These Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty treat! Layer crispy tortilla chips with cheesy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? They make game day or movie night so exciting! I love piling them high and sharing (or not!). 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Any brand will do, but I recommend thicker chips for better support to hold all the toppings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, baked tortilla chips are great alternatives!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but any cooked chicken works, even leftover grilled or baked chicken. You can also swap it with shredded turkey for a different flavor.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can make your own with hot sauce mixed with melted butter. For a milder taste, try a mild buffalo sauce or even BBQ sauce.
Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar for that classic nacho flavor. Monterey Jack or a cheese blend is a great substitute for a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds!
Blue Cheese: Feta or goat cheese can be a fun substitute for blue cheese if you’re not a fan of that strong flavor. Even shredded mozzarella for a mild taste works well!
How Do I Layer Nachos for the Best Flavor?
Layering nachos is crucial to ensure every chip gets the right amount of topping and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a solid base of crispy tortilla chips. Spread them evenly on your baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute a portion of the buffalo chicken and sprinkle some cheese right on top. This helps bind the toppings to the chips while baking.
- If desired, add an extra layer of chips and repeat the process for a tower of flavor!
- Lastly, after baking, drizzle the ranch dressing as a finishing touch along with blue cheese crumbles and fresh green onions.
Taking these steps ensures no chip is left plain, making every bite as delicious as the last!
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-monterey jack blend)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: chopped celery or additional blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. So, you can enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos in under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for getting that cheese all melty and delicious!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. You’ll love the spicy aroma!
3. Assemble the Nachos:
On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, spread out a layer of tortilla chips. Make sure to cover the surface so every chip gets some love!
4. Add the First Layer of Toppings:
Now, sprinkle half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Next, add half of the shredded cheese on top to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
5. Build the Nacho Tower:
If you want more nacho goodness, add another layer of chips on top of the first layer. Repeat with the remaining buffalo chicken and cheese. The more layers, the better!
6. Bake the Nachos:
Put your loaded nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melty and the nachos are heated through!
7. Finish with Dressing:
After removing the nachos from the oven, take the ranch dressing and drizzle it generously over the top. This is where the magic happens.
8. Top with Goodies:
Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions on top of the nachos for that perfect finishing touch. Fresh and flavorful!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Nachos right away while they are hot and cheesy! Don’t forget to add optional celery sticks and extra blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation!
These nachos are perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family snack. Get ready to dig in! 😋
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce to keep the flavors classic!
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem at all! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it. You can swap it out for feta cheese or just stick with extra cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
How Can I Make These Nachos Spicier?
If you love heat, consider using a spicier buffalo sauce or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken. You can even top your nachos with spicy salsa for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through, as microwaving can make them soggy.
