Buffalo Chicken Nacho Platter

Name: Buffalo Chicken Nacho Platter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 bag tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup blue cheese dressing; 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional); Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

I absolutely love making a Buffalo Chicken Nacho Platter for gatherings and family nights. The spicy, tangy flavors of the buffalo chicken pair perfectly with crispy tortilla chips and a creamy cheese sauce. Every time I prepare this dish, it brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a fun, sharable feast that never fails to impress, and I appreciate how easily it can be customized with different toppings. Whether it’s just for a cozy night in or a big game day, this platter is always a hit!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-01-22T19:34:27.993Z

When I first created this Buffalo Chicken Nacho Platter, it was an experiment to satisfy my craving for something deliciously cheesy and spicy. I remember being pleasantly surprised at how well the flavors blended. Using a rotisserie chicken made prep time quicker while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. I love loading up the platter with a multitude of toppings, allowing everyone to customize their nachos to their taste!

Through this journey of crafting the perfect nacho platter, I discovered the secret to keeping nachos from getting soggy is to layer ingredients strategically. By placing a thin layer of cheese directly on the chips before adding the chicken and toppings, it creates a delightful barrier against moisture. This tip ensures that every chip is crispy and full of flavor until the last bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spicy buffalo chicken paired with creamy cheese sauce
Customizable toppings for every taste
Perfect for sharing at parties or game days

Perfecting the Buffalo Chicken

Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe, but you can also poach or grill your chicken if you're looking to use fresh meat. Just be sure to shred it finely so it blends with the buffalo sauce. A key point to remember is to let the chicken cool slightly after cooking before mixing it with the sauce. This ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors of the buffalo sauce rather than becoming soggy.

When mixing the chicken with buffalo sauce, aim for a balance—neither too saucy nor too dry. Taste the mixture before spreading it on the nachos; if it’s too spicy, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese to mellow the heat without losing flavor.

Layering for Optimal Flavor

The layering technique is crucial for achieving nachos with the perfect blend of flavors. Start with the tortilla chips laid in a single layer on your baking sheet, ensuring there are minimal overlaps. This allows each chip to receive a fair amount of cheese and buffalo chicken. Remember that using a large sheet or platter gives the nachos room to breathe, preventing them from becoming too soggy during baking.

When adding the cheese, be generous! Cheese not only adds flavor but also helps bind the chips and chicken together. Allowing the cheese to melt beautifully creates an inviting, cohesive dish. If desired, you can mix in a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder with the cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For the ultimate nacho experience, serve these Buffalo Chicken Nachos with a variety of dipping sauces. In addition to the blue cheese dressing, consider offering ranch dressing, guacamole, or even a spicy queso dip. These variations enhance the flavor profile and provide guests with options to suit their taste preferences. It's also a fun way to personalize the nachos at gatherings.

If you want to create a vegetarian version, you can substitute the buffalo chicken with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, tossed in buffalo sauce. Adding black beans or chickpeas can enhance protein content while keeping the dish satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Nachos

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Make sure to arrange the nachos on a large platter for easy serving!

Instructions

Following these steps will help you create the perfect buffalo chicken nachos.

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce until well-coated. Set aside.

Layer the Chips and Cheese

On a large baking sheet, spread a layer of tortilla chips. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chips.

Add the Chicken

Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheesy chips.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the nachos for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Finish and Serve

Remove the nachos from the oven and drizzle with blue cheese dressing. Top with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken nachos with your favorite beverages!

Pro Tips

To make this dish vegetarian, swap out the buffalo chicken for spicy black beans and add extra veggies!

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare elements of this platter in advance, making it ideal for busy days. Mix the buffalo chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before you plan to bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld, making the dish even tastier when baked. Just be sure to warm it slightly before spreading on the chips to avoid cooling down the baking process.

If you want to get a head start on the toppings, chop the green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños in advance. These can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge and added right before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage and Reheating

While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can save leftovers. Store any uneaten nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted again. This method helps restore some of the crispiness that may have been lost.

If you're worried about soggy chips, consider reheating the chicken and cheese separately, and then assembling fresh nachos just before serving. This approach not only keeps the chips crispy but also allows you to enjoy the indulgence of freshly melted cheese.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger crowd, this recipe can easily be scaled up. For every additional four servings, increase the chicken and cheese by one cup each and add an extra half cup of buffalo sauce. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or multiple sheets to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the nachos can lead to uneven melting, causing some chips to remain dry.

Conversely, if you're looking to make a smaller batch, you can simply halve the quantities listed in the ingredients. This recipe is forgiving, and you can adjust it based on your preferences or the number of guests. Just be mindful of the balance between chicken and cheese for optimal flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with pepper jack, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and assemble all the toppings ahead of time. Just bake them just before serving.

→ What can I serve with these nachos?

These nachos pair perfectly with celery sticks, extra blue cheese dressing, or even a side of guacamole.