Name: Buffalo Chicken Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce; 8 ounces tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); ½ cup diced red onion; 1 jalapeño, sliced; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ⅓ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing; 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

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Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Imagine layers of crispy tortilla chips, tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce, a mountain of melty Monterey Jack cheese, and all your favorite toppings, bubbling straight from the oven. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a regular Tuesday that needs a spicy pick-me-up, these nachos deliver big flavors, creamy sauces, and just the right amount of heat in every single bite. There’s no wrong time to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Nachos; it’s the kind of dish that turns any gathering into a celebration!

Buffalo Chicken Nachos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these unforgettable Buffalo Chicken Nachos, and every element adds its own magic—from color and crunch to richness and spice. Here’s the delicious lineup you’ll want to gather before you start.

3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick prep, and it soaks up that tangy Buffalo sauce beautifully.
½ cup Buffalo wing sauce: Adjust the heat to your preference—this is what gives the nachos their signature spicy kick.
8 ounces tortilla chips: Go for sturdy, thick-cut chips; you want something that stands up to all those toppings.
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: It melts like a dream and gives you that gooey, stretchy perfection.
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For blue cheese lovers, this adds a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
½ cup diced red onion: Adds a sharp crunch and splash of color to each bite.
1 jalapeño, sliced: If you’re a spice fan, you’ll love the fresh, fiery heat.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Lively and aromatic, it brings brightness that cuts through the richness.
⅓ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: The classic cool drizzle that ties everything together—choose your favorite!
2 tablespoons sliced green onions: A finishing touch of freshness and crunch for every bite.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 400°F so everything bakes up crisp and the cheese gets perfectly melty. Making Buffalo Chicken Nachos is all about layering flavors, and a hot oven helps finish the dish with golden bubbly cheese.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Time for that signature zing! Toss your shredded chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce in a medium bowl until every bit is coated. This step is where the nachos get their bold, spicy flavor, with tender chicken absorbing all that saucy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Sprinkle half the Monterey Jack cheese over the chips—this helps anchor the toppings—and then layer the saucy Buffalo chicken right on top. Add the rest of the cheese, plus the red onion and jalapeño slices for bursts of heat and crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch as the cheese turns gooey and bubbly, and the edges of the chips start to crisp. This short bake is all it takes for your Buffalo Chicken Nachos to turn irresistibly melty.

Step 5: Add Sauces and Fresh Toppings

As soon as your nachos are bubbling hot out of the oven, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. Then sprinkle on green onions, cilantro, and blue cheese crumbles if you like a little extra tang. Each topping brings its own pop of flavor and a fresh, restaurant-worthy finish.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Garnishes

Load up your platter of Buffalo Chicken Nachos with a handful of extra green onions, sprigs of cilantro, and—if you’re feeling bold—a bit more blue cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that wakes everything up. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado also works wonders if you want a cooling contrast.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Nachos are hearty enough to be the main event, but they also shine as the star of a larger spread. Pair them with tangy coleslaw, crisp celery sticks, or a simple garden salad to lighten things up. If it’s game day, pile on a bowl of guacamole or classic queso for even more dipping fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Nachos are all about sharing, but you can also personalize them! Try building individual Buffalo Chicken Nachos in small cast iron skillets or mini trays for playful, single-serve portions. Or, layer extra toppings in a “nacho bar” style so guests can mix and match their favorites—guaranteed to get everyone talking (and reaching for seconds).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Nachos (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. While the chips may soften, the flavors will still be bold and delicious for snacking later.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze components separately: the Buffalo chicken holds up well in an airtight freezer bag for up to three months, but the chips and fresh toppings are better added at the last minute. Assemble fresh nachos whenever the craving strikes for the best texture!

Reheating

To bring leftover Buffalo Chicken Nachos back to life, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps everything crispy and gooey—just like when they were first made.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Nachos ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep ahead! Mix the chicken with Buffalo sauce and shred the cheese, then store each separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and bake the nachos fresh for the best creamy, crunchy texture.

What’s the best store-bought Buffalo sauce for these nachos?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic and always brings authentic Buffalo flavor, but any brand you love will work. For a milder version, look for “mild” Buffalo sauce, or try homemade for complete control over the heat and tang.

How do I make these nachos gluten-free?

Good news: Buffalo Chicken Nachos are naturally gluten-free as long as your tortilla chips and wing sauce are certified gluten-free. Double-check labels, and you’re ready to share with the whole crowd.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully, cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well. Mixing cheeses only makes your nachos more flavorful and fun.

What can I use instead of blue cheese dressing?

If blue cheese isn’t your thing, ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser, or try a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce or Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Nachos are truly a game changer—fiery, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion to dig in; this is comfort food that brings people together, no matter the day. Gather your friends, turn up the music, and dive in!

Buffalo Chicken Nachos Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or any gathering. Spicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

Buffalo Chicken:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup Buffalo wing sauce

Nachos:

8 ounces tortilla chips
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
½ cup diced red onion
1 jalapeño, sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
⅓ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prepare Buffalo Chicken: Toss shredded chicken with Buffalo wing sauce.
Assemble Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Layer with half of the Monterey Jack cheese, Buffalo chicken, remaining cheese, red onion, and jalapeño.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with dressing, top with green onions, cilantro, and blue cheese if desired. Serve hot.