Chicken Nachos are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy tortilla chips are generously topped with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, jalapeños, and a tangy homemade salsa. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for the finishing touch. Simple, savory, and utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Nachos Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – The perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
- Customizable – Choose your favorite toppings and adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Perfect for sharing – A great party appetizer or game-day snack.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Nachos
- Use thick tortilla chips – Thin chips may become soggy quickly.
- Layer strategically – Place some cheese directly on the chips before adding toppings to create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
- Melt cheese evenly – Grating cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize your toppings – Add pickled jalapeños, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead – Prep the chicken in advance for a quick assembly when you’re ready to bake.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos – Toss the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- BBQ Chicken Nachos – Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce and top with crispy bacon.
- Loaded Chicken Nachos – Add refried beans, extra cheese, and crumbled chorizo for an indulgent version.
- Healthy Chicken Nachos – Use baked tortilla chips and top with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How to Serve Chicken Nachos
Chicken nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey. Serve them as:
- A game-day appetizer
- A party snack
- A fun family dinner with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator:
- Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Freezer:
- It’s best to freeze the chicken separately, rather than the fully assembled nachos.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
2. How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
Layer cheese on the chips before adding wet toppings and bake at high heat to keep them crisp.
3. What’s the best cheese for nachos?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor.
4. Can I make these nachos in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. How can I make them spicier?
Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the chicken seasoning.
Chicken Nachos
Chicken Nachos are a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for any occasion. Crispy tortilla chips are generously topped with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, jalapeños, and a tangy homemade salsa.
Ingredients
For the Nachos:
- 250g (8 oz) tortilla or corn chips
- 2.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños for topping
For the Shredded Chicken:
- 700g (1.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth (divided)
Homemade Nacho Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
- 3 tsp each cumin, paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp each salt & pepper
Quick Guacamole:
- 2 avocados
- 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Mix all Nacho Seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp chicken broth to form a paste.
- Coat the chicken in the seasoning mix.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining broth, tomato paste, sugar, and leftover seasoning paste. Stir, scrape up any browned bits, and bring to a simmer.
- Shred chicken with forks, then return to the pan. Toss and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Spread chips on a baking tray.
- Top with shredded chicken and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Mash avocados with lime juice & cilantro for a quick guac.
- Load nachos with sour cream, jalapeños, and guacamole.
- Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, flavor-packed bite!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 680Total Fat: 55gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 987mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 29g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken nachos are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a quick, flavorful snack that can be easily customized. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or a fun dinner, this recipe guarantees bold flavors and crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Try them out, and let me know your favorite toppings in the comments!
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