These Buffalo Chicken Potato Nests are pure game-day comfort food. Creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip fills crispy mashed potato cups, all covered in melted cheese.
Crispy mashed potato nests filled with creamy buffalo chicken and melted cheese, finished with ranch and green onions. They're a little spicy, super cheesy and perfect for sharing. Serve them at your next party or make them for a fun weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buffalo chicken dip in potato form
- Perfect for game day
- Great use for leftover chicken
- Cheesy, creamy and spicy
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Potato Nests
- 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (280 g) cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) buffalo hot sauce
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time.
- Buffalo sauce: Frank's RedHot is classic. Adjust to your heat level.
- Ranch: Use blue cheese dressing if you prefer.
Full measurements and printable instructions are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Potato Nests
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Mash the potatoes with the butter, then stir in the egg yolks, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
Step 4
Divide the mash into 8 mounds on the baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to press a deep well in the center of each to form a nest with tall sides.
Step 5
Bake the empty nests for 15 minutes until they start to firm up and turn lightly golden.
Step 6
Mix the chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese and ranch until creamy.
Step 7
Fill the nests with the buffalo chicken mixture.
Step 8
Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
Step 9
Bake 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 10
Drizzle with ranch, sprinkle with green onions and blue cheese and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Add buffalo sauce gradually to control the heat.
- Garnish right before serving.
Variations to Try
- Add crispy turkey bacon for buffalo chicken turkey bacon nests.
- Use pepper Jack for extra spice.
- Make it milder with BBQ sauce.
What to Serve With It
Serve with celery and carrot sticks, a side salad or extra ranch for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extra quick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy are these?
Medium heat. Use less sauce or more cream cheese to tame it.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drain it well first.
Can I make them ahead?
Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Spicy, creamy and totally addictive. These buffalo chicken nests will disappear fast!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Potato Nests
Crispy mashed potato nests filled with creamy buffalo chicken and melted cheese, finished with ranch and green onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (8 nests) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs (1.1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (280 g) cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) buffalo hot sauce
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ranch dressing, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for 2 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes with the butter, then stir in the egg yolks, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Divide the mash into 8 mounds on the baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to press a deep well in the center of each to form a nest with tall sides.
- Bake the empty nests for 15 minutes until they start to firm up and turn lightly golden.
- Mix the chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese and ranch until creamy.
- Fill the nests with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Top with mozzarella and cheddar.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Drizzle with ranch, sprinkle with green onions and blue cheese and serve.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extra quick.