Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty twist on your regular nachos! Picture crispy tortilla chips topped with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and maybe a drizzle of ranch dressing.
These nachos are a crowd-pleaser at parties. I love piling on the toppings, and honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Perfect for game day or anytime you need a snack! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Go for sturdy tortilla chips that can handle the toppings without getting soggy. If you want a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or make your own from corn tortillas!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: While Frank’s RedHot is a favorite for its balance of heat and flavor, any wing sauce you enjoy will work. For a milder taste, mix it with a little butter or ranch dressing.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice kick, but you can mix it up! Pepper jack cheese adds more spice, or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra creaminess.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide a spicy crunch, but if you prefer something milder, opt for banana peppers or skip them altogether. Pickled jalapeños are a tasty alternative too!
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
The cheese is key for these nachos, so let’s make sure it melts perfectly. Layering is important! Start by putting some cheese on the chips, then the chicken, followed by more cheese on top. This helps it melt evenly.
- Preheat your oven well and use a high temperature (375°F) so the cheese melts quickly.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. About 10 minutes should do the trick, but every oven is different.
- Once bubbly, take it out immediately to avoid overcooking. That’s when cheese can turn rubbery!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
Serve them hot right out of the oven for the best experience! Serve with a variety of dips on the side, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sour cream also works well to cool down the spice. Just provide plenty of napkins—things can get messy but that’s part of the fun!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeño peppers (fresh or pickled)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling and dipping)
- Optional: sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and just 10 minutes in the oven for a total of around 25 minutes. You’ll have gooey, cheesy nachos ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step to ensure everything cooks evenly!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir it well so that all the chicken pieces are nicely coated in that spicy goodness.
3. Layer the Chips:
Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips onto a large oven-safe skillet or baking sheet. Make sure to arrange them evenly so that every chip can get some toppings.
4. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the tortilla chips. This will help hold everything together and add that delicious cheesy flavor!
5. Top with Buffalo Chicken:
Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese-covered chips. This will be the star of your nachos!
6. Finish with More Cheese:
Add the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the buffalo chicken. You can never have too much cheese, right?
7. Bake the Nachos:
Carefully place the skillet or baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, watching closely to avoid burning.
8. Add Toppings:
Once your nachos are out of the oven, immediately top them with sliced jalapeños and green onions for a fresh kick.
9. Drizzle with Dressing:
Finish off your nachos by drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. This adds a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Buffalo Chicken Nachos immediately, with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing and optional sour cream on the side for dipping. Grab some napkins and dig in!
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Nachos, perfect for game day or just a tasty snack! 🏈🌶️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick results. Once thawed, shred it and mix with buffalo sauce as directed in the recipe.
How Can I Make These Nachos More or Less Spicy?
To adjust the spice level, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing for a creamier, less spicy flavor. If you love heat, add more jalapeños or even some diced habaneros for a real kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again. They may not be as crispy, but they’ll still taste great!
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, then mix it with buffalo sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, layer it onto your nachos and bake as directed for a quick meal!
