Chicken Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, black beans, and fresh pico de gallo. A perfect appetizer or fun weeknight dinner, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Toppings and Preheat Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.In a small bowl, prepare the pico de gallo: combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- d.Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture, add 0.25 tsp of salt, and stir to combine. Set aside for the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook and Shred the Chicken
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Pat the chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
- f.Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- c.Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Nachos
- b.Spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet or in a large cast-iron skillet.
- c.Evenly distribute half of the seasoned chicken, half of the black beans, and half of the shredded cheese over the chips.
- d.Create a second layer with the remaining chips, followed by the remaining chicken, beans, and cheese. This layering technique ensures every chip is loaded.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
- c.Carefully remove the nachos from the oven.
- d.Top generously with the fresh pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, and sliced pickled jalapeños.
- e.Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of the toppings without getting soggy.
- 2For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt.
- 3Layering is key! Creating two layers of chips and toppings ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
- 4Add fresh, cold toppings like pico de gallo and sour cream after baking to provide a nice contrast in temperature and texture.
- 5For an impressive oven-to-table presentation, assemble and bake the nachos in a large cast-iron skillet.
- 6Nachos are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store toppings separately and reheat the chip base in the oven to re-crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Instead of shredded chicken, use seasoned ground beef, pulled pork, chorizo, or shredded beef brisket.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and double the black beans, or add a can of pinto beans or corn. You can also use crumbled spiced tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Extra ToppingsExtra Toppings
Get creative with toppings like guacamole, sliced black olives, corn salsa, cotija cheese, or a drizzle of queso sauce.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Keep the seeds in the fresh jalapeño, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, and serve with your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken and cheese provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
Black beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports overall gut health.
Provides Key Nutrients
This dish offers a range of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes provide the antioxidant lycopene, cheese is a source of calcium for bone health, and beans contribute iron and magnesium.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these Chicken Nachos contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of chips and cheese used, and the amount of toppings added.