These Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a cheesy, spicy treat that’s perfect for snacking or game day! They’re loaded with crunchy chips, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo chicken that’ll have you reaching for more.
Honestly, what’s better than gooey cheese and spicy chicken piled on crispy chips? I could eat these nachos every day and not get bored! 🥳 Pair them with some cooling ranch dip, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Go for sturdy, thick chips that can hold up under the toppings. If you’re health-conscious, try baked tortilla chips or even veggie chips for a lighter option.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver! If you want, poach or grill chicken breasts. Tofu or tempeh can also be used for a vegetarian twist, just season them with some buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can make your own spicy sauce using hot sauce mixed with melted butter. If you prefer less heat, try a mild buffalo sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick. Vegan cheese also works well if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Nachos Are Perfectly Layered?
Layering is key to the perfect nachos! By layering your chips, cheese, and toppings, you ensure every bite is filled with flavor. Here’s how:
- Start with a layer of chips on the bottom; this provides a solid base.
- Add cheese first, then the chicken, so the heat from the cheese melts the chicken slightly.
- Don’t forget to distribute toppings evenly. This way, each chip gets a bit of everything!
- Once baked, drizzle your dressing right before serving to keep nachos crispy.
Remember, baked nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. So, gather your friends, serve these up hot, and let the munching begin!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeded if less heat desired)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for baking, totaling around 25 minutes to whip up these delicious nachos. They’re quick to make, perfect for a game day snack or fun family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot while you prepare the nachos.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated—this is what gives your nachos that zesty flavor!
3. Layer the Chips:
On a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter, spread half of your tortilla chips in an even layer. You want to create a strong base for all those yummy toppings!
4. Add Cheese and Chicken:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chips. Next, distribute half of the buffalo chicken evenly on top of the cheese. This layering is key for melty goodness!
5. Add Other Toppings:
Now, it’s time to add some fun! Sprinkle half of the sliced black olives, jalapeño slices, and green onions over the chicken.
6. Build the Second Layer:
Repeat the layering process by adding the rest of the tortilla chips, followed by the remaining cheese, chicken, olives, jalapeños, and green onions on top.
7. Bake the Nachos:
Stick the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing generously over the top. Garnish with any extra green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Nachos while they’re hot! Serve them right away with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Get ready for a tasty treat!
Dig in and savor every cheesy, spicy bite of your Buffalo Chicken Nachos!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it up and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce, and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to reduce food waste!
What Can I Substitute Instead of Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, blue cheese dressing is a classic choice that complements the spicy buffalo flavors. For a lighter option, consider a yogurt-based dressing or a simple drizzle of sour cream.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian Buffalo nachos, substitute the shredded chicken with cooked, seasoned tofu, tempeh, or even sautéed mushrooms. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
It’s best to enjoy nachos fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, but note that they may not stay as crispy as when freshly made.
