Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are the perfect blend of bold flavors and cheesy goodness, making them a favorite for parties, game days, or a flavorful weeknight treat. These nachos take the classic Mexican dish to new heights by adding the zesty kick of buffalo chicken, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of savory chicken, creamy cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Why Make This Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a unique snack, Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleaser that no one can resist. They are easy to prepare and can be ready in about 30 minutes. The combination of spices and flavors gives them a comfort food appeal that’s hard to beat. With a recipe this simple, you can whip up a delicious plate of nachos that will leave your guests asking for more.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Making Buffalo Chicken Nachos is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results. Follow these easy steps for a nacho dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (205 g) buffalo sauce
- ¾ cup (180 g) ranch dressing, (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, (shredded)
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
- 3 cups (420 g) rotisserie chicken, (shredded, diced (about 1 whole chicken))
- 1 bag (11 ounces) tortilla chips
- ¼ cup (56 g) blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons green onion, (chopped)
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Heat these ingredients until the cream cheese has completely melted.
- Once melted, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses have melted and are well combined.
- Next, add the shredded chicken to the cheese mixture and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
- On a platter or baking sheet, arrange the tortilla chips in an even layer. Pour the buffalo chicken mixture generously over the chips.
- To finish, drizzle more ranch dressing on top and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are best served fresh and hot, right after assembly. Offer some extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. These nachos can be the star of your appetizer spread or served alongside other party favorites, like sliders or veggie platters.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Nachos
If you have any leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store the buffalo chicken mixture and tortilla chips separately to maintain their texture. The chicken mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The chips should be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stovetop or microwave, and serve with newly purchased tortilla chips.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- For extra spiciness, consider adding jalapeños to the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best meltability and flavor.
- A mix of different types of cheese can enhance the creaminess and taste; consider adding pepper jack for some heat.
Variation
To cater to different dietary preferences, you can easily modify this recipe. For a vegetarian version, use a combination of black beans and grilled vegetables in place of chicken. You can also switch buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Nachos ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve them fresh, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and warm it just before serving. Keep the tortilla chips separate until you’re ready to assemble.
2. What can I substitute for the buffalo sauce?
For a milder version, you can use a barbecue sauce or a sweet chili sauce. Just be aware that this will significantly change the flavor profile.
3. Can I use baked tortilla chips instead?
Yes! Baked tortilla chips are a healthier option, and they can still provide that nice crunch to your nachos. Just make sure to check the seasoning, as some baked chips can be less salty.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 1 block cream cheese, (room temperature)
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing, (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
Toppings
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded, diced (about 1 whole chicken))
- 1 bag tortilla chips (11 ounces)
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons green onion, (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Heat until the cream cheese has completely melted.
- Once melted, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses have melted and are well combined.
- Add the shredded chicken to the cheese mixture and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Assembly
- On a platter or baking sheet, arrange the tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Pour the buffalo chicken mixture generously over the chips.
- Drizzle more ranch dressing on top and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.
Serving
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
