Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite! Picture crispy tortilla chips piled high with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings. Yum!
I love making these nachos for game nights with friends. They’re super easy to put together, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love cheesy, spicy goodness? Just add sour cream, and you’re ready to munch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Crisp tortilla chips are a must for that crunch factor! If you’re looking for a healthier option, baked tortilla chips work well, or you can even use veggie chips. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the toppings!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe. It’s convenient, flavorful, and saves time! If you prefer, you can use grilled chicken or even shredded turkey as an alternative.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to try other brands or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter. Adjust the heat to your liking—add more for extra spice!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice taste, you can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are great plant-based cheese options available now.
Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese provides a tangy note. However, if it’s not your thing, feta cheese or goat cheese can be an excellent substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Nachos Don’t Get Soggy?
One common problem with nachos is the sogginess from toppings. To keep your nachos crispy and enjoyable, follow these tips:
- Layer Smart: Start with a layer of tortilla chips, then evenly spread the buffalo chicken and cheese over. This helps protect the chips.
- Quick Bake: Keep the baking time short—just enough to melt the cheese. This prevents the chips from absorbing excess moisture.
- Top After Baking: Add toppings like sour cream, blue cheese, and fresh onions after taking the nachos out of the oven. This keeps those ingredients fresh and prevents sogginess.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed right away! The longer they sit, the softer they get.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for layering)
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
- Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5-7 minutes to bake in the oven. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering plate of Buffalo Chicken Nachos ready to impress your friends or family. Perfect for game day or movie night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until it’s well coated. Make sure every piece of chicken gets that spicy flavor!
2. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This will help ensure your nachos are perfectly warm and melty when you bake them.
3. Arrange the Chips:
On a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter, lay out the tortilla chips in an even layer. Try to keep them close together but not overlapping to make sure they all get covered in toppings!
4. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the chips. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for added deliciousness. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, drizzle sour cream or ranch dressing over the nachos. Now, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles, diced red onion, and sliced green onions on top for that extra burst of flavor and crunch!
6. Add Optional Spice and Serve:
If you’re feeling adventurous, lightly sprinkle some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Serve the nachos immediately while they’re warm and melty. Enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Nachos!
These nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, with layers of crunchy chips, spicy buffalo chicken, and fresh toppings that create a delightful flavor explosion with every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to your nachos. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce before layering it on the chips.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Sauce?
If you’re looking for a milder option or don’t like buffalo sauce, you can use barbecue sauce or a homemade mix of hot sauce and melted butter for a creamy buffalo flavor without the heat. Adjust to your taste!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, use shredded jackfruit or crumbled tempeh tossed with buffalo sauce instead of chicken. You can also load up on extra toppings like black beans or grilled vegetables for added substance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes for best results. Enjoy re-crisping your nachos!
