Pollo Campero's Signature Sides feature crispy seasoned fries, creamy mashed potatoes with savory gravy, and fresh, tangy coleslaw, delivering a flavorful and satisfying complement to their famous Latin-inspired fried chicken.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Commercial potato cutter
- Mixing bowls
- Potato peeler
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Masher
- Steam table/hot holding cabinet
- Food processor (for coleslaw)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoons
- Ladle
- Refrigerated prep table
- Colander or strainer
Ingredients
- Crispy Seasoned Fries:
- Russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Savory Gravy:
- Russet potatoes
- Butter
- Whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chicken broth
- All-purpose flour
- Rendered chicken fat or butter
- Fresh Tangy Coleslaw:
- Green cabbage
- Red cabbage
- Carrots
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Celery seed
Russet potatoes are essential for both the crispy seasoned fries and creamy mashed potatoes, so choose firm, starchy potatoes for the best texture. Use fresh green and red cabbage with carrots for a vibrant, crunchy coleslaw, and balance the dressing with apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar to achieve the signature tangy flavor. When preparing the creamy mashed potatoes, whole milk or heavy cream will help achieve a rich consistency, while rendered chicken fat or butter adds depth to the savory gravy. Season the fries with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for that authentic Pollo Campero flavor. Your Signature Sides from the Pollo Campero copycat menu will delight with their classic, well-seasoned elements, perfectly complementing the fried chicken.
Instructions
- Crispy Seasoned Fries:
- Wash, peel, and cut russet potatoes using a commercial potato cutter.
- Soak cut potatoes in cold water, drain using a colander or strainer, and dry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer.
- Fry potatoes in batches using fry baskets until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries, drain, and season immediately in a mixing bowl with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Hold fries in a steam table/hot holding cabinet until serving.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Savory Gravy:
- Peel and cut russet potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender.
- Drain and mash potatoes using a masher in a mixing bowl.
- Mix in butter, warm whole milk or heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
- For gravy, melt rendered chicken fat or butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking, cook until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and black pepper.
- Hold mashed potatoes and gravy in a steam table/hot holding cabinet.
- Serve mashed potatoes with ladled gravy.
- Fresh Tangy Coleslaw:
- Shred green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots using a food processor or chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Combine vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed.
- Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate in a refrigerated prep table until serving.
Substitution
Pollo Campero's Signature Sides like crispy seasoned fries, creamy mashed potatoes with savory gravy, and fresh tangy coleslaw offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors to accompany their Latin-inspired fried chicken. If vegetable oil is unavailable for frying fries, canola or peanut oil are suitable substitutes that maintain crispiness. When making mashed potatoes, whole milk can be replaced with heavy cream or a non-dairy milk alternative for a richer or lactose-free option. For the tangy coleslaw, store-bought coleslaw dressing may be used if time is limited, though homemade provides better freshness and flavor control. Your prep space can also adapt by using a food processor instead of manual chopping to speed up the vegetable preparation without sacrificing quality.
Tips
Ensure potatoes for fries and mashed potatoes are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent oil splattering and watery mash. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to achieve optimal crispiness without absorbing excess oil. For the coleslaw, allow the dressing to chill with the vegetables for at least an hour to blend flavors and enhance the tanginess. Your seasoning should be added immediately after frying to ensure it sticks well to the hot fries.
Nutritions
Pollo Campero's Signature Sides provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Crispy seasoned fries offer energy-rich russet potatoes combined with spices like paprika and garlic powder, while creamy mashed potatoes contain butter, milk, and a savory chicken broth gravy adding protein and calcium. The fresh tangy coleslaw contributes dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from cabbage and carrots, enhanced by a tangy dressing with apple cider vinegar and celery seed. You can enjoy these sides knowing they complement the protein-packed Latin-inspired fried chicken with a diverse nutrient profile.
Storage
Store crispy seasoned fries in a steam table or hot holding cabinet at a temperature above 140degF to maintain their crispiness and warmth until serving. Keep creamy mashed potatoes with savory gravy in a separate steam table compartment, ensuring the temperature remains above 140degF to prevent drying and preserve texture. Fresh tangy coleslaw should be covered tightly and refrigerated at or below 40degF in a refrigerated prep table to maintain freshness and food safety; be sure to toss before serving to redistribute dressing evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation on your crispy seasoned fries, try substituting sweet potatoes for russets to add a natural sweetness and increase fiber content. You can also enhance the fries with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a smokier and spicier kick. When preparing the creamy mashed potatoes, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk or heavy cream for a lighter texture without sacrificing richness. To refresh your tangy coleslaw, swap apple cider vinegar with lime juice for a zesty twist that brightens the flavor profile and pairs exceptionally well with Latin-inspired dishes.
Allergies
Pollo Campero's Signature Sides may pose allergy risks for individuals sensitive to dairy, as the mashed potatoes contain butter, whole milk or heavy cream, and gravy made with chicken broth and rendered chicken fat. The coleslaw includes mayonnaise, which often contains eggs, a common allergen. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have allergies to dairy, eggs, or chicken products.
Why this recipe?
Signature Sides from Pollo Campero offer a unique blend of authentic Guatemalan flavors and classic comfort foods, making each dish a flavorful complement to their famous chicken. The menu features crowd favorites like crispy fried yuca, creamy mashed potatoes, and tangy pickled vegetables, crafted to enhance your meal experience. These sides provide a distinctive taste profile that is hard to find elsewhere, appealing to those who enjoy bold and hearty flavors. Recreating these Signature Sides at home allows you to enjoy the rich taste and cultural authenticity of Pollo Campero's offerings without leaving your kitchen.