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Easy Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Best Game Day Appetizer

loaded buffalo chicken nachos - featured image

These loaded buffalo chicken nachos are the ultimate game day appetizer, featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, layered with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheese, then topped with cool ranch dressing, sour cream, and fresh toppings. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large bag (1012 ounces) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 medium tomato, diced and seeded
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly coated. Let sit for a few minutes.
  3. Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Sprinkle half of the buffalo chicken mixture over the chips, then top with half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese and half of the pepper jack cheese.
  5. Add the remaining chips on top, followed by the rest of the buffalo chicken and the remaining cheese.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven. While still hot, drizzle with ranch dressing and sour cream. Sprinkle green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, black beans (if using), olives, and jalapeño slices over the top.
  8. Serve immediately directly on the baking sheet or transfer to a platter.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Layer chips and toppings evenly to avoid soggy chips. Serve immediately for maximum crunch. To make ahead, prep chicken mixture and toppings separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken nachos, game day appetizer, loaded nachos, buffalo sauce, easy nachos, party food