Kickin’ Buffalo chicken nachos are a spicy and flavorful appetizer or snack that combines the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken with the crunchy goodness of nachos. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Nachos:
- Tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add the shredded chicken to the saucepan and cook for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
- Stir in the Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe serving platter.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the tortilla chips.
- Spoon the prepared Buffalo chicken evenly over the cheese-covered chips.
- Add another layer of tortilla chips on top of the chicken and cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top layer of chips.
- Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve:
- Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately sprinkle diced celery, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeños on top.
- Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the nachos according to your preference.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve the Kickin’ Buffalo chicken nachos hot and enjoy!
These nachos are perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you’re craving a spicy and cheesy snack. The combination of Buffalo chicken, crunchy chips, and creamy dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Feel free to customize the toppings and spice level to suit your preference.