The balsamic flavor will become more intense and the consistency will thicken.
You don't need an expensive bottle of vinegar to make this because the reduction causes it to be sweeter. Typically, the vinegar cooked down by half and you also may not want to incur the cost by using an expensive brand.
Balsamic reductions can burn, and it is important to keep the heat low and let the process happen slowly.
Herbs and flavors, like garlic, can be added at the end to infuse your vinegar.
Shop for Grown In Idaho frozen potatoes in your grocer's freezer aisle, like I did at Meijer, or through online retailers. Find Grown In Idaho frozen potatoes near you!
As I said, Chicken Pesto Fries are one of my all-time favorite recipes when using Grown In Idaho frozen potatoes. Grown In Idaho has a lot of fantastic recipe ideas! Check out Grown In Idaho frozen potatoes next time you are shopping!
Looking for More Hearty Appetizer Recipes?
Slow Cooker Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Baked Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
If you’ve tried my Pesto Chicken Fries or any other recipe on Cheese Curd In Paradise please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:
Pesto Chicken Fries
Ingredients
- 28 oz bag of Grown In Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup pesto
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bake fries according to package instructions for the entire bag.
- While fries cook, prepare to balsamic reduction. Add vinegar to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Gently, bring to a simmer and allow the vinegar to reduce by half. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Remove fries from the oven and lightly sprinkle with salt.
- Pour fries in a large bowl. Add pesto and gently toss to coat.
- Place fries on a serving dish. Top with chopped cooked chicken.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Grate fresh Parmesan on top of the fries.
- Serve the Pesto Chicken Fries immediately.
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