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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
