Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups tortilla chips; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I absolutely love these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos! They’re my go-to snack for game days or when I’m craving something bold and flavorful. The combination of crispy tortilla chips topped with tangy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings creates a mouthwatering dish that never fails to impress. Whether for a crowd or just for myself, I always make sure to have these on hand because they’re so easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:49:27.759Z

When I first made these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos, I was amazed at how quickly they came together and how flavorful they turned out. I initially experimented with different toppings and realized that fresh ingredients like green onions and jalapeños really elevated the dish. What surprised me was the importance of choosing the right cheese; a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack brings the perfect melt and flavor balance.

The key to making the chicken perfectly spicy and tender is to cook it low and slow in the buffalo sauce. This way, every bite bursts with flavor and integrates beautifully with the other toppings. After several tries, I've nailed down my method, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with spicy buffalo flavor and cheesy goodness
Crispy chips provide the perfect crunch with each bite
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Perfecting the Buffalo Sauce

Choosing the right buffalo sauce is crucial for achieving the spicy and tangy flavor that defines these nachos. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or mix in a bit of ranch dressing to balance the heat. Conversely, if you're looking to kick things up a notch, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or incorporating cayenne pepper into the shredded chicken for an extra punch.

Additionally, let the shredded chicken marinate in the buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes before assembly. This resting period allows the chicken to absorb the flavors more effectively, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. You can even prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight for a quicker assembly on game day.

Layering for the Best Texture

When layering the nachos, start with a sturdy base of tortilla chips. To prevent sogginess, it's essential not to overload the chips with toppings. A good rule of thumb is to apply a light layer of buffalo chicken and cheeses, then add a second layer of chips followed by more cheese. This technique not only helps maintain crunch but also ensures that every chip gets an equal amount of delicious topping.

If you want to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping, consider broiling the nachos for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye during this step, as cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly. The broiler adds a nice char that elevates the flavor while still allowing the base to stay crispy.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients for your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos:

Ingredients

3 cups tortilla chips
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure you have all of these ready for assembly!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delectable nachos:

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Chicken

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated.

Layer Nachos

On a large baking sheet, spread out a layer of tortilla chips. Top with the buffalo chicken, then sprinkle equal amounts of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add Toppings

Once baked, remove from the oven and drizzle sour cream on top. Add green onions and jalapeños for extra flavor.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with extra buffalo sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, try adding some diced chipotle peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your nacho experience, serve these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nachos with a side of additional buffalo sauce and perhaps some celery sticks. The cool crunch of celery complements the spicy flavors beautifully and adds a fresh element. You could also whip up a quick blue cheese dip to offer a creamy contrast to the heat.

For a fun twist, try making loaded nachos variations by swapping out the proteins. Shredded pork, beef, or even a vegetarian option like black beans can be used to change the flavor profile while still keeping the core ingredients intact. Each variation can bring a new excitement to your game day spread!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing these nachos for an event, consider pre-cooking and shredding the chicken ahead of time. You can mix it with the buffalo sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, the chicken will be flavorful and ready to go when you're ready to assemble your nachos.

You can also prepare the toppings in advance. Pre-slice the green onions and jalapeños and keep them in the fridge. Having everything prepped will save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the game rather than being stuck in the kitchen!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor.

→ What can I substitute if I'm not a fan of buffalo sauce?

You can use barbecue sauce or a homemade hot sauce blend for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

It's best to assemble and bake them right before serving, but you can prepare the chicken and toppings in advance.

→ Are there any vegetarian options?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables for a tasty vegetarian version.