Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty twist on your classic nachos! They’re loaded with spicy shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. You won’t be able to stop munching!
These nachos are perfect for parties or movie nights. Just pile everything on a tray, pop it in the oven, and wait for that cheese to melt. Trust me, your friends (and taste buds) will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: A sturdy chip is key. I love using regular corn tortilla chips, but you can swap for multi-grain or even baked chips for a lighter option!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for its flavor and convenience. If you’re short on time, use any leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken, if that’s what you have.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but any hot sauce can work! For a milder version, try mixing the sauce with some melted butter or ranch dressing.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Vegan cheese is a wonderful alternative for dairy-free nachos.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick! You could use sliced green bell peppers for less heat or banana peppers for a different flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cheese Melts Perfectly?
Getting that cheese to melt just right can be tricky! Here are some tips to make it gooey and delicious:
- Use a blend of cheeses for better melting. Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are a great combination.
- Layer cheese between the chips and chicken. This creates a gooey layer that holds everything together!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Just 10-15 minutes should be enough to get it bubbly without burning.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or dollops of ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for baking. So, in just about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious Buffalo Chicken Nachos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the nachos will bake evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melted.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, take the shredded cooked chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Toss the chicken well in the sauce until it’s fully coated. This is where the flavor comes in!
3. Layer the Chips:
Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on a large oven-safe serving platter or baking sheet. Make sure the chips are evenly placed so every bite gets covered in goodness!
4. Add Cheese and Chicken:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips. Then, distribute half of the buffalo chicken over the cheese layer. This creates delicious cheesy and spicy layers!
5. Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of chips on top, followed by the remaining cheese and leftover buffalo chicken on top of that. More layers mean more flavor!
6. Bake the Nachos:
Carefully place the platter in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You want to watch for the cheese to become melted and bubbly, turning golden brown. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once baked, take the platter out of the oven. If you’re using barbecue sauce, drizzle it over the top now. Then, add dollops of blue cheese or ranch dressing around the nachos.
8. Top with Jalapeños and Green Onions:
Finally, sprinkle the sliced pickled jalapeños and green onions evenly over everything. This adds freshness and a nice crunch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in right away! Enjoy your spicy, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Don’t forget to provide extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side so everyone can customize their bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it and shred it first! For quickest results, you can use the pressure cooker or boil the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Once cooked, toss it in buffalo sauce and you’re ready to go!
Can I Make These Nachos Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free tortilla chips, which are widely available at most grocery stores. Make sure to check the labels on your sauces too, as some may contain gluten.
How Can I Reheat Leftover Nachos?
To reheat, place the leftover nachos on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps crisp them up instead of making them soggy like the microwave would!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! You can add diced tomatoes, sliced olives, fresh cilantro, or even avocado for a creamy touch. Get creative with your favorite toppings!