Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty snack! Imagine crispy tortilla chips topped with juicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions. Yum!
Gather your friends, and you might want to make extra—these nachos disappear fast! I love serving them with blue cheese dip for that extra kick. Simple and super satisfying!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Go for a sturdy brand to hold up under toppings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use baked tortilla chips or make your own from corn tortillas.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient! If you want a vegetarian twist, try using shredded jackfruit and mixing it with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but you can use any brand you like. If you prefer a milder flavor, try mixing hot sauce with some melted butter or even a sweet chili sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar is a favorite for nachos, but pepper jack adds a nice kick! You can also go dairy-free with plant-based cheese if needed.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, adding creaminess with a bit more protein. You could also use guacamole for a different flavor!
How Do I Layer My Nachos for the Best Results?
Layering is key to great nachos! You want to make sure every chip is loaded with toppings. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a single layer of tortilla chips on your baking sheet. This helps keep them crispy.
- Distribute half of the buffalo chicken evenly over the chips, avoiding big clumps.
- Add half of the shredded cheese over the chicken. This helps secure the layers together.
- For the second layer, repeat with more chips, remaining chicken, and cheese.
- By layering like this, you get a delicious bite every time!
Cooking them until the cheese is bubbly brings everything together, making it the ultimate comfort food!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling or dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for baking. In total, you can have your delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your nachos bake evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melted.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce for all that spicy flavor!
3. Layer the Chips:
On a large ovenproof plate or baking sheet, spread a single layer of tortilla chips evenly across the surface. No one likes soggy chips, so make sure they’re spread out!
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, take half of the buffalo chicken mixture and evenly distribute it over the layer of chips. Spread it around so every chip gets some love!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken and chips. This is where the magic happens when it melts!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of tortilla chips, followed by the remaining buffalo chicken and the rest of the cheese. More layers mean more deliciousness!
7. Bake!
Place your plate or baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly—so tempting!
8. Add Toppings:
Once out of the oven, dollop the sour cream evenly across the top of the nachos. You can’t go wrong with that creamy goodness!
9. Drizzle Dressing:
If you’re using ranch or blue cheese dressing, drizzle that over the top now. It adds a nice tang to the nachos!
10. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over everything for a fresh touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in right away while everything is warm and melty. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos with your favorite drink!
These nachos are perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you want a tasty treat!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce as directed in the recipe.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicy, or Milder?
If you want it spicier, use extra buffalo wing sauce or even add some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, you can mix the hot sauce with a bit of butter or ranch dressing to dial down the heat.
Can I Make These Nachos Ahead of Time?
While nachos are best when fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble and bake your nachos just before serving for optimal crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Nachos?
Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven until the cheese is melted again. The microwave isn’t advisable, as it can make the chips soggy.
