Chicken Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Chicken nachos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy tortilla chips with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to assemble and delivers bold, satisfying flavors in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• Sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips (enough to cover a large baking dish)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or sauté fresh chicken breasts and then shred them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Spread a generous layer of sturdy tortilla chips evenly on a large oven-safe tray or baking dish to form the base layer.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken over the chips, followed by black beans, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños to balance heat and freshness.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack generously over the toppings to cover them well.
5. Step 5: Bake the assembled nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the chips start to crisp.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and finish by topping with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and creamy guacamole for added texture and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Add extra veggies like corn or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
• Try swapping black beans for pinto beans or adding a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with seasoned tofu or more beans.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chicken nachos ahead of time?

You can prepare the toppings and season the chicken in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to keep the chips crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?

Cheddar works well on its own, or you can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste and texture.

Chicken Nachos Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish featuring seasoned shredded chicken layered over thick-cut tortilla chips, topped with black beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and finished with cool sour cream, zesty guacamole, and fresh herbs, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors in just 25 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• Enough sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips to cover a large baking dish

Chicken

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Toppings

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup guacamole

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the cooked chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly sauté fresh chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they absorb the spices well.
2. Layer the Chips: Spread a generous, even layer of sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips across a large oven-safe tray or baking dish to create a solid base for the nachos.
3. Add Toppings: Evenly arrange the seasoned chicken over the tortilla chips. Then sprinkle the black beans, diced fresh tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños over the chicken to add contrasting textures and a mix of heat and freshness.
4. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously cover the assembled nachos with a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to ensure a rich, gooey melt once baked.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the nachos for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the edges of the chips start to become crispy but not burnt.
6. Finish with Fresh Garnishes: Once out of the oven, top the nachos with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream and creamy guacamole for added creaminess, flavor, and a fresh finish.

Notes

• For extra protein, add cooked black beans or refried beans before baking.
• To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses or add a sprinkle of pepper jack for added heat.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the cheese at its melty best.
• Leftover nachos can be stored and reheated in the oven for best results rather than the microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken nachos, baked nachos, cheesy nachos, appetizer, party snack, easy nachos recipe