Okay, friends, let me tell you about something truly magical: Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Seriously, these are not your average nachos. Think about the delicious messiness of buffalo wings, but instead of bones and dealing with all that, you get crispy tortilla chips piled high with creamy, spicy chicken, all the best toppings, and a drizzle of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s kind of like the love child of buffalo wings and a fully Loaded Baked Potato, but way easier to share (or not, I won’t judge!). My family practically inhales these anytime I make them, and I bet yours will too.
What is Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are exactly what they sound like: a mountain of tortilla chips topped with shredded chicken coated in buffalo wing sauce, cheese (lots of cheese!), and all your favorite nacho fixings. It’s essentially a deconstructed buffalo wing experience, but with the added crunch and portability of nachos. Think of it as the perfect party food, a crowd-pleaser for game day, or just a seriously satisfying snack when you’re craving something spicy and cheesy. I think the name came about because, well, it describes it perfectly! Chicken, buffalo sauce, on nachos. Simple as that!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely addictive. You get the tangy kick of buffalo sauce, the creamy richness of the cheese, and the satisfying crunch of the tortilla chips, all working together in perfect harmony. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy they are to make. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken to save time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those random bits of veggies lurking in your fridge. If you are having a party this is perfect dish!
The cost-efficiency is another huge win. You can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank, especially if you stock up on tortilla chips when they’re on sale. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a dish that everyone will enjoy. Compared to ordering wings from a restaurant, this is way easier on your wallet, plus you know exactly what’s going into it! These Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a flavor explosion, so easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. What’s not to love?
How do I make Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
Quick Overview
What are Buffalo Chicken Nachos? You’re basically layering ingredients and melting cheese. What is the best way to start with tortilla chips, toss your chicken in buffalo sauce, and then serve. What are some good cheese and toppings to serve with this dish? What’s a quick bake in the oven? Is it easier to order online than takeout?
Ingredients
For the buffalo chicken: What is the recipe?
* 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great! )
* 12 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Nachos: What are
* 1 large bag tortilla chips (sturdy restaurant-style chips are best)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings (get creative!):
* Diced tomatoes
* Sliced green onions
* Diced red onion
* Pickled jalapeños
* Crumbled blue cheese
* Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling.
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. What is the best way to clean cheese? How do I know?
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Set aside. Toss until chicken is evenly coated. How do you make sure every piece of chicken gets some of that delicious sauce? What is the secret behind this amazing flavor?
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Try to create a single layer, but it’s okay if they overlap .. What is the key to having enough surface area for all the toppings?
Step 4: Layer Cheese and Chicken
Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the tortilla chips. Next, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining cheese and serve. This layering technique ensures that every chip gets a little bit of everything!
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want cheese to be perfectly melted and gooey, but not burnt. This is so important!
Step 6: Add Toppings
What’s your favorite topping for nachos? What are some good side dishes to serve with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, dicered red onion, pickled jalapeos, and crumbled blue cheese? Is this where I can really get creative and customize them to my liking?
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (or both!). Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a side. I like to think about serving options based on the occasion.
For Game Day:Serve with plenty of cold beer, celery sticks, and carrot sticks with extra ranch or blue cheese. Dressing for dipping. This is the classic game day spread, and it never disappoints.
For a casual party:Offer a variety of drinks like soda, iced tea, or even margaritas. A salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance out the richness of nachos.
For a Family Movie Night:What is the best way to serve popcorn, soda, and cookies for dessert? What is the star of the show, nachos?
For a Late Night Snack:What are some of the best savory dishes to make on their own? Just grab a plate and dig in!
What are some good nachos with guacamole? They add a cool and creamy element that complements the spiciness of the buffalo chicken. What are some of the best Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
What are some tips for making Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these Buffalo Chicken Nachos even better. Here are my top tips:
Use Sturdy Tortilla Chips: This is crucial! You need chips that can hold up to the weight of the toppings without breaking. Restaurant-style chips are usually a good choice.
Don’t Overload the Chips: It’s tempting to pile on the toppings, but too much can make the chips soggy. A good balance is key.
Layer the Cheese: As I mentioned earlier, layering the cheese ensures that every chip gets a cheesy bite. It also helps to hold the toppings in place.
Use Good Quality Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce is the star of the show, so choose one that you love. I’m a big fan of Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to experiment with different brands and flavors.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize: These nachos are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings. Add black beans, corn, avocado, or whatever your heart desires!
Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the cheese melts evenly without burning the chips. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed.
Serve Immediately: These nachos are best served hot and fresh from the oven. The longer they sit, the soggier they’ll get.
I once tried using really thin tortilla chips, and they completely disintegrated under the weight of the toppings. It was a total mess! Now I always make sure to use sturdy chips.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Buffalo Chicken Nachos (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, as the cheese and toppings can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the chips will lose some of their crispness, but they’ll still be tasty.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing these nachos, as the texture of the chips and toppings will change significantly. They’re really best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, spread the nachos on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the chips will get even softer.
I always try to make just enough for one serving to avoid leftovers. But if I do have extras, I usually just eat them cold straight from the fridge. Don’t judge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: my ultimate Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe! These are seriously addictive, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, having a family movie night, or just craving a satisfying snack, these nachos are sure to hit the spot. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings is simply irresistible. If you love buffalo wings and you love nachos, you absolutely have to try this recipe!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other appetizer recipes, like my Loaded Potato Skins or my Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip. And if you make these Buffalo Chicken Nachos, please let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out and what toppings you added. Happy snacking!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag Tortilla chips
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- 0.5 cup Diced green onions
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
- Top with the buffalo chicken and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sour cream and green onions before serving.
