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Easy Sheet-Pan Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Best Game Day Recipe

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These Easy Sheet-Pan Buffalo Chicken Nachos for Game Day are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring crispy chips, tangy buffalo chicken, and melted cheese, all baked on one sheet pan for a perfect crunch every time. Ready in 35 minutes, they solve the problem of soggy nachos and are fully customizable for any heat preference.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (recommended: Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large bag (about 13 ounces) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Lime wedges, for squeezing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until every piece of chicken is coated. Set aside.
  3. Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Aim for a single layer with some overlapping, not a pile.
  4. Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
  5. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  6. Scatter the black beans and pickled jalapeños over the chicken.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over everything.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown at the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco over the hot nachos. Let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the nachos. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and diced tomato. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, use full-fat cheese that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If sensitive to spice, start with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and add more to taste. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembling to ensure even melting. The resting period of 2-3 minutes after baking is crucial to prevent toppings from sliding off. For a party, prep all toppings while the nachos bake.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken nachos, game day recipe, sheet pan nachos, easy nachos, buffalo wings, party food, Super Bowl recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-sheet-pan-buffalo-chicken-nachos-best-game-day-recipe/