Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos Recipe: Spicy Game-Day Snack Perfection

Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos Recipe: Spicy Game Day Snack Perfection example with annotations

I’m about to share my secret to creating perfect Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos at home. This spicy game-day snack is a crowd-pleaser, and with my recipe, you’ll be the MVP of your next gathering.

With a combination of crispy tortilla chips, tender chicken, and a tangy buffalo sauce, these nachos are sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!

👨‍🍳
Difficulty
Easy
🍗
Diet
Poultry
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos

Crispy chips, tender chicken, and tangy buffalo sauce make this game-day snack a winner.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Tortilla Chips 🌽 1 bag Thick-cut for best results
Boneless Chicken Breasts 🍗 1 ½ lb Cut into bite-sized pieces
Buffalo Wing Sauce 🌶️ 1 cup Frank's RedHot recommended
Shredded Cheddar Cheese 🧀 2 cups Full-fat for best melt
Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 1 cup Shredded, for extra creaminess
Jalapeño Peppers 🌶️ 2 whole Sliced, for garnish
Green Onions 🥗 ½ cup Chopped, for garnish
Ranch Dressing 🥛 1 cup For serving on the side
Sour Cream 🥛 1 cup Optional, for serving
Cilantro 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, for garnish
Garlic Powder 🧄 1 tsp For chicken seasoning
Onion Powder 🧅 1 tsp For chicken seasoning
Salt 🧂 ½ tsp To taste
Black Pepper 🌶️ ¼ tsp Freshly ground

For the crispiest chips, go with thick-cut tortilla chips—they hold up better under all that cheese and chicken. I like Costco’s Kirkland Signature or store-brand thick-cut. For the chicken, boneless breasts are a must—don’t overcook them or they’ll dry out. If you’re feeling fancy, toss the cooked chicken in a bit more buffalo sauce for extra flavor.

No Frank’s RedHot? Any buffalo wing sauce will do, but Frank’s is the gold standard. For cheese, a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best melt—don’t be shy with it. If you like a little extra heat, toss some diced jalapeños or serranos into the chicken mixture. Want it milder? Use less buffalo sauce or swap in some ranch to cool it down.

These nachos are best assembled just before serving, but you can prep components ahead: cook the chicken, shred the cheese, and slice the jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy and hot.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos

Here’s the method to create this spicy game-day snack perfection in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the 1.5 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts into bite-sized pieces. I like to make sure they’re relatively uniform so they cook evenly. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Onion Powder, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Toss them in a bowl until they’re evenly coated with the spices.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and pour in the 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

Arrange the 1 bag Tortilla Chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. I like to use thick-cut tortilla chips for this recipe because they hold up better under the toppings. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese and 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese over the tortilla chips.

Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining cheese. You should have a nice layer of cheese on top to get that perfect melt.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the baking sheet with the nachos in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from getting too brown.

Remove the nachos from the oven and top with sliced Jalapeño Peppers, 0.5 cup Green Onions, and 0.25 cup Cilantro. Serve immediately with 1 cup Ranch Dressing and 1 cup Sour Cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos!

Wine and Beer Pairings for This Dish

Beer Pairing Suggestions

For these spicy Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos, a crisp beer is your best bet. I recommend a light lager or pilsner to cut through the richness. The crispness helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce. Brands like Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell work well. 🍺

IPA Options

If you’re an IPA fan, go for a hoppy but balanced IPA. The bitterness can stand up to the spicy buffalo chicken, while the hoppy notes complement the flavors. Look for IPAs with citrus or pine notes to enhance the overall taste experience. My favorite is Sierra Nevada Torpedo.

Wheat Beer Alternatives

A wheat beer can also be a great choice, especially if you prefer something lighter. The subtle citrus and clove notes in a wheat beer can complement the tangy ranch and sour cream. Try Allagash White or a local wheat beer from your favorite brewery. The refreshing quality helps cool down the palate.

Stout for Contrast

For a different twist, try pairing your nachos with a stout. The roasted, slightly bitter flavors can provide an interesting contrast to the spicy and cheesy nachos. A Guinness or Founders Breakfast Stout can add depth to your snacking experience. The richness of the stout balances the heat beautifully.

Non-Beer Alternatives

If you’re not in the mood for beer, a sparkling water with lime can cleanse your palate between bites. For something more flavorful, try a citrus-infused soda or a ginger ale. These options help cut through the richness and refresh your taste buds.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 540kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 32g41%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 1240mg54%
Total Carbohydrate 36g13%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 4g
Protein 30g60%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
★★★★★4.6(11 reviews)
Tyler Campbell