loaded chicken nachos recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
loaded chicken nachos recipe
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The Best loaded chicken nachos recipe

I’ve been making loaded chicken nachos for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and savory chicken is a match made in heaven.

I love how easy it is to customize the toppings to suit everyone’s tastes, whether it’s adding extra jalapenos for an extra kick or using different types of cheese for a unique flavor. My kids can’t get enough of the gooey cheese strings and the crunchy texture of the chips, making it a staple in our household for family movie nights and casual gatherings.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and easy dinner solution. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy considering the richness of the cheese and chicken – with plenty of protein from the chicken and fiber from the whole wheat tortillas.

And let’s not forget about the fun factor – who doesn’t love building their own loaded nachos with their favorite toppings?

Loaded Chicken Nachos

Loaded Chicken Nachos

4.6 from 1019 votes

These loaded chicken nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. They feature tender seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings on a bed of crispy tortilla chips.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Nachos

1 large bag (13 oz) tortilla chips
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional)

For Topping

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup guacamole
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
6Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks.
7Spread the tortilla chips in a single even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8Sprinkle the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, black olives, red onion, and jalapeno slices (if using) evenly over the chips.
9Top generously with the shredded Mexican blend cheese.
10Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the chips are lightly toasted around the edges.
11Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
12Dollop sour cream, guacamole, and salsa over the hot nachos.
13Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

🔧Equipment

Large baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Medium skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or use pepper jack cheese. You can substitute leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and double the beans and corn.

Watch Video Of How Loaded Chicken Nachos Works

This loaded chicken nachos recipe is always a hit at family gatherings, parties, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just assemble all your favorite toppings on top of some crispy tortilla chips and bake until golden brown.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to get your kids (and adults!) to eat more vegetables like bell peppers and onions by incorporating them into the nacho mix.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Chicken Nachos

Q: What type of cheese is best for loaded chicken nachos?

I recommend using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can also use other types of cheese like Pepper Jack or Colby if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time on prep work. Just make sure to shred or chop it into smaller pieces before adding it to the nachos.

Q: How do I prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy?

To keep your tortilla chips crispy, make sure to add them towards the end of cooking time so they don’t get soggy from all the cheese and toppings.

Q: Can I make loaded chicken nachos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the nachos ahead of time but hold off on adding the toppings until right before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crispy.

Q: What’s a good substitute for jalapenos if I don’t have them?

You can use diced serrano peppers or hot sauce as a substitute for jalapenos if you don’t have them on hand.

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