Savory and Crunchy Chicken Nachos: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 bag (13 ounces) tortilla chips
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  4. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken with two forks.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded chicken over the chips and cheese. Scatter the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, black olives, and jalapeno (if using) over top.
  6. Return the nachos to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove the nachos from the oven and top with dollops of sour cream and guacamole. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the chicken breasts and assemble the nachos.
  • Forks - Used to shred the cooked chicken.
  • Large baking sheet - Used to arrange and bake the tortilla chips and toppings.
  • Spatula - Used to transfer the nachos from the baking sheet to a serving platter.
  • Knife - Used to dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions and jalapeno, and cut the lime into wedges.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground beef or shredded pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
  • Replace the tortilla chips with sweet potato or zucchini slices for a healthier alternative.
  • Add diced tomatoes, salsa, or pico de gallo as a topping for extra freshness.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as Pepper Jack, Colby, or Queso Blanco.
  • Include sliced jalapenos or other hot peppers for an extra kick of spice.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables.
  • Try different types of beans like pinto beans or kidney beans for added variety.
  • Include sliced avocado as a topping or as a substitute for sour cream or guacamole.
  • Add a drizzle of hot sauce or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
  • Top the nachos with diced bacon or chorizo for a smoky twist.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Nachos recipe is a perfect party appetizer or fun dinner option. Layered with crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, seasoned chicken, and a colorful array of toppings, these nachos are flavorful and satisfying, yet easy to customize to your personal preference. They're baked until the cheese is perfectly bubbly and the edges of the chips are golden and crispy. Once out of the oven, dollops of cool sour cream and creamy guacamole are added for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you're hosting a game day, family movie night, or just craving some cheesy comfort food, these chicken nachos are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply shred the cooked chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.
  2. Can I use different types of cheese?
    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference. However, using a combination of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is a classic choice for chicken nachos.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Certainly! To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and add more veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You can also replace the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
  4. Can I make the nachos ahead of time?
    While nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the nachos when you're ready to bake them. Keep the toppings and cheese separate from the tortilla chips until you're ready to bake.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips. Ensure that all the other ingredients you use, such as spices and canned goods, are also gluten-free.
  6. Can I adjust the spiciness level?
    Absolutely! If you prefer milder nachos, you can omit the jalapenos or reduce the amount. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more jalapenos or even some hot sauce to suit your taste.
  7. Can I add additional toppings?
    Of course! This recipe serves as a base, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the chicken and assembling the nachos.
  • Large baking sheet - Used for arranging the tortilla chips and melting the cheese.
  • Forks - Used for shredding the cooked chicken.
  • Serving spatula - Helpful for transferring the nachos from the baking sheet to a serving plate.
  • Small bowls - Used for serving sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the red bell pepper, green onions, black olives, jalapeno, and lime.

Origin stories

Nachos may have been born out of necessity when, one day in 1943, the wives of U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Duncan in nearby Eagle Pass, Texas, decided to do some shopping across the border. When they arrived at the Victory Club in Piedras Negras after hours, the only staff member present was the maître d', Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya. Not wanting to turn away guests, Anaya quickly whipped up a dish from what he had available in the kitchen - tortillas and cheese. He cut the tortillas into triangles, added cheddar cheese, and broiled them. To finish the dish, he topped the tortillas with sliced jalapeño peppers. When asked for the name of the dish, he responded, "Nacho's especiales," and so the tasty treat was born. To this day, the humble nacho serves as a canvas for a myriad of ingredients and continues to bring joy to food lovers worldwide. Chicken nachos are a delightful variation that adds the savory flavor of chicken to Anaya's original creation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.