These Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty twist on a classic snack! Crispy chips are topped with spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and crunchy toppings like green onions and jalapeños.
They’re perfect for game day or any time you want something really tasty! I love digging in with friends and watching them disappear in minutes. Who could resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Use sturdy corn tortilla chips to support the toppings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, baked tortilla chips work well. You can also make your own by baking cut tortillas in the oven.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient. If you’re preparing from scratch, poach or grill chicken breast for a tasty addition. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with roasted cauliflower marinated in buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: The key for that spicy flavor! If you’re sensitive to heat, use a milder hot sauce or mix it with a bit of honey. Homemade buffalo sauce is also an option—it gives you control over the heat.
Cheese: Cheddar is traditional, but feel free to mix it up! A blend of Monterey Jack adds nice creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Blue Cheese: This adds a punch of flavor. If you’re not a fan, crumbled feta or even a drizzle of ranch dressing will work just fine!
How Do I Make Sure My Nachos Don’t Get Soggy?
A common issue with nachos is sogginess, especially with wet toppings. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Layer wisely: Start with a base layer of chips and only add toppings on top for uneven distribution.
- Evenly distribute the cheese: Melt cheese over the first layer of chips before adding chicken.
- Serve right away: Enjoy immediately after baking for the best crispiness. Keep toppings like sour cream and dressings on the side until serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (hot wing sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook in the oven, making it perfect for quick meals or snacks. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll be ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your nachos bake evenly and get all cheesy and bubbly!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until every piece is nicely coated. The buffalo sauce will give it that spicy kick we love!
3. Layer the Chips:
Grab a large oven-safe plate or baking sheet and spread an even layer of tortilla chips across the bottom. This is the base of your nachos!
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, making sure to cover them well. This layer will help keep the chips crispy.
5. Add the Chicken:
Top the cheese with half of the buffalo chicken mixture, spreading it evenly over the cheese.
6. Build It Up:
Add another layer of tortilla chips on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and buffalo chicken over this second layer. You want to make sure it’s hearty!
7. Bake the Nachos:
Carefully place your nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly!
8. Add Fresh Toppings:
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices on top. The heat of the nachos will slightly soften the toppings for extra flavor.
9. Drizzle with Dressing:
Finally, drizzle your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the nachos to elevate the flavor even more.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the nachos warm and enjoy them with friends or family. Dive in and have fun with this tasty treat!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly by submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water. Cook it through fully before adding it to your nachos!
How Can I Make These Nachos Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian nachos, replace the shredded chicken with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms. Toss them in buffalo sauce for that spicy flavor. You can also add beans for protein!
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
Leftover nachos are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep toppings like sour cream and dressing separate, as these can make the chips soggy. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but note that the chips may not regain their original crispiness.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buffalo chicken and assembly all the components in advance. Just layer the chips and toppings right before baking for the best texture. The nachos will be fresh and delicious when you serve them!
