Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Absolutely! Shred or dice about 2 cups of cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for the canned version. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious, and you can season it to your preference.

How can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with a 15 oz can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans. Mix them with the buffalo sauce and ranch, perhaps adding some extra seasonings like cumin and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.

What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! Any oven-safe dish works well, including a regular baking dish, sheet pan, or even disposable aluminum pans if you're serving at a party. The cooking time might vary slightly, so watch for that perfectly melted cheese as your indicator.

Can I make these nachos ahead for a party?

For the freshest experience, prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. When guests arrive, layer the nachos and bake just before serving. Pre-assembled nachos tend to get soggy, so last-minute assembly ensures the perfect texture.

Buffalo Chicken Nachos Recipe

Name: Buffalo Chicken Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can diced chicken, drained; 1/2 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce (I use Frank’s); 1/2 cup Ranch Dressing; 1 bag Tortilla Chips; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; Olives, to taste; Jalapenos, to taste; Tomatoes, to taste

This Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe transforms ordinary tortilla chips into an extraordinary feast of flavors and textures. Combining the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with creamy ranch dressing and tender chicken, all melted together with gooey cheese and topped with fresh garnishes – it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, quick dinners, or anytime you need a delicious meal in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something delicious without the wait.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool ranch, and melty cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that satisfies all your cravings at once.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to please everyone at your table – add more heat, change up the toppings, or adjust the cheese level to make it your own.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Canned Diced Chicken: The protein foundation of our nachos, already cooked and ready to go. It absorbs flavors beautifully and saves tons of prep time compared to cooking raw chicken.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Brings that signature tangy heat that makes these nachos special. Frank’s RedHot gives the most authentic buffalo flavor, but any wing sauce you love will work.
Ranch Dressing: Creates the perfect creamy balance to the spicy buffalo sauce and helps coat the chicken in a luxurious sauce that clings to every chip.
Tortilla Chips: The sturdy base that holds everything together. Choose thick, restaurant-style chips that can support the weight of all those delicious toppings.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and binds everything together. The sharp flavor complements the buffalo-ranch combo perfectly.
Toppings: Olives add brininess, jalapeños bring extra heat, and diced tomatoes contribute freshness and a pop of color. These complete the nacho experience with varied textures and flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.

Heat Level Adjustments

For milder nachos, reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the ranch. For fire-lovers, add extra buffalo sauce and sprinkle with cayenne pepper.

Cheese Options

Experiment with pepper jack for extra spice, monterey jack for meltability, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.

Additional Toppings

Get creative with guacamole, pico de gallo, corn kernels, black beans, green onions, or cilantro to make these nachos your own.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

Combine the drained canned chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing in a skillet over medium heat. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Layer Your Nachos

Start with a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of a cast iron skillet, baking dish, or sheet pan. Spoon half of the buffalo chicken mixture over the chips and sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar. Add another layer of chips, followed by the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.

Step 3: Bake to Melty Perfection

Place your nacho creation in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges.

Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings

Remove from the oven and immediately top with your preferred garnishes – sliced olives, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes distribute them evenly across the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, a cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat and keeps your nachos warm longer.
Layer Strategically: Make sure every chip has a chance to hold some chicken and cheese by creating even, thoughtful layers rather than piling everything on top.
Watch Carefully While Baking: Cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on your nachos during those crucial 5 minutes in the oven.
Pre-warm Your Chicken Mixture: Thoroughly heating the chicken mixture before adding it to the chips ensures the nachos won’t need long in the oven, preventing the chips from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Family Style

Serve directly from the skillet or baking dish placed on a trivet in the center of the table. This creates a fun, communal dining experience where everyone can dig in.

Individual Portions

Transfer sections to small plates for more formal serving, especially helpful if you’re serving these as an appetizer at a gathering.

Dipping Options

Offer small bowls of extra ranch dressing, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side so everyone can customize each bite.

Perfect Pairings

These nachos pair wonderfully with a cold beer, margarita, or for non-alcoholic options, a tangy limeade complements the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo chicken mixture separately from the chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chips should be discarded once they’ve become soggy.

Freezing

The buffalo chicken mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling fresh nachos.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet and assemble fresh nachos with new chips and cheese. Microwaving assembled nachos will result in soggy chips.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken mixture and proceed with layering and baking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Absolutely! Shred or dice about 2 cups of cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for the canned version. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious, and you can season it to your preference.
How can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with a 15 oz can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans. Mix them with the buffalo sauce and ranch, perhaps adding some extra seasonings like cumin and garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! Any oven-safe dish works well, including a regular baking dish, sheet pan, or even disposable aluminum pans if you’re serving at a party. The cooking time might vary slightly, so watch for that perfectly melted cheese as your indicator.
Can I make these nachos ahead for a party?

For the freshest experience, prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. When guests arrive, layer the nachos and bake just before serving. Pre-assembled nachos tend to get soggy, so last-minute assembly ensures the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Nachos bring together the beloved flavors of buffalo wings and loaded nachos in one irresistible dish that’s ready in minutes. They’re my go-to solution for impromptu gatherings, busy weeknights, and game day celebrations. The beauty lies in their simplicity and adaptability – make them exactly how you like them and watch as they disappear before your eyes!