I am still in a comfort food mood.  It has now been raining for 7 days with occasional breaks but overall it is cold, rainy and well, just plain icky out.  My comfort foods are meatloaf, mashed potatoes and anything with tons of melted cheese and bacon.

This fits the last group.   It was so easy to make too.  I could throw it together at the last-minute and not have to think about it.

Verdict:

There was not a bite left in the pan.  It was gooey, warm and yummy everything we needed to feel that comfort food hug.

I served this with a side of green beans (mostly to make myself feel better about giving this to the kids).

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 lb.) bag of seasoned french fries
• 4 oz. pre cooked bacon pieces (I used the bag – NOT THE CRUNCHY ONES!)
• 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
• 1/4 cup butter
• 6+ TBSP Frank’s Hot Sauce
• 1 tsp powdered garlic
• 2 cups cheddar, shredded
• Ranch Dressing, for serving if desired
• Chives, for serving if desired

Directions:

1. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.  Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Pour french fries in bottom of pan and spread them around evenly.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Stir the fries half way through the cooking time.
3. While fries are baking melt butter in microwave.  Add hot sauce and garlic to melted butter.  Taste and adjust spices to your liking.  It too hot add a bit more melted butter.  Not hot enough add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
4. Add chicken to butter mixture.  Set aside until fries are done.
5. Remove fries from oven.  Stir fries and lightly press them to the bottom of the pan.  Evenly pour the chicken mixture over the fries.  Then sprinkle the bacon over the chicken mixture and finally the cheese.
6. Return pan to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Let sit for 3-5 minutes and then serve.
8. Serve with ranch dressing to drizzle over the top and chives if desired.