Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a delicious and unforgettable dish that brings together the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and crunchy nachos in a delightful way. This mouth-watering recipe is perfect for game day, as an appetizer for gatherings, or simply as a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, combining the smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the addictive crunch of tortilla chips. This recipe is easy to prepare and can cater to various taste preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, having a movie night at home, or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, these nachos are sure to impress.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Making Buffalo Chicken Nachos is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and simple steps. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions to elevate your nacho game.
Ingredients:
- 200g Macro Organic original corn chips
- 2 cooked chicken breast fillets, coarsely shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wings sauce (plus 1 tbsp extra to serve)
- 1 1/3 cups shredded light tasty cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 340g Woolworths buffalo style salad kit
- 1 avocado, deseeded, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens) and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Spread the corn chips evenly over the tray, forming a thin layer to ensure even baking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wings sauce, tossing to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then evenly distribute the chicken mixture on top. Add the thinly sliced red onion, followed by the remaining cheese to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the chips have a light golden hue.
- While the nachos are baking, prepare the salad kit as per the packet instructions.
- Once the nachos are ready, remove them from the oven and top with diced avocado, sliced spring onions, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Serve the nachos alongside the prepared salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pro Tips for Success with Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chips: Make sure not to pile on too many toppings. A single layer of chips will help achieve the desired crunch and prevent soggy nachos.
- Customize Your Heat Level: If you love extra heat, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or include jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for high-quality cheese and fresh toppings, as they will elevate the overall flavor of your nachos.
- Experiment With Different Cheeses: While shredded light tasty cheese is perfect, you can get creative by adding Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for a different taste.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Get your toppings ready and serve right after baking for that perfect crunch.
Flavor Variations for Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smoky alternative.
- Veggie Nachos: For a meatless option, replace the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or sautéed bell peppers and corn.
- Spicy Buffalo Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, tossing them in buffalo sauce before baking.
- Nacho Supreme: Top your nachos with sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes for a loaded nacho experience.
- Cheesy Fiesta Nachos: Incorporate a mix of jalapeños, bell peppers, and corn for a vibrant and colorful dish.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are perfect for sharing. Pair them with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the nachos. Consider offering a selection of beverages like chilled soda, craft beer, or a zesty mocktail to enhance the experience.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Nachos
If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While you can reheat them in the oven or microwave, keep in mind that the texture may not be as crisp as when freshly made. Unfortunately, frozen nachos are not recommended, as the chips can become soggy upon thawing.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw chicken! Simply cook the chicken breasts beforehand, either by boiling, grilling, or baking, until thoroughly cooked. Shred them and then mix with the buffalo sauce as directed.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Nachos ahead of time?
While the nachos are best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the chicken mixture, sliced veggies, and salad in separate containers. When ready to serve, assemble and bake the nachos.
Are Buffalo Chicken Nachos gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, choose corn chips that are specifically labeled as gluten-free, and double-check the ingredients of your buffalo sauce to ensure it does not contain gluten.
How spicy are these nachos?
The spice level of Buffalo Chicken Nachos largely depends on the buffalo wings sauce you use. For milder nachos, choose a less spicy version, or mix it with some ranch dressing to temper the heat.
Can I substitute the cheese in Buffalo Chicken Nachos?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or use a combination of your favorite cheeses to enhance flavor. Just be sure to check that the alternatives melt well to achieve that desirable cheesy texture.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Nachos are more than just a snack; they’re an experience! With their robust flavors, satisfying crunch, and ease of preparation, this dish deserves a spot on your dining table. Use this recipe to impress friends and family, and watch as they indulge in each delicious bite. Happy cooking and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Nachos!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and unforgettable dish combining buffalo chicken and crunchy nachos, perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 200g Macro Organic original corn chips
- 2 cooked chicken breast fillets, coarsely shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wings sauce (plus 1 tbsp extra to serve)
- 1 1/3 cups shredded light tasty cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 340g Woolworths buffalo style salad kit
- 1 avocado, deseeded, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens) and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
- Spread the corn chips evenly over the tray, forming a thin layer.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo wings sauce and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then evenly distribute the chicken mixture on top. Add the sliced red onion and remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Prepare the salad kit as per the packet instructions.
- Top nachos with diced avocado, sliced spring onions, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce before serving with the prepared salad.
Notes
For best results, serve immediately to maintain the nacho crunch. Customize the heat level with additional buffalo sauce or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American